Providing Excellence in Veteran Oral Care: Dental Hygienist Role at the VA
The Washington DC VA Medical Center is committed to providing world-class health services to those who have served in our nation's military. As a Dental Hygienist, you are a vital member of this mission, ensuring that Veterans receive the highest quality of oral health care. This position offers a unique blend of clinical challenge and the opportunity to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Hygienist, you will operate at the full performance level. Key duties include:
- Performing thorough oral prophylaxis and periodontal treatments.
- Conducting deep subgingival scaling, root planing, and curettage under local anesthesia.
- Taking high-quality diagnostic radiographs.
- Educating patients on oral hygiene, periodontal disease, and the impact of systemic health on oral conditions.
- Assisting dentists in surgical procedures and prosthetic repairs.
- Maintaining rigorous infection control and HIPAA compliance standards.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $76,844 - $99,903 Per Year |
| Work Schedule | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Agency | Veterans Health Administration |
Requirements
To be considered, applicants must meet the following federal requirements:
- U.S. citizenship.
- An Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program.
- A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice.
- Evidence of radiologic certification in compliance with federal regulations.
- Proficiency in English and completion of background investigation requirements.
Salary Overview
This position is compensated within the GS-9 grade range. The competitive salary reflects the specialized clinical nature of the work and the high standards of care required by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Benefits
The VA provides an extensive federal benefits package, including retirement planning, generous leave accrual based on prior service, and comprehensive medical insurance options. Employees are encouraged to participate in continuous professional development through the VA’s expansive educational network.
Application Tips
- Template Usage: Always use the provided VA clinical resume document.
- Be Specific: Quantify your experience with specific instrumentation and clinical procedures in your narrative sections.
- Deadlines: Submit all documentation well before the November 18, 2026, closing date to account for potential system delays.
If you are a licensed Dental Hygienist with a passion for clinical excellence and a desire to serve our Veterans, this position at the Washington DC VA Medical Center offers a fulfilling career path. Apply today to contribute to the mission of caring for those who have served.
Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while directly impacting the quality of life for those who served our nation—apply now to join the Washington DC VA Medical Center.
Dental Hygienist Job Overview
The Washington DC VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to provide essential oral health care to our nation's Veterans. This role involves performing full-range clinical hygiene services, including prophylaxis, periodontal treatments, and patient education within a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment focused on whole-health patient outcomes.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program
- Current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice dental hygiene
- Certification in radiologic procedures meeting 42 C.F.R. Part 75 standards
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist
- Minimum of five years of clinical hygiene experience
- Prior work experience within a VA Medical Center
- Training and certification in administering local anesthesia (block and infiltration)
- Experience working with medically compromised or geriatric patient populations
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and annual leave accrual
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Access to professional development and Whole Health training
- ✓Supportive work-life balance within a Monday-Friday schedule
💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download the required standard Clinical Resume template from the provided VA careers link.
- Prepare your documents including your license, transcript, and full CV.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 18, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically details your clinical experience in terms of patient assessments and instrumentation.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid disqualification during the initial review.
- Clearly claim any Veterans' Preference in the questionnaire if applicable.
- Check your application status regularly through the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an on-site clinical position requiring direct patient interaction at the medical center.
What happens if I am not yet certified in radiologic procedures?
While certification is preferred, non-certified applicants may be eligible for a temporary appointment while obtaining necessary credentials, provided they meet all other state licensure requirements.
Are there relocation incentives for this role?
*A: No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*
Is a background check required?
*A: Yes, all selectees must pass a suitability and background investigation as part of the hiring process.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Driven by the core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I-CARE), the VHA provides comprehensive medical services to millions of Veterans. Joining the Washington DC VA Medical Center means becoming part of a dedicated team that prioritizes whole-health care and patient well-being.