Launch Your Dental Career with the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System
Are you looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Dental Hygienist to join our team of dedicated healthcare professionals. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-quality care to those who have served our country while working in a facility known for its commitment to innovation and patient-centered service.
Job Responsibilities
The Dental Hygienist role at the VA is multifaceted, requiring clinical precision and a gentle touch. Responsibilities include:
- Patient Care: Performing cleanings, scaling, root planing, and applying fluoride treatments.
- Imaging: Capturing high-quality radiographs with attention to radiation safety and diagnostic accuracy.
- Education: Teaching Veterans and their caregivers about proper oral hygiene and the impact of systemic health on dental status.
- Operations: Maintaining sterilization standards, managing dental recalls, and ensuring efficient turnover of the dental operatory.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Experience Required | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-05 | Basic requirements only | Clinical foundational skills |
| GS-06 | 1 year at GS-05 | Expanded clinical/prophylactic knowledge |
| GS-07 | 1 year at GS-06 | Oral pathology and advanced imaging |
| GS-08 | 1 year at GS-07 | TJC/OSHA compliance and patient instruction |
| GS-09 | 1 year at GS-08 | Full clinical autonomy and assessment |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: Degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Licensure: A current, unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. state or territory.
- Certification: Must meet federal radiologic credentialing standards.
- Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Salary Overview and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $59,600 to $117,404 per year. In addition to financial compensation, the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive federal health insurance.
- Generous annual leave and sick time.
- A stable retirement pension plan through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Potential for student loan forgiveness programs (check current eligibility).
- Professional support within a teaching hospital environment.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires strict attention to detail. Ensure your resume explicitly lists your previous job titles, start and end dates (month/year), and the number of hours worked per week. Utilizing the specific "Clinical Resume" document provided by the VA is highly recommended to ensure your application passes the initial screening process. Always check your application status within your USAJobs account after submission.
If you are a Dental Hygienist ready to take your career to the next level while serving those who have served us, the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is the place for you. With excellent benefits, a collaborative team, and a high-impact mission, this role offers more than just a job—it offers a career worth having.
Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters
Elevate your dental career with the VA: Provide high-impact, compassionate oral care to our nation’s Veterans in a state-of-the-art Oklahoma City facility.
Dental Hygienist Job Overview
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join our clinical team. In this role, you will provide essential preventive, therapeutic, and clinical dental services while advancing the oral health of our Veteran population. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to work in a collaborative environment that balances professional growth with clinical complexity, all while enjoying the vibrant lifestyle of Oklahoma City.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may apply per 38 U.S.C § 7407(a)).
- Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program (CODA-accredited).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in any U.S. state, territory, or district.
- Certification in radiologic procedures meeting 42 C.F.R. Part 75 standards.
- Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
- Must be able to pass a physical examination, including requirements for dexterity, depth perception, and endurance.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist
- Proven experience in performing intra- and extra-oral procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to educate patients on periodontal disease, oral wellness, and the impact of medications on oral health.
- Expertise in operating dental radiography equipment and interpreting diagnostic images.
- Strong proficiency in infection-control protocols and OSHA/Joint Commission standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with defined pay scales (GS-05 to GS-09).
- ✓Accrual of paid vacation leave and sick time.
- ✓Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- ✓Work-life balance in a stable, mission-driven work environment.
💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Download the mandatory Clinical Resume document from the provided VA link.
- Prepare your full professional CV/Resume including dates, hours worked, and job series/grades.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including your license, transcripts, and any applicable veteran preference paperwork.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not rely on assumptions about your experience.
- Ensure your resume reflects hours per week to distinguish between full-time and part-time status.
- Check your status regularly through your USAJobs account dashboard.
- Submit your documents well before the closing date to avoid technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to the public?
Yes, this is an open continuous announcement eligible for public applicants.
What is the work schedule?
The position operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
While the VA encourages veteran employment and offers preference, this position is open to the general public.
Is there a trial period for this position?
*A: Yes, new employees typically serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and professional fitness.*
Is this a remote role?
*A: No, this is an onsite clinical position at the Oklahoma City VA facility.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a part of the Oklahoma City VA, you will work in a facility that serves over 81,000 Veterans. Our campus is a hub of state-of-the-art technology, research, and collaborative education, providing a stimulating environment for dental professionals.
Oklahoma City is more than just a place to work. It offers a vibrant social scene, a low cost of living, and an abundance of outdoor activities with over 250 days of sunshine a year. It is the perfect place to grow your career and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.