Become a Dental Assistant with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System
Are you a dedicated dental professional looking to make a difference in the lives of those who served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking compassionate, skilled Dental Assistants to support our clinics in San Antonio and Kerrville. This unique fee-basis role offers the chance to provide high-quality care within a mission-driven, fast-paced environment.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will work under the guidance of lead dental assistants and dentists to provide routine and specialized patient care. Your responsibilities will include:
- Chairside Assistance: Preparing surgical suites, managing instrument turnover, and utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques.
- Dental Imaging: Safely capturing high-quality digital and traditional radiographs, including TMJ and cone beam images.
- Infection Control: Maintaining strict sterilization standards to ensure patient safety.
- Administrative Duties: Managing patient records, assisting with treatment plans, and coordinating scheduling.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Type | Fee Basis (Intermittent) |
| Compensation | $30 per patient |
| Annual Limit | $62,400 per year |
| Locations | San Antonio & Kerrville, TX |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet several key criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Experience/Education: You must have at least six months of dental assisting experience or a one-year CODA-accredited certificate.
- Radiology Certification: You must possess valid certification in dental radiation health and safety.
- Professionalism: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English and pass a background investigation.
Salary Overview
This position utilizes a fee-basis pay model, compensating providers $30 per patient visit. This is an excellent way to maintain a flexible schedule while contributing to a maximum annual earning potential of $62,400, based on 2,080 patient encounters per year.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Template: Download the Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
- Be Thorough: Clearly document all your clinical experience, including internships and volunteer work.
- Stay Compliant: Ensure your certifications are up to date and readily available for upload.
Join a team where your work directly improves the well-being of America's heroes. With a focus on patient safety, advanced dental technology, and clinical excellence, the STVHCS is the ideal place to grow your dental career. Apply today via USAJOBS.
Why This Fee Basis - Dental Assistant Job Matters
Support our nation's heroes by providing expert dental care within the prestigious South Texas Veterans Health Care System.
Fee Basis - Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking skilled Dental Assistants to join our team on an intermittent, fee-basis appointment. This role is ideal for dedicated professionals looking to make a meaningful impact on the oral health of Veterans across various locations in San Antonio and Kerrville, Texas. As a crucial member of the dental care team, you will assist providers with complex procedures, manage clinical equipment, and ensure that every Veteran receives high-quality, compassionate care.
Requirements for Fee Basis - Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Six months of dental assisting experience OR successful completion of a one-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program
- Current certification in dental radiation health and safety
- Subject to background investigation and pre-employment drug screening
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Fee Basis - Dental Assistant
- Five to seven years of professional dental assisting experience
- Demonstrated experience with digital x-rays and electronic health records
- Experience assisting in surgical dental procedures
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Strong commitment to VHA organizational goals and customer service excellence
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive fee-basis compensation
- ✓Professional development and clinical training opportunities
- ✓Opportunity to serve the Veteran community
- ✓Access to a comprehensive health care network
- ✓Structured, mission-driven work environment
💡 How to Apply Fee Basis - Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Fee Basis - Dental Assistant Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
- Review the full job announcement on the USAJOBS portal.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
- Prepare all supporting documents, including transcripts and professional certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your dental experience, including volunteer work.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be specific about your skills.
- Use the provided template for your clinical resume to avoid processing delays.
- Double-check your application packet for all required supporting documents.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues on the final deadline date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fee-basis appointment?
A fee-basis appointment is an intermittent role where you are compensated at a fixed rate per patient encounter, rather than a traditional hourly salary, up to an annual limit.
Are there opportunities for remote work?
No, this is a strictly clinical, in-person position requiring the use of dental facilities and equipment.
Is DANB certification mandatory?
While highly desirable and required for certain performance levels, it is not an absolute requirement for initial appointment at all levels.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is one of the largest VA health networks in the nation. We serve over 114,000 Veterans across 35 counties, operating out of the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital and the Kerrville VA Hospital, along with numerous outpatient clinics. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln’s promise to care for our nation’s Veterans and their families through world-class medical and dental services.