Launch Your Career as a Dental Assistant at the Buffalo VA
Are you a dental professional with a heart for service? The Buffalo VA Medical Center is currently hiring a motivated Dental Assistant to join our clinical team. This role offers more than just a job; it provides an opportunity to support the brave men and women who have defended our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, your role is pivotal in maintaining high-quality dental care. You will be responsible for:
- Chairside Assistance: Preparing operatories, managing dental instruments, and supporting dentists during complex procedures using four-handed dentistry.
- Imaging: Capturing diagnostic-quality standard and specialty dental images.
- Infection Control: Adhering to strict sterilization protocols to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
- Clerical Support: Managing patient records and charting treatment plans.
- Patient Care: Monitoring vital signs and providing post-operative education.
Requirements
To qualify, candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet the following criteria:
- Education/Experience: Completion of a 1-year CODA-accredited dental program or 6 months of relevant dental experience.
- Radiology: Proof of meeting federal radiologic competency standards.
- Background: Candidates must pass a background check and drug screen.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade | Requirement Level |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | Career development; requires close supervision |
| GS-4 | Requires 1 year of experience or 2 years education |
| GS-5 | Requires 1 year of experience at GS-4 level |
| GS-6 | Full performance level; requires advanced technical skills |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $33,917 to $61,729. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a robust benefits package:
- Generous Leave: Accrue 13–26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
- Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after one year of employment.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the specific VA clinical resume document provided on the VA careers site.
- Be Detailed: Clearly describe your past clinical work, as hiring managers cannot make assumptions.
- Meet Deadlines: Ensure all documents are submitted by September 8, 2026.
Working for the VA is a rewarding way to apply your skills in a setting that prioritizes patient care and community. If you are ready to serve those who served us, apply to the Buffalo VA Dental Assistant vacancy today.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Join the Buffalo VA team and provide essential, compassionate care to the heroes who served our nation.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant to support our outpatient dental clinics in Buffalo and Batavia, New York. In this role, you will work closely with dentists to provide high-quality chairside assistance, capture diagnostic imaging, and ensure a sterile, safe environment for our Veteran patients.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Completion of a 1-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program OR 6 months of relevant experience.
- Compliance with radiologic certification standards (e.g., DANB examination).
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
- Experience in specialized dental fields such as oral surgery, periodontics, or endodontics.
- Proficiency with electronic dental records and digital imaging systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and 11 Federal holidays).
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees.
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Federal retirement pension and 401(k)-style plan with agency matching up to 5%.
- ✓Regular salary step increases.
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare your resume using the standard VA Clinical Resume template.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and certifications.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed for your target grade level.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume document provided to simplify the application process.
- Verify that your radiologic certification matches the regulatory requirements.
- Double-check your application package for completeness before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel required for this position?
The primary duty station is in Buffalo, but you may occasionally provide coverage at the outpatient dental clinic in Batavia.
Do I need to be a certified dental assistant to apply?
You must meet specific radiologic competence standards. While DANB certification is highly desirable, non-certified applicants may be appointed on a temporary basis, provided they obtain certification within a specific timeframe.
What is the pay range for this role?
The position is graded from GS-3 to GS-6, with a salary range of $33,917 to $61,729 per year depending on experience and qualifications.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. By joining the Veterans Health Administration, you become part of a nationwide network of medical professionals providing comprehensive, compassionate care to Veterans, their families, and caregivers.