Launch Your Career: Dental Assistant Opportunities at VA Puget Sound
Are you a dental professional looking for a meaningful career change? The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System is currently seeking passionate Dental Assistants to join our world-class medical team. Serving those who have served our nation, this role offers not only professional stability but also the chance to perform essential dental care in one of the country's most complex healthcare systems.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, you will act as a critical member of the dental care team. Your daily responsibilities include:
- Clinical Support: Setting up operatories for surgical and routine procedures.
- Patient Care: Recording vital signs and providing procedure-specific patient education.
- Infection Control: Maintaining strict standards for equipment sterilization and safety.
- Technical Assistance: Assisting with restorative, endodontic, and periodontal procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Must hold required radiation health and safety certification.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical and background check.
Comparison of Qualification Requirements
| Grade Level | Education/Experience Requirements | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-03 | Basic Requirements | Developmental |
| GS-04 | 1 Year exp or 2 years college | Basic procedures |
| GS-05 | 1 Year at GS-04 or 4-year degree | Technical proficiency |
| GS-06 | 1 Year at GS-05 | Full performance |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $36,455 to $71,421, depending on your experience and the assigned grade level. Federal employment at the VA includes standard pay adjustments and growth potential.
Benefits
Working for the federal government comes with an industry-leading benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holiday schedule.
- Defined benefit pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- Paid training and continuing education opportunities.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, ensure your resume is detailed. Do not just list job titles; elaborate on your daily tasks, the types of equipment you have used, and your clinical competencies. If you are a Veteran, ensure you include your DD-214 to claim preference.
If you are ready to apply your clinical skills to a noble cause, the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System offers a unique, rewarding, and stable career path. Apply today to help us provide exceptional dental health services to our nation's heroes.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Join a mission-driven healthcare team as a Dental Assistant at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, where your skills directly impact the comfort and recovery of our nation's Veterans.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking dedicated Dental Assistants to join the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System across Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. This role supports a high-volume, interdisciplinary healthcare environment. Successful candidates will assist in a variety of dental procedures, maintain specialized equipment, and ensure patient comfort and privacy, providing essential care to those who have served our country.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Passing a pre-employment physical evaluation
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Possession of required certification for dental radiology competence
- Completion of a 1-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program OR six months of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) methods
- Experience in specialized dental fields including endodontics, periodontics, and implant restoration
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- ✓Stable work environment within a major teaching hospital system
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume highlighting your dental experience, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, professional certifications, and SF-50 if applicable.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date on October 29, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically lists duties performed for every job entry; do not rely on generic descriptions.
- Be explicit about the months and years of your employment history.
- Confirm that your resume contains the series and grade of any previous federal positions held.
- Double-check that all required documentation is uploaded correctly to avoid disqualification.
- Review your responses to the questionnaire against the details provided in your resume for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel required for this position?
No, there is no travel required for this position.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is an onsite position at our Seattle or Tacoma medical facilities.
What is the education requirement?
You must have completed a 1-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program or possess at least six months of experience that provides familiarity with dental assistant duties.
Is there relocation assistance available?
No, recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized for these positions.
What is the trial period?
New employees must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.
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 in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System (VAPSHCS) operates as a Level 1a teaching hospital with two main divisions in Seattle and Tacoma, providing high-quality, whole-health care to a diverse Veteran population.