Become a Dental Hygienist with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dental professional seeking a stable, rewarding, and mission-driven career? The General Leonard Wood Community Hospital, under the Defense Health Agency (DHA), is currently seeking a skilled Dental Hygienist to join its healthcare team in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide high-quality care to active-duty service members, their families, and military retirees.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Hygienist, your daily contributions will directly impact the oral health of your patients. Key responsibilities include:
- Performing advanced oral prophylaxis on both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients.
- Conducting thorough oral examinations to detect plaque and periodontal disease.
- Interpreting routine dental x-rays to identify structural abnormalities.
- Performing minor clinical adjustments, including smoothing rough edges and placing temporary fillings.
- Providing essential patient education on oral hygiene and post-operative care.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal applicants.
- Licensure: You must hold an active license as a Dental Hygienist in any U.S. State or territory.
- Radiology Certification: Compliance with Public Law 97-35 is mandatory. You must have completed an accredited training program.
- Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience is required.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Description | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| Professional License | Current State/Territory License | Yes |
| Radiology Cert | Must meet 42 CFR Part 75 standards | Yes |
| Specialized Exp | At least 1 year in clinical environment | Yes |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position ranges from $55,607 to $72,290 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay. This is a competitive range for the Fort Leonard Wood area, offering financial stability alongside the benefits of federal service.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, which typically includes:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Generous paid annual and sick leave.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Potential for student loan repayment assistance.
- Opportunities for permanent change of station (PCS) reimbursements.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will result in disqualification.
- Detailed Experience: Clearly state your job title, employer, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week for every job on your resume.
- Sanitize Personal Info: You may remove personal data from sensitive documents like marriage certificates or military orders to protect your privacy.
- Check Status: Use the USAJOBS dashboard to monitor your application progress after submission.
Serving as a Dental Hygienist at the General Leonard Wood Community Hospital is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and readiness of the U.S. military. If you possess the required skills and a passion for patient care, we encourage you to apply and help us continue our mission of delivering world-class dental services.
Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency team at General Leonard Wood Community Hospital and provide essential dental care to our nation’s service members and their families.
Dental Hygienist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is currently seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join our clinical team at the General Leonard Wood Community Hospital in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. This position is a critical part of our mission to deliver comprehensive, high-quality medical and dental services to uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a clinical provider, you will perform advanced oral prophylaxis, patient examinations, and radiographic procedures while promoting oral health through education and post-operative care.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a current, active license to practice dental hygiene in a U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Must possess current Radiology Certification compliant with Public Law 97-35/42 CFR Part 75 standards.
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience performing advanced oral prophylaxis, oral examinations, and interpreting routine dental x-rays.
- Ability to submit a resume of two pages or less.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist
- Proven history of providing comprehensive dental hygiene education to patients.
- Experience in identifying and referring periodontal abnormalities to dentists.
- Demonstrated ability to perform minor adjustments, such as smoothing edges or placing temporary fillings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Accrual of annual and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment programs
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job
- Log in or register for a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing your relevant experience and hours worked.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the application link.
- Upload required documentation, including your professional license, radiology certification, and academic transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically disqualified.
- Use clear, plain language and avoid jargon or acronyms that the HR team may not recognize.
- Ensure you provide dates (month/year) and average hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the final submission deadline.
- Double-check that all required certifications (license and radiology) are attached to avoid an incomplete rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through relevant professional experience alone.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
Your application will be removed from consideration. Adhering to the page limit is a mandatory requirement for this announcement.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
No, a security clearance is not required; however, a drug test is mandatory.
How often is work assigned?
*A: This announcement may cover various types of appointments, including full-time and intermittent, depending on agency needs.*
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates at the discretion of the agency.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the U.S. Department of Defense. It manages an integrated healthcare system dedicated to improving health and building readiness for the Joint Force. Working here means joining a community of healthcare professionals committed to excellence, innovation, and unwavering support for those who protect our nation.