Fee Basis - Dental Assistant

Summary

Fee Basis Dental Assistant positions with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System Dental Service will report to one of five locations:

North West Health Care Clinic, San Antonio, TX

Data Point VA Clinic, San Antonio, TX

Kerrville VA Medical Center, Kerrville, TX

Randolph Air Force Base, TX

Audie L Murphy VA Hospital, San Antonio, TX

This is an intermittent Fee Basis (per diem) appointment with a rate of $30/patient, not to exceed $62,400/year.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to all US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Major Duties:

Serves as staff dental assistant for routine patient care and performs a full range of duties with indirect supervision from the lead or supervisory dental assistant or the treating dentist. Performs assigned selected procedures with some independence. Some complex patient procedures are performed under indirect supervision of more experienced dental assistants or dental supervisor.

Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision.

Customer Service
Shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public

Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery

Chairside Assisting
Sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover

Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently

Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably

Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions

Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols

Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry

Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration

Maintains routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards

Displays a working knowledge of dental materials.

Dental Imaging
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures when exposing images

Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized

Exposes standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats

Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider

Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed

Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame

Obtains accurate information necessary for the radiology request and closes pending imaging consults timely

Infection Control and Equipment Sterilization
Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories

Disinfects oral appliances, preventing cross contamination

Prepares instruments for transfer for sterilization

Follows all Standard Operating Procedures, i.e., Reusable Medical Equipment

Works closely with Sterile Processing to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed

Administrative Functions
Identifies scheduling gaps in the dentist's clinics and assists MAS with filling gaps

Initiates computerized progress note

Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records

Information Management
Follows HIPAA guidelines

Follows computer security regulations

Patient Safety
Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities (patient transfer and position)

Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients

Participates in patient identification and time out per Joint Commission requirements

Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress

Employee Education
Complies with Employee Education requirements

Completes mandatory annual safety training sessions

Dental Laboratory Functions
Pours impressions and prepares study models

Makes final denture impression trays and prepares bite rims

Fabricates athletic mouth guards and bleaching trays

Performs other dental laboratory functions as time and skill levels allow

Direct Patient Care
Monitors patient vital signs (BP, pulse, pulse oximeter) and condition during invasive treatment and during recovery period following procedure

Applies topical anesthetic at the injection site

Applies topical fluoride

Makes impressions for diagnostic casts and preliminary impressions for prosthetic fabrication

Removes plaque and soft debris from removable prostheses

Provides patient preventative education and oral hygiene instruction

Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education

Triage patient phone calls or walk-ins to determine the priority of a patient's treatment based on the severity of their condition; obtain and document enough information from the patient so dentist can prepare to treat patient accordingly

Work Schedule: Intermittent Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and (optional) Saturdays 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Pay: $30 per patient, not to exceed 2,080 patients per year ($62,400)

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 54137F, 54138F, 54139F, 54403F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Conditions of employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Subject to background/security investigation.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
your performance and conduct;

the needs and interests of the agency;

whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and

whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following:

1. Citizenship - You must be a citizen of the United States2. English Language Proficiency - Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).3. Experience and Education - To fulfill this requirement, you must meet one of the following:
Experience: Six months experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the work, or provides familiarity with the work. OR,

Education: Successful completion of a 1-year dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). OR,

Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

4. Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. You must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in this regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field.

Provisions for Certification of Radiologic Competence:
Successful completion of the Dental Radiation Health and Safety Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. OR,

Successful completion of the Principles and Practice of Dental Radiology and Radiographic Safety courses and examinations developed by the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Dentistry. OR,

Successful completion of a radiation health and safety program or examination approved by a state board of dentistry or the Department of Defense (DoD).

Certification in basic life support methods is highly desirable.

Certification by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). DANB certification is not required, but highly desirable for the appointment of Dental Assistants up to and including the full performance level, and is required for all positions above the full performance level.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Preferred Experience:
Five - seven years Dental assisting experience in various specialties

Experience with electronic records/digital x-rays

Familiarity with surgical procedures

Experience with Veterans

Customer service oriented

Commitment to VHA organizational goa

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Pre-Employment/Post-Employment Physical Examination: May be required, depending on the needs of the organization.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter

DD-214/ Statement of Service

Disability Letter (Schedule A)

Disability Letter (VA)

License

Other (1)

Other (2)

PCS Orders

Performance Appraisal

Professional Certification

Resume

Separation Notice (RIF)

SF-15

SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Transcript

Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/14/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13052676.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Christopher Klinkhammer

Email

Christopher.Klinkhammer@va.gov

Address

Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital

7400 Merton Minter Boulevard

San Antonio, TX 78229

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Overview

Accepting applications

This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Location

6 vacancies in the following location:

San Antonio, TX

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible

No

Remote job

No

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Salary

$30 - $30 fee basis

Pay scale & grade

FB 00

Promotion potential

None


Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule

Intermittent

Travel Required

Not required

Appointment type

Intermittent

Occupations and job series

0681 Dental Assistant

Supervisory status

No

Federal service type

This job is in the Excepted Service

Represented by a union

No

Drug test

Yes

Security clearance

Other

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required

No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number

CAZM-13052676-26-CK

Control number

883299700