Launch Your Career as a Dental Assistant with the VA
Are you a dental professional looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with a sense of purpose? The Iowa City VA Health Care System is currently seeking a talented and compassionate Dental Assistant to support our nation’s heroes. This position offers a competitive salary, unmatched federal benefits, and the opportunity to work within a highly regarded academic medical environment.
About the Iowa City VA Health Care System
Since 1952, the Iowa City VA has been a cornerstone of care for Veterans across Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northern Missouri. As a 5-Star CMS-rated facility and a hub for innovation and research, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality healthcare. Our strong affiliation with the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine provides our team members with unique opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and cutting-edge clinical practice.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant at the VA, you are a vital member of the patient care team. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Patient Care: Preparing patients for procedures, monitoring vitals, and ensuring patient comfort.
- Clinical Support: Assisting dentists during restorative, surgical, endodontic, and periodontal procedures.
- Imaging: Capturing diagnostic-quality dental images using digital radiography.
- Sterilization: Maintaining strict adherence to infection control standards and managing dental instruments.
- Administrative Tasks: Managing patient records via electronic systems, scheduling appointments, and maintaining confidentiality.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must meet basic eligibility standards:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education/Experience: Successful completion of a 1-year CODA-accredited dental assistant program or six months of equivalent clinical experience.
- Radiologic Certification: Candidates must meet national credentialing standards for radiologic procedures.
- Language: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
| Level | Experience/Education Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | Basic entry requirements met |
| GS-4 | 1 year experience or 2 years education above high school |
| GS-5 | 1 year experience or 4-year degree with dental program |
| GS-6 | 1 year specialized experience (Full Performance Level) |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $38,736 to $70,498. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the country:
- Time Off: Between 13 and 26 days of annual leave plus 13 days of sick leave and 11 paid holidays.
- Insurance: Access to federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- Retirement: A stable pension plan plus a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous parental leave policies and potential child care subsidies.
Application Tips
Standing out in a federal hiring process requires precision. Start by ensuring your resume is exhaustive—detail your clinical experience, even if it was gained through volunteer work or academic rotations. When addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), be specific about your proficiency with modern dental technology and patient safety protocols. Most importantly, follow the application instructions on USAJOBS exactly; omitting a requested document can lead to an incomplete application.
Joining the Iowa City VA Health Care System means more than just a job; it means joining a mission. If you are ready to apply your dental skills in a supportive, innovative, and impactful environment, 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 by joining the Iowa City VA Health Care System as a Dental Assistant.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant to join the team in Iowa City, Iowa. In this role, you will provide essential clinical and administrative support, helping to deliver high-quality dental care to our nation's Veterans. You will work within a collaborative, 5-Star CMS-rated environment, assisting dentists with a variety of procedures while ensuring patient comfort and safety.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by CODA, or at least six months of relevant experience.
- Must meet radiologic certification standards.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification.
- Experience assisting in restorative care, prosthodontics, oral surgery, or periodontics.
- Familiarity with digital radiography and electronic dental record software.
- Current CPR/BLS certification.
- Strong interpersonal skills suitable for a high-volume clinical environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and Federal holidays).
- ✓Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401K (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Child care subsidy eligibility for qualified employees.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth in a teaching hospital environment.
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and prepare a detailed, long-form resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, including transcripts and professional certifications.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details how your experience aligns with the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed.
- Highlight both paid and volunteer dental experience.
- Double-check that all required documents (transcripts, licenses, etc.) are attached before submitting.
- Use the online preview tool to understand the assessment questionnaire before starting your application.
- Apply early to avoid technical issues on the final deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a formal dental degree required?
No, the role requires a CODA-accredited 1-year program or at least six months of relevant experience, rather than a full dental degree.
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this is an onsite clinical position at the Iowa City VA Health Care System and is not eligible for telework.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
*A: No, this position is open to the public, though veterans may be eligible for preference in the hiring process.*
What is the trial period?
*A: New federal employees serve a 1- or 2-year trial period to evaluate their fitness and performance.*
Can I use foreign education?
*A: Yes, but you must provide a certificate of foreign equivalency from an accredited source.*