Career Opportunity: Dental Assistant with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a skilled dental professional looking to transition into a career that truly honors your commitment to patient care? The Veterans Health Administration (VA) in Lincoln, Nebraska, is seeking a compassionate and capable Dental Assistant to join our clinical team. This role is an excellent opportunity to utilize your expertise in a supportive, high-standards medical environment where your daily work directly benefits those who have served in our nation's military.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, you will play a critical role in the efficiency of our dental clinics. Your daily duties will include:
- Clinical Preparation: Setting up operatories and surgical suites, ensuring equipment is sterilized, and organizing procedural trays.
- Chairside Assistance: Providing direct support to dentists during complex procedures, including managing the operative field and retracting tissues.
- Patient Care: Educating patients on preventive care and oral hygiene, as well as managing vital signs and patient comfort.
- Radiography: Capturing, processing, and labeling dental images following strict safety protocols.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate patient records using the VA’s electronic system while ensuring full HIPAA compliance.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
- Education/Experience: Successful completion of a CODA-accredited dental assistant program or at least six months of relevant experience.
- Radiologic Proficiency: Must meet public law requirements for administering dental radiographs.
- Onboarding: Successful completion of a background investigation and pre-employment drug screening is required.
Salary and Grade Overview
The position is classified within the GS scale, with a salary range between $32,759 and $59,621 per year depending on experience and education.
| Level | Experience/Education Requirements |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | Entry level, meets basic requirements |
| GS-4 | 1 year experience or 2 years post-high school education |
| GS-5 | 1 year at GS-4 level or 4-year degree in dental assisting |
| GS-6 | Full performance level; 1 year at GS-5 level |
Benefits
Joining the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package:
- Time Off: Up to 50 days of combined annual, sick, and holiday leave per year.
- Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidy programs for qualified employees.
- Retirement: A stable pension plan paired with a 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
- Insurance: Access to extensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through USAJOBS by the closing date. Ensure your resume is detailed and that you provide all requested documentation, such as certifications and transcripts.
If you are a dedicated professional eager to contribute to a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply. Your skills can help us ensure that our Veterans receive the best possible dental care. Visit the official USAJOBS listing today to start your application process.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country while advancing your career as a Dental Assistant with the Veterans Health Administration in the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and professional Dental Assistant to join our clinical team at the Lincoln facility. This role involves providing essential chairside support to dentists, maintaining strict infection control standards, and delivering compassionate care to our Veterans. You will perform a variety of clinical and clerical tasks while contributing to a mission-driven environment known for its focus on patient outcomes and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must complete a background and security investigation.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be able to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccinations or obtain a medical/religious exemption.
- Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by CODA, or equivalent qualifying experience.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Active certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
- Experience in a clinical setting providing restorative, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal support.
- Advanced technical skills in digital dental radiography and electronic medical record management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
- Ensure all supporting documents (Resume, SF-50 if applicable, Transcripts, Certifications) are ready.
- Click the 'Apply Online' button to sign into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation and submit your application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not rely on assumptions about your experience.
- Include both paid and relevant volunteer work to demonstrate your competencies.
- Verify that your uploaded documents meet the specific requirements outlined in the job posting.
- Ensure your contact information is up to date in your USAJOBS profile.
- Keep a copy of your application submission confirmation for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical work schedule for this position?
This position operates on a standard Monday-Friday schedule, from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Is previous certification required?
While certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is highly desirable and strongly encouraged, it is not strictly required for all grade levels. However, all applicants must meet radiologic credentialing standards.
Can I qualify with foreign education?
Yes, but you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency along with your transcripts to receive credit for your education.
Is there relocation assistance for this role?
No, relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Do I need a specific degree to apply?
While a CODA-accredited program is ideal, equivalent experience can also qualify you for the position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System serves over 56,000 Veterans across multiple states. We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive whole-health care. Our team in Lincoln is integral to this mission, providing high-quality dental services in a community-focused environment. Working with the VA offers more than just a job; it provides a pathway to professional stability, competitive benefits, and the pride of serving our Veterans.