Advance Your Career as a Dental Hygienist with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated dental professional looking to make a meaningful impact on the oral health of our military community? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring for a Dental Hygienist at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Branch Clinic located at Naval Station Norfolk. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve those who serve our country while enjoying the stability and benefits of a federal career.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be the frontline of oral healthcare at Naval Station Norfolk. Your daily tasks will include:
- Performing comprehensive dental examinations and interpreting radiographs.
- Conducting Periodontal Screening and Plaque Index examinations.
- Collaborating with dentists to create patient-specific treatment plans.
- Educating patients on optimal oral hygiene and preventative health.
- Maintaining clinical instruments to the highest standards of asepsis.
- Coordinating health promotion programs for the local military community.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Licensure: You must hold a current, active license to practice dental hygiene in any U.S. state, territory, or D.C.
- Radiology Certification: Compliance with 42 CFR Part 75 is required.
- Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level. Please note that education cannot be substituted for experience in this specific vacancy.
- Clearance: Ability to maintain a Secret security clearance is mandatory.
Salary Overview
The position is classified as a GS-08, with a salary range between $56,713 and $73,724 per year. This salary includes locality pay for the Norfolk area, ensuring your compensation is competitive with the local market.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | GS-08 |
| Salary Range | $56,713 - $73,724 |
| Location | Norfolk, VA |
| Security Clearance | Secret |
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health and Life Insurance coverage.
- Federal retirement contributions (FERS).
- Access to potential recruitment or relocation incentives.
- Opportunities for student loan repayment programs.
- Generous leave accrual policies.
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring depends on precision. Keep your resume concise (exactly two pages or less) and highlight your specific clinical achievements. Avoid using internal jargon; use plain language that a human resources specialist can easily evaluate against the job requirements.
This role offers a unique blend of clinical variety and the privilege of serving military personnel. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a challenging yet rewarding career, prepare your application documents today and apply through the official USAJOBS portal before the June 30, 2026, deadline.
Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters
Advance your clinical career by joining the Defense Health Agency team at Naval Station Norfolk, providing essential dental care to our nation's heroes.
Dental Hygienist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join the team at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth's Branch Clinic at Naval Station Norfolk. This role is a vital component of a premier integrated healthcare system, serving military service members, retirees, and their families. As a clinical expert, you will contribute directly to oral health readiness and community wellness initiatives while working within a collaborative dental team.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must hold a current, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a dental hygienist in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Must possess valid radiography certification in compliance with 42 CFR Part 75 standards.
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must register for the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist
- Proven history of providing patient education on comprehensive oral health practices.
- Experience in coordinating and leading community health awareness programs.
- Strong consultation skills for working with dentists on periodontic and plaque index assessments.
- Excellent communication skills for patient advocacy and staff coordination.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment assistance.
- ✓Opportunity for advanced leave accrual and advanced in-hire rates.
- ✓Stable work-life balance in a professional military healthcare environment.
💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job
- Ensure your resume is strictly limited to two pages or less.
- Log into your USAJOBS account and navigate to the job announcement.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including your professional license/certification.
- Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on June 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use plain, clear language in your resume and avoid complex industry acronyms.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your relevant work history, including hours worked per week and specific start/end dates.
- Double-check your uploaded documents to ensure they are the correct files; remember that file virus scans can take up to an hour.
- Verify your status on the USAJOBS dashboard periodically after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience alone.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance and is designated as a noncritical-sensitive/moderate risk role.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically removed from consideration.
How do I track my application status?
*A: You can view the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account dashboard.*
Are there relocation benefits?
*A: While permanent change of station (PCS) costs are not covered, recruitment or relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is the cornerstone of military medicine. As an integrated healthcare provider, the DHA manages medical, dental, and pharmacy programs for over 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. Working with the DHA means being part of a mission-critical team that emphasizes readiness, clinical excellence, and patient-centered care.