Essential Career Opportunity: Dental Assistant at the Fargo VA Health Care System

Are you a skilled dental assisting professional looking to make a direct impact on the health and well-being of military Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring a full-time Dental Assistant within the Surgical Care service line at the Fargo VA Health Care System in Fargo, North Dakota.

Offering a competitive salary structure spanning GS-3 to GS-6 ($32,435 to $59,031 per year), robust federal retirement benefits, paid leave packages, and potential recruitment sign-on incentives, this opening presents an exceptional path for career stability and professional fulfillment.

About the Agency: Fargo VA Health Care System

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates under a sacred mission: to fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

The Fargo VA Health Care System (HCS) is a premier facility holding top honors within the Veterans Health Administration. Key distinctions include:

5-Star Rating: Earned a 5-star CMS rating and 5-star Community Living Center (CLC) rating.
#1 Patient Experience: Ranked first in patient experience and cleanliness among Level 2 VHA Hospitals.
Comprehensive Network: Features a 36-bed acute care medical/surgical hospital, a 38-bed CLC, and 10 Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) spanning North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota.
Academic Integration: Partnered with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences and multiple regional colleges for health science education.

Job Responsibilities & Daily Workflow

As a Dental Assistant at the Fargo VA HCS, you will work closely with staff dentists across restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal specialties. Work hours are Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. or 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Primary Duties Include:

Chairside Assisting: Providing four-handed dentistry support during routine and complex procedures in clinic settings or operating rooms.
Dental Radiology: Operating intra-oral and extra-oral digital and traditional X-ray equipment to capture clear diagnostic images.
Infection Control: Sterilizing dental instruments, disinfecting treatment rooms, and maintaining strict safety standards.
Direct Patient Care & Education: Monitoring vital signs, relaying post-operative care instructions, and triaging patient concerns.
Clinic Operations: Managing supplies, maintaining equipment, utilizing Electronic Dental Records (EDR), and assisting in training dental assistant students.
Medication Handling: Dispensing and administering medications from automated supply systems (Omnicell) strictly under a dentist's direction.

General Requirements & Qualifications

To qualify for federal employment as a Dental Assistant in the VA health system, applicants must meet specific core requirements:

U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable.
English Language Proficiency: Fluent in written and spoken English.
Radiologic Certification: Must possess valid radiologic competence via DANB certification, VA radiology safety coursework, or a DoD/State Board approved radiation health program.
Health & Background Standards: Must complete a pre-employment physical evaluation, drug test, background security screening, and participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Trial Period: Successful completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period upon hire.

Grade Level Qualification Breakdown

This position is structured from entry-level GS-3 up to the full performance level of GS-6. Placement depends on a combination of professional experience and education:

Pay Grade	Salary Range	Qualifying Education or Experience	Key Technical KSAs Needed
GS-3	$32,435 - $42,165	6 months general dental experience OR 1-year CODA accredited dental assistant program.	Foundational knowledge of dental assisting routine practices.
GS-4	$36,411 - $47,333	1 year experience at GS-3 level OR 2 years education above high school with CODA program.	Infection control, basic image capture/processing, equipment maintenance.
GS-5	$40,740 - $52,962	1 year experience at GS-4 level OR completed 4-year degree including CODA program.	Dental anatomy evaluation, vital sign interpretation, VHA software utilization.
GS-6	$45,417 - $59,031	1 year experience at GS-5 level (Full Performance Level).	Advanced multi-specialty assisting, independent patient education, lab procedures.

Total Rewards & Federal Benefits

Joining the Department of Veterans Affairs brings an industry-leading benefit package designed to support long-term wellness and financial stability:

Incentive Eligibility: Highly qualified candidates may be eligible for a Recruitment/Relocation Sign-on Bonus as well as the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP).
Generous Time Off: Earn 37 to 50 days of total paid leave per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays).
Paid Parental Leave: 12 weeks of paid leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child (after 1 year of federal service).
Retirement System: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension (5-year vesting) plus Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching up to 5%.
Healthcare Coverage: Excellent health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans that can often be carried into retirement.
Child Care Support: Subsidies up to $416.66 per month for qualifying full-time employees.

How to Apply & Resume Strategy

This is an Open Continuous Announcement closing on January 4, 2027. Applications are reviewed bi-weekly. Interested candidates must apply online through USAJOBS.

Application Checklist:

Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly describe your clinical skills matching the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed for your target grade level. Do not leave room for assumptions.
Attach Transcripts: If qualifying based on CODA-accredited dental education, submit official or unofficial transcripts.
Include Certifications: Upload proof of DANB certification, state radiology permits, or completed radiation safety courses.
Federal Documentation: Include past SF-50s or military DD-214 forms if claiming federal status or veteran preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is this position located?

A: The physical workplace is at the Fargo VA Health Care System in Fargo, North Dakota.

Q: Is relocation financial assistance provided?

A: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation reimbursement is not authorized; however, a relocation or recruitment sign-on incentive bonus may be authorized for top candidates.

Q: Is DANB certification required for hire?

A: DANB certification is not strictly mandatory if you possess alternative state/DoD approved radiologic qualifications, but it is highly desirable for advancement to GS-6.

Q: How often are applications evaluated?

A: Because this is an open continuous hiring notice, qualified applicant packages are pulled and referred for manager review every two weeks.

A Dental Assistant career with the Fargo VA Health Care System offers competitive compensation, career growth, and an opportunity to work alongside top-tier healthcare professionals in a 5-star facility. If you are passionate about providing high-quality dental care to America's Veterans, submit your application on USAJOBS today!

Why This Dental Assistant - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Matters

Take your dental assisting career to the next level while supporting America's heroes at the 5-star Fargo VA Health Care System, complete with sign-on incentives and student loan repayment eligibility!

Dental Assistant - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Overview

The Fargo VA Health Care System is seeking a motivated full-time Dental Assistant to join the Surgical Care service line in Fargo, North Dakota. This position ranges from GS-3 to GS-6 pay grades ($32,435 to $59,031 per year) with promotion potential to GS-6. Candidates will perform chairside assisting across multiple specialty areas, operate dental imaging equipment, manage infection control, and educate Veteran patients. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for top candidates, and the role offers eligibility for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP).

Requirements for Dental Assistant - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

U.S. citizenship is required (non-citizens considered only if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Completion of a background security investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
Certification of Radiologic Competence (DANB exam, VA radiology courses, or state/DoD approved radiation safety program).
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements for health care personnel.
Must serve a 1 to 2-year trial period upon appointment.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Experience in multi-specialty dental care including restorative, endodontic, surgical, and periodontal procedures.
Demonstrated proficiency with electronic dental record (EDR) software systems.
Active accredited CODA dental assisting program completion.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Recruitment / Relocation Sign-on Incentive authorized for qualified applicants.
✓Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) eligibility.
✓37 to 50 days of paid time off annually (13-26 annual leave days, 13 sick leave days, 11 federal holidays).
✓12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Child care subsidy eligibility up to 25% of costs ($416.66 monthly max).
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) pension vested after 5 years.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k)-style plan with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, Dental, Life, and Long-Term Care insurance options.

💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dental Assistant - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job

Review the vacancy announcement and prepare all mandatory documents.
Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed for your target grade level.
Attach supporting documents such as college transcripts, radiologic certifications, and DD-214/SF-50 forms if applicable.
Click 'Apply Online' to complete the occupational questionnaire before 11:59 PM ET on January 4, 2027.

💡 General Tips

Address each KSA directly on a separate document or explicitly highlight them within your resume experience section.
Submit official or unofficial college transcripts if you are substituting or combining education to qualify.
Double check that your experience clearly demonstrates the core competencies for the specific GS level you are targeting.
Ensure your state ID or driver's license meets REAL ID compliance standards for federal onboarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework or remote work available for this Dental Assistant position?

No, this position requires on-site chairside support and direct patient care at the Fargo VA Health Care System in Fargo, ND.

What is the pay range for this position?

The base salary ranges from $32,435 to $59,031 per year, spanning GS-3 through GS-6 pay grades depending on experience and education.

Are sign-on bonuses offered?

Yes, a recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants, and the position is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program.

What is the work schedule?

The role is full-time, Monday through Friday, with typical shift choices of 7:15 AM - 3:45 PM or 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.