Launch Your Dental Career with the VA: Now Hiring in Lincoln, NE
Are you a skilled dental assistant looking for a role that combines professional growth with a noble purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VA) is seeking a motivated Dental Assistant to join our clinical team in Lincoln, Nebraska. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to provide high-quality care to the brave men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant at the VA, you will serve as a critical member of the dental care team. Your daily tasks will include:
- Operatory Setup: Preparing surgical suites and dental units for planned procedures.
- Chairside Assistance: Providing direct support to the dentist during restorative, surgical, and periodontal procedures.
- Infection Control: Maintaining a sterile environment and managing equipment disinfection.
- Radiography: Capturing and processing high-quality dental images.
- Patient Education: Offering preventative care instruction and guiding patients through their treatment plans.
- Clinical Documentation: Updating electronic health records and managing patient data with strict HIPAA compliance.
Requirements
To ensure our Veterans receive the best care, applicants must meet specific professional standards:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education/Experience | 1-year CODA accredited program OR 6 months relevant clinical experience |
| Certification | Must meet radiologic competency standards |
| Language | Proficient in written and spoken English |
| Health Standards | Completion of annual influenza vaccination is required |
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package that recognizes your expertise and commitment.
Compensation Summary
- Salary Range: $32,759 to $59,621 per year.
Why Work With the VA?
- Paid Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of paid leave annually, including holidays.
- Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
- Retirement: Secure your future with a federal pension and 401k-style savings plan (TSP) with 5% agency matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Ranked as one of the best cities for work-life balance, Omaha/Lincoln offers an affordable, community-focused lifestyle.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: When describing your clinical experience, use concrete examples of procedures you have performed.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure all transcripts, certifications, and previous SF-50 forms are attached correctly.
- Prioritize Accuracy: Double-check your contact information and responses to the questionnaire to prevent delays in the hiring process.
Serving those who have served our country is a uniquely rewarding experience. By joining the VA team in Lincoln, you will be part of a supportive, mission-driven organization that values your professional contributions. If you are ready to elevate your career, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation while building a stable, rewarding career in dental healthcare with the VA.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant for their Lincoln, Nebraska location. In this vital role, you will work under the supervision of a dentist to provide clinical and administrative support, ensuring that our Veterans receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve. This position offers a competitive salary, excellent federal benefits, and the opportunity to serve a mission-driven community in the heart of the Midwest.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
- Completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by CODA, OR six months of relevant experience.
- Must meet radiologic competency standards via DANB certification or approved state/DoD programs.
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
- Pre-employment drug screening required.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Experience in an integrated medical or dental clinical environment.
- Proficiency with digital electronic dental records and imaging software.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓37–50 days of total annual paid time off (Vacation, Sick, and Federal Holidays)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓Federal 401k (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Childcare subsidy for eligible employees
- ✓Annual leave accrual credit for prior professional experience
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your account on the official federal jobs portal.
- Review the full job announcement and gather all required documents (resume, transcripts, certifications).
- Complete the occupational questionnaire embedded in the application.
- Upload your resume, cover letter, and proof of qualifications.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on November 2, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes detailed descriptions of your experience, including hours worked per week.
- Highlight specific clinical duties such as infection control, radiography, and chairside assistance.
- Clearly label all attached documents and verify that they are legible.
- Double-check your responses to the qualification questionnaire to ensure consistency with your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification mandatory?
It is not strictly required for application, but it is highly desirable and strongly recommended for candidates at all grade levels.
What kind of schedule should I expect?
This position operates on a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Can I receive credit for my previous work experience?
Yes, new federal employees may be eligible for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior relevant work or military experience.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of caring for our nation’s Veterans and their families. The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System provides integrated, compassionate, and whole-health care to over 56,000 Veterans. Based in the Heartland, our teams thrive on collaboration, innovation, and a shared mission to improve the quality of life for those who have sacrificed so much.