Launch Your Career as a Dental Assistant at the Wilmington VA Medical Center
Are you a skilled dental professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Wilmington VA Medical Center is currently recruiting a dedicated Dental Assistant to join our clinical staff. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide essential dental care to our nation's Veterans while enjoying the stability and comprehensive benefits of a federal career.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant at the Wilmington VA, you will assist dentists in direct patient care and manage essential clerical functions. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Setting up and breaking down operatories for clinical procedures.
- Assisting in restorative, endodontic, and periodontal procedures.
- Capturing high-quality digital and traditional dental images.
- Maintaining accurate electronic dental records.
- Providing patient education regarding post-procedural care.
- Adhering to strict sterilization and infection control protocols.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Proficiency: Expert level of spoken and written English.
- Education/Experience: Six months of clinical experience or completion of a 1-year CODA-accredited program.
- Certification: Valid radiologic certification is mandatory.
- Background: Must pass a security investigation and pre-employment physical.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $50,037 - $65,047 / year |
| Location | Wilmington, Delaware |
| Grade Level | GS-6 |
| Schedule | Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:15pm |
Salary Overview & Benefits
The position is classified at the GS-6 level, offering a competitive annual salary. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides one of the best benefits packages in the country, including generous leave accrual, federal retirement options, and comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Application Tips
Submit a thorough application by ensuring your resume details every relevant experience. Use the standard Clinical Resume Document template provided by the VA to streamline your review process. Always verify that all attachments are successfully uploaded before clicking submit.
Join a team where your work directly improves the quality of life for our Veterans. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a rewarding career, apply today for this Dental Assistant role in Wilmington.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Join the Wilmington VA Medical Center and serve those who have served our nation as a dedicated Dental Assistant.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Wilmington VA Medical Center is seeking a compassionate and skilled Dental Assistant to join our clinical team. In this role, you will work closely with dentists to provide high-quality care to Veterans, ranging from routine check-ups to specialized restorative and surgical procedures. You will play a vital role in our mission by maintaining clinical excellence, managing dental records, and ensuring patient comfort in a supportive, professional environment.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and security investigation.
- Must have at least 6 months of relevant experience or a 1-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program.
- Must hold certification in radiologic procedures.
- Must register with the Selective Service (if male born after 12/31/1959).
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Prior substantive experience as a Dental Assistant.
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Current certification in basic life support (BLS) methods.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off annually (vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays).
- ✓Federal 401K plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy eligibility for qualifying families.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan.
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare your resume, including the required one-page Clinical Resume Document.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline on September 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and clear when describing your experience; the hiring team cannot make assumptions.
- Ensure your resume reflects all required competencies and clinical skills.
- Double-check that all required documents, such as transcripts or licenses, are uploaded correctly.
- Use the provided template for the Clinical Resume Document to avoid common formatting errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an on-site clinical position at the Wilmington VA Medical Center and does not offer remote or telework options.
Are there recruitment incentives available?
No, recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What if I don't have all certifications yet?
If you are pending completion of educational requirements, you may be tentatively selected, but you cannot be hired until all mandatory requirements are met.
Is there an age limit for this job?
There is no specific age limit, but you must meet the general requirements for federal employment.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our military and their families. As part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), our Wilmington facility is dedicated to providing compassionate, whole-health care through excellence in clinical practice and patient advocacy.