Become a Dental Assistant with the VA in Colorado Springs
Are you a skilled dental professional looking to transition into a career that combines clinical excellence with a higher purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites you to join our dental team at the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Clinic in Colorado Springs. This position is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our country while working in a supportive, state-of-the-art federal environment.
About the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is committed to providing world-class, patient-centered care. Our facility is a hub of research, teaching, and advanced clinical technology. Joining our team means joining an organization that values your professional growth and work-life balance. Whether you are starting your clinical career or are an experienced dental assistant, the VA offers a pathway to long-term stability.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, you will act as a critical partner to our dental team. You will be responsible for a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks, including:
- Patient Care: Assisting in restorative, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal procedures.
- Four-Handed Dentistry: Efficiently passing instruments and maintaining a clear field of operation.
- Clinical Support: Preparing operatories, managing impression materials, and monitoring patient vital signs.
- Radiology: Capturing high-quality diagnostic images.
- Records Management: Utilizing electronic dental records to track patient data and clinical progress.
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
Core Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in English.
- Ability to pass a federal background investigation and drug screening.
- Current certification in radiologic procedures (or ability to obtain it).
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | One year of clinical experience or a CODA-accredited program. |
| Certification | Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination required. |
| Trial Period | All new employees must complete a 1-2 year trial period. |
Salary and Benefits
The VA recognizes the value of our workforce through a comprehensive compensation package. Salaries for this GS-6 position range from $49,722 to $64,639 annually. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from:
- Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Retirement: Federal pension plan and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
- Insurance: Extensive choices for health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
- Work-Life Balance: Options for flexible scheduling and potential for paid parental leave.
Application Tips
- Be Explicit: Clearly define your experience in your resume. Do not rely on recruiters to guess your skill set.
- Use the Template: Download and upload the standard clinical resume document provided on the official VA careers page.
- Check Documentation: Ensure all transcripts and certifications are attached before submitting.
Serving Veterans is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation. If you are ready to use your dental expertise in a high-impact role, we encourage you to apply to the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System today.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career supporting America's heroes by joining the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System as a Dental Assistant in Colorado Springs.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant to join the team at the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic. This role is essential to our mission of providing top-tier clinical care to our nation's Veterans. You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, assisting dentists with a wide variety of procedures, maintaining high standards of infection control, and ensuring an excellent patient experience through compassionate communication.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Completion of a mandatory drug screening prior to appointment.
- Must be able to provide proof of identity for Form I-9 purposes.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Successful completion of a minimum 1-2 year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
- Proven experience in clinical dental support settings.
- Formal training through an accredited one-year dental assistant program.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays annually.
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401K (TSP) with up to 5% employer matching.
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for qualifying employees.
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS.gov account.
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it includes all required clinical details.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA website.
- Submit your application, the standard resume document, and your full professional CV through the online portal.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your clinical experience, as recruiters cannot make assumptions.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and certifications, before the closing date.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid delays.
- Verify your eligibility for special hiring authorities if you are a veteran or transitioning service member.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is a full-time, Monday through Friday position with options for compressed or flexible scheduling.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What happens if I am not currently certified as a radiographer?
Non-certified applicants who meet eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment, but failure to obtain certification within the designated timeframe will result in termination.
Is remote work available for this position?
No, this is an onsite clinical position that requires direct patient interaction.
Is this a one-time hiring event?
This is an open-continuous announcement, meaning we accept applications for potential future vacancies through November 2026.