Launch Your Dental Hygiene Career with the Veterans Health Administration in Marietta
Are you a dedicated dental professional looking to transition into a role that truly makes a difference? The Atlanta VA Health Care System is currently inviting applications for a Staff Dental Hygienist in Marietta, Georgia. This position offers not just a career, but a mission: providing high-quality, compassionate oral health care to the men and women who have served our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Dental Hygienist, your role is pivotal in maintaining the oral health of our Veterans. Your daily tasks will be diverse and clinically rewarding:
- Patient Care: Perform routine oral prophylaxis, gross debridement, deep scaling, root planing, and application of sealant/desensitizing agents.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Capture high-quality dental images while maintaining strict safety standards.
- Patient Education: Develop and lead oral health workshops and individual instructions for patients and caregivers.
- Administrative Duties: Assist with patient scheduling, maintain detailed clinical records, and ensure HIPAA compliance.
- Infection Control: Adhere to rigorous sterilization standards and operatory maintenance to ensure the highest safety for all patients.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Competency | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Clinical Care | Scaling, Root Planing, Fluoride Application |
| Patient Education | Individual & Group Oral Health Instruction |
| Compliance | HIPAA, JCAHO, Infection Control Standards |
| Communication | Customer Service, Patient Scheduling |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to both clinical excellence and public service. Basic requirements include:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Education: An Associate degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Licensure: An unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in any U.S. state, territory, or district.
- Certification: Must be a certified radiographer compliant with 42 CFR Part 75.
- Screening: Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Salary and Benefits
The VHA offers a competitive salary package, ranging from $81,427 to $105,852 annually, commensurate with qualifications and grade determination. Beyond the salary, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Federal health insurance plans.
- Accrued annual leave based on federal service years.
- Opportunities for career advancement within the VA system.
How to Apply
- Create an Account: Start by registering on USAJOBS.
- Prepare Documents: Download the mandatory Clinical Resume template from the VA Careers website.
- Complete the Questionnaire: Fill out the occupational assessment accurately.
- Submit: Upload your documents, including your transcript, license, and any supporting SF-50 forms, before the application window closes.
Serving as a Dental Hygienist at the Atlanta VA Health Care System is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your clinical training in an environment that honors our Veterans. With a stable schedule, competitive pay, and a clear sense of purpose, this role is a rewarding choice for any dental professional. Apply today to help us deliver the world-class care our Veterans deserve.
Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters
Join the Atlanta VA Health Care System and turn your clinical expertise into a mission-driven career supporting those who have served our nation.
Dental Hygienist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join the Dental Service Line in Marietta, Georgia. This role is essential to providing high-quality oral health care to our nation's Veterans, ranging from routine prophylaxis to advanced periodontal techniques. You will work under the supervision of skilled dentists within a team-oriented, mission-focused clinical environment, ensuring that every patient receives compassionate, evidence-based care.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Associate degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in a U.S. state, territory, or district
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Certification as a radiographer meeting 42 CFR Part 75 standards
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Ability to pass a mandatory drug screening
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist
- Advanced clinical expertise in periodontal procedures
- Experience in developing and conducting oral health education programs
- Strong interpersonal skills for patient counseling and service recovery
- Current Federal employees with at least 52 weeks of experience at the GS-7 level
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Annual leave accrual based on total federal service
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Stable Monday-Friday work schedule
💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
- Prepare your full resume, cover letter, and any applicable transcripts or licenses.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire within the online portal.
- Submit your application and all required supporting documentation before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your experience to avoid assumptions by the hiring team.
- Upload the specific VA-required Clinical Resume template to the restricted resume field.
- Provide an SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee to verify time-in-grade.
- Carefully review the Required Documents section to ensure all credentials and preference proofs are included.
- Apply well before the deadline to account for any technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of schedule should I expect?
This position operates on a consistent Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM schedule.
Is travel required for this position?
No, this position does not require travel and is not eligible for telework or remote status.
What happens after I apply?
Your application will be reviewed for eligibility. If qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for an interview. All applicants will receive notification of their status via email.
Is there flexibility in the work schedule?
The position is a fixed schedule of Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Will I need to relocate?
This position does not offer relocation or PCS incentives.
How long is the trial period?
As a condition of employment, you are required to serve a 2-year trial period to evaluate your performance and conduct.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military, along with their families and survivors. Working within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) means joining a vast network of health care providers dedicated to the 'Whole Health' approach. You will work within the Dental Service Line, a department that prioritizes preventive care, patient education, and advanced clinical techniques.