Launch Your Career as a Dental Assistant with the VA
Are you a dental professional with a passion for serving those who have served? The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently hiring a Dental Assistant to join our team at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania. This is a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your skills directly contribute to the oral health and overall wellness of American Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in the daily operations of our dental clinics. Your primary duties will include:
- Preparing patients for examinations and treatments.
- Assisting dentists during complex procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques.
- Capturing, processing, and mounting high-quality dental radiographs.
- Maintaining and sterilizing dental equipment and instruments to ensure patient safety.
- Documenting clinical findings and patient histories in electronic dental records.
- Providing pre- and post-operative instructions to Veterans.
- Responding to basic medical emergencies according to facility protocols.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following federal requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a United States Citizen.
- Language: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
- Certification: Applicants must meet requirements for radiologic competence as defined by Public Law 97-35.
- Physical: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Screening: Subject to background investigations and mandatory drug testing.
Grade Comparison Table
| Grade Level | Focus Area | Supervision Level |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | Career Development | Close Daily Supervision |
| GS-4 | Foundational Skills | Daily Supervision |
| GS-5 | Routine Clinical Tasks | General Supervision |
| GS-6 | Full Performance | Indirect Supervision |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $36,813 to $66,999 per year, depending on your qualifications, education, and grade level placement at the time of hiring.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with a robust benefits package designed to support your long-term success and well-being, including:
- Competitive Federal health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Generous leave accrual, including annual and sick leave.
- Comprehensive retirement programs, including the FERS system.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with potential for government matching.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development and career advancement.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Clearly describe your experience in clinical settings. Don't leave it to the recruiter to guess your skill level.
- Highlight Certifications: If you hold DANB certification or BLS training, ensure these are prominently featured.
- Use Official Links: Always apply through the official USAJOBS portal to ensure your application reaches the hiring team securely.
- Review Requirements: Ensure all documentation, such as transcripts or proof of licensure, is attached before clicking submit.
If you are looking for a career that offers more than just a paycheck, this is it. By joining the VA in Aspinwall, you are choosing to dedicate your professional talents to a cause that matters. We encourage all qualified dental assistants to review the full job requirements and submit their application today to help us provide the best care possible to our nation's heroes.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Make a difference in the lives of our nation's heroes. Join the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Dental Assistant and provide essential, compassionate care to those who have served.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant to join the team at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania. This role offers the opportunity to work in a clinical environment where you will support dental professionals in providing high-quality care to Veterans. You will assist with everything from routine patient preparations and equipment sterilization to complex clinical procedures. This position is perfect for detail-oriented individuals committed to the highest standards of infection control and patient comfort.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Subject to a background and security investigation.
- Must undergo a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Current certification in basic life support (BLS).
- Experience in specialized dental fields such as endodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery.
- Experience using electronic dental records software.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Comprehensive life insurance options
- ✓Generous paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Career advancement and training opportunities within the VA system
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV.
- Review all required documents, including transcripts and certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application and all required supporting documents before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the job description.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents, such as transcripts or SF-50s, are legible and current.
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline to account for potential technical delays.
- Verify that your contact information is up to date in your application profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full performance level for this position?
The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-6.
Is the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification required?
While not strictly required for all levels, DANB certification is highly desirable and can be a key factor in your competitiveness for the role.
Are there opportunities for remote work?
No, this is not a virtual or remote position. The work must be performed onsite at the medical center.
Is there any travel required for this position?
*A: No, this is a stationary role based in Aspinwall, PA.*
What is the last day to apply?
*A: The closing date for this vacancy is November 6, 2026.*
Is veteran preference applicable?
*A: Due to critical staffing shortages, 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this specific announcement.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional, compassionate, and efficient health care. We believe that serving our Veterans is a profound privilege, and our staff members are the backbone of this critical mission. When you join the VA, you become part of a network that values clinical excellence, continuous learning, and teamwork.