Launch Your Career: Dental Assistant Opportunities with the VA in Cape Coral

Are you a skilled dental assistant looking for a role that combines professional growth with a sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated Dental Assistant to join the team at the Lee County VA Community Clinic in Cape Coral, Florida. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide direct care to Veterans, ensuring they receive the high-quality, compassionate dental service they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As a Dental Assistant, you will act as a critical member of the dental treatment team. Your responsibilities will extend beyond simple chair-side assistance; you will participate in complex dental procedures, manage laboratory tasks, and provide vital patient education.

Core Duties Include:

Chair-Side Assistance: Utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques to support dentists during oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontics, and prosthodontics.
Radiology: Capturing and processing high-quality digital dental radiographs (intraoral and extraoral).
Laboratory Work: Constructing custom impression trays, pouring dental stone models, and fabricating bite rims.
Patient Care: Educating patients on post-operative care, oral health regimens, and preventive practices.
Compliance: Maintaining strict infection control protocols and ensuring all reusable medical equipment is handled according to standard operating procedures.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several baseline federal standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Language: Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.
Experience/Education: Minimum of six months of relevant clinical experience or completion of a CODA-accredited dental assistant program.
Certifications: Must meet radiologic credentialing standards as defined by 42 CFR Part 75.
Vaccinations: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$45,409 - $59,031 PA
Paid Time Off	37-50 days (inclusive of sick and annual leave)
Retirement	Federal pension + 401K-style plan
Work-Life Balance	Monday–Friday Schedule (8:00am - 4:30pm)

Benefits at a Glance

Choosing a career with the VA comes with significant advantages. Employees receive a competitive salary and access to comprehensive federal benefits. These include, but are not limited to, a robust health insurance program that can follow you into retirement, paid parental leave, and potential eligibility for childcare subsidies. Furthermore, the federal pension plan offers long-term financial security rarely found in the private sector.

Application Tips

Follow Instructions: Use the specific Clinical Resume Document provided on the VA careers portal.
Detail Your Experience: Do not leave gaps in your work history. Quantify your experience with specific dental procedures and software used.
Proofread: Small errors in your application package can lead to delays or disqualification.
Check Your Status: Log into your USAJOBS account regularly to monitor your application progress.

Working for the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to those who have sacrificed for our country. If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for dentistry and a heart for service, the position in Cape Coral offers the perfect environment to grow your career. Submit your application by August 21, 2026, to take the next step in your professional journey.

Note: This position is in the excepted service and may involve a trial period for new federal employees.

Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career supporting our nation's heroes as a Dental Assistant with the VA in beautiful Cape Coral, Florida.

Dental Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant to join the team at the Lee County VA Community Clinic. As a vital member of the dental care team, you will support dentists by performing clinical, laboratory, and administrative tasks to ensure high-quality oral health services for Veterans. This role offers the chance to make a direct, positive impact on patient care within a supportive, mission-driven clinical environment.

Requirements for Dental Assistant

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Six months of relevant experience or completion of a 1-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program.
Must meet radiologic credentialing standards (42 CFR Part 75) and maintain relevant radiation safety certification.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Ability to complete onboarding and background investigation requirements.
Commitment to annual seasonal influenza vaccination as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant

Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
Experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in a healthcare or dental setting.
Proven ability to utilize electronic dental records and diagnostic imaging software.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
✓11 paid Federal holidays.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓401k-style savings plan with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Child care subsidy for eligible families.

💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
Upload your resume and any required documentation (transcripts, SF-50s) to the application portal.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date of August 21, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough in describing your experience; the hiring team cannot make assumptions.
Include both paid and unpaid/volunteer experience if it relates to the dental assistant core competencies.
Ensure your resume clearly highlights your proficiency in dental imaging and chair-side assistance.
Double-check that all required documents are uploaded in the correct sections to avoid disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full performance level for this position?

The full performance level for this Dental Assistant role is GS-06.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an onsite clinical position that requires direct interaction with patients at the Lee County VA Community Clinic.

Are there opportunities for relocation assistance?

No, relocation assistance (Permanent Change of Station) is not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the Bay Pines VAHCS, which oversees the Cape Coral clinic, means joining a prestigious team that prioritizes whole-health care and is recognized by top accrediting bodies for clinical excellence.