Becoming a Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant at the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you an experienced dental professional looking to elevate your career and work with a patient population that deserves the highest level of respect and care? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively recruiting for a Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno, Nevada. This position offers a competitive salary, unparalleled federal benefits, and the chance to practice advanced dental assisting skills within an elite clinical environment.

This role, classified at the GS-07 grade level, represents a significant step up from routine dental assisting roles. As an expanded function dental assistant, you will perform high-level clinical tasks under the indirect supervision of the treating dentist, taking on substantial clinical responsibility. If you are passionate about helping veterans regain their health and confidence through advanced oral healthcare, read on to learn more about this exceptional career opportunity.

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About the Agency: The Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to millions of military veterans. Operating under the banner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the VHA is driven by a sacred mission: to fulfill President Abraham Lincoln's promise "to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

The VA operates on five fundamental core values, known collectively as "I CARE":

• Integrity: We act with high moral character and adhere to professional ethics.
• Commitment: We are dedicated to working diligently to serve veterans and their families.
• Advocacy: We stand up for the interests, health, and well-being of veterans.
• Respect: We treat everyone with dignity, courtesy, and professional kindness.
• Excellence: We continually strive to deliver the highest quality of care possible.

Working for the VHA in Reno, Nevada, also offers a spectacular quality of life. Nestled at the base of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and located just a short drive from Lake Tahoe, Reno is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, or simply taking in mountain views, Reno offers the perfect balance of a vibrant, growing community and natural adventure.

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Job Responsibilities

The Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant performs a diverse and highly complex range of clinical duties within the dental clinic. Rather than assisting solely with basic operations, you will actively execute independent, advanced clinical procedures.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oral Inspections: Performing mouth mirror inspections of the oral cavity and compiling diagnostic findings.
• Diagnostic Testing: Executing pulp vitality tests to aid in diagnostic assessments.
• Charting: Thoroughly documenting existing dental restorations and active clinical conditions.
• Restorative Work: Selecting prosthetic shades, placing and removing rubber dams, matrix bands, and retraction cords.
• Provisional Restorations: Fabricating, adjusting, and cementing temporary crowns, as well as placing and removing temporary restorations.
• Surgical Support: Removing sutures, placing and removing surgical dressings, and cleaning permanent cement from supragingival surfaces.
• Specialized Care: Monitoring patients receiving nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia, performing coronal polishing, and maintaining removable prostheses.
• Customer Service: Acting with patience, kindness, and professionalism toward patients, coworkers, and visitors, ensuring an exemplary experience for every veteran.

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Position Requirements and Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-07 position, applicants must meet specific federal eligibility criteria and demonstrate advanced technical knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens are only considered in rare instances where no qualified U.S. citizens are available.
• English Language: Full proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory.
• Educational Foundation: You must have at least six months of clinical experience demonstrating your dental assisting capabilities OR have completed a one-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). An equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable.
• Radiologic Competence: In compliance with Public Law 97-35, you must be certified as a radiographer. This requires completing an accredited program and passing the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), or completing an approved program from a state board or the Department of Defense.

Grade-Specific Requirements (GS-07)

To be selected at the GS-07 grade level, you must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in federal service. This experience must clearly show you can perform expanded clinical functions.

Additionally, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):

1. Expertise in performing expanded-function dental procedures.
2. Comprehensive, working knowledge of advanced imaging technologies (e.g., cone beam, TMJ, cephalometric, and sophisticated panoramic imaging) to capture accurate diagnostic records and guide others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active status as an employee within the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System.
• Holding a current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

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Salary and Compensation Overview

This position offers a competitive salary within the federal General Schedule (GS) structure. Positions at the GS-07 level provide reliable compensation alongside excellent opportunities for step increases based on longevity and performance.

Position Title	Grade Level	Minimum Annual Salary	Maximum Annual Salary	Promotion Potential
Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant	GS-07	$64,887	$84,356	GS-07 (Full Performance)

Salary rates are adjusted annually based on federal guidelines, and individual starting salaries within this range are determined by prior experience and qualifications.

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Benefits of Federal Employment

When you build a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, your compensation goes far beyond your base paycheck. The federal government offers some of the most stable and comprehensive benefit packages in the nation:

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance: Choose from a wide selection of premium plans to protect your family's health and wellness.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Similar to a private-sector 401(k), the TSP allows you to save for retirement with tax-advantaged accounts, featuring automatic agency contributions and matching funds up to 5%.
• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS): Receive a secure, defined-benefit pension upon retirement.
• Generous Paid Leave: Earn paid annual vacation and sick leave starting from your first pay period. Under certain conditions, new employees can receive service credit for prior military or non-federal experience, allowing them to earn vacation hours at a faster rate.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 11 paid federal holidays each year.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from a predictable, full-time schedule (Monday through Friday, 07:30 AM to 04:00 PM) without mandatory weekend or evening shifts.

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Application Tips and Best Practices

Applying for a federal position is structured and highly detailed. Follow these crucial tips to ensure your application stands out:

1. Use the Required VA Clinical Resume Template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume format. Download the standard document from the VA Careers website, fill it out, and upload it to the restricted 'Resume' document field. This document must not exceed two pages.
2. Upload Your Detailed CV Separately: You can upload your comprehensive, multi-page CV or personal resume without page limitations under the 'Other' document field. This is where you should write detailed descriptions of your clinical responsibilities.
3. Detail Your Advanced Skills: Clearly describe your experience with advanced dental imaging (such as cone beam and panoramic imaging) and specific expanded function duties on your primary CV. Avoid vague terms; be explicit about the tasks you have performed independently.
4. Submit Accurate Transcripts: If you are using your completed CODA-accredited education program to qualify, you must upload a legible copy of your transcripts. If you have foreign education, include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
5. Claim Veterans' Preference Correctly: If you are a veteran or transitioning service member, make sure to claim your preference points on the occupational questionnaire and upload a legible copy of your DD-214 (and SF-15 if claiming 10-point disabled preference).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the deadline to apply for this job?

Applications must be fully submitted through the USAJobs portal by September 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

2. Is this a permanent position?

Yes, this is a permanent position in the Excepted Service. However, new hires are required to serve a 1- or 2-year trial period during which performance and conduct are evaluated to ensure continuation in federal service.

3. Do I need to be vaccinated against the flu?

Yes. The Department of Veterans Affairs requires all healthcare personnel to participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program, unless an official medical or religious exemption is approved.

4. What identification documents are required for onboarding?

Selected applicants must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable forms of identification. Please note that starting May 7, 2025, driver's licenses and state IDs that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be used for employment verification.

5. Who can I contact if I have questions about this opening?

You can reach out to the Agency Contact, Kia Washington, via phone at 650-493-5000 or via email at [email protected].

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Working as a Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno, Nevada, is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of the men and women who have protected our nation.

With a stable GS-07 salary, exceptional retirement benefits, a supportive clinical team, and the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains as your backdrop, this is an unmatched career path. Prepare your application, ensure your clinical skills are thoroughly detailed, and submit your materials today to take the next step in your professional journey!