Launch Your Healthcare Career: Dental Assistant Opportunities at Fort Leonard Wood
Are you a dedicated dental professional looking to transition into a stable, mission-driven career? The General Leonard Wood Community Hospital, part of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), is currently hiring Dental Assistants to provide essential oral healthcare support to military service members and their families. This role is a fantastic opportunity to serve those who serve our country while enjoying the benefits of a federal career.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, you will act as a vital partner to our dental providers. Key duties include:
- Chairside Assistance: Assisting dentists during a wide range of intra-oral procedures.
- Radiology: Operating X-ray equipment to capture high-quality images.
- Clinical Support: Taking preliminary impressions, removing sutures, and placing rubber dams or matrix bands.
- Patient Records: Charting treatment information and collecting detailed medical histories.
- Maintenance: Ensuring all dental tools and operatory equipment remain clean and fully functional.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Certification | Current Radiology certification (42 CFR Part 75) |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience or qualifying education |
| Documentation | Copy of professional license and transcripts |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is set between $40,736 and $52,957 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. The federal government offers locality pay, and salary negotiation may be possible for those new to the federal service.
Benefits
Working for the DHA comes with significant perks:
- Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified individuals.
- Student loan repayment programs.
- Access to federal health and life insurance programs.
- Professional development and long-term career stability.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less.
- Detail Your Work: Clearly list months and years of employment and average hours worked.
- Certify Your Credentials: Ensure your radiology and dental assistant certifications are uploaded correctly.
- Don't Assume: The hiring team won't infer skills not explicitly mentioned; be clear and direct.
If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a meaningful federal mission, apply for the Dental Assistant position at the General Leonard Wood Community Hospital today. Your skills make a difference in the lives of our service members every single day.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career in oral healthcare with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Leonard Wood—where your skills support those who serve.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The General Leonard Wood Community Hospital is seeking dedicated Dental Assistants to join our clinical team. In this role, you will provide critical chairside support, perform intra-oral procedures, and assist our dental providers in delivering high-quality care to service members, retirees, and their families. This is a Direct Hire opportunity within the Defense Health Agency, offering a stable environment focused on patient readiness and comprehensive dental health.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Radiology certification meeting Public Law 97-35 and 42 CFR Part 75 standards.
- One year of specialized experience in chairside dental assisting or a qualifying four-year degree in a dental assistant/hygiene program.
- Ability to pass a drug screening.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
- Possession of a valid, job-related dental assistant license or certification.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Proven experience with intra-oral procedures and preliminary impressions.
- Proficiency in operating dental X-ray equipment and image processing.
- Strong communication skills for patient instruction and medical history documentation.
- Familiarity with dental record charting and equipment maintenance protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary with potential for negotiation for new federal hires.
- âś“Eligibility for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- âś“Student loan repayment assistance programs.
- âś“Opportunities for professional development within a large, integrated healthcare system.
- âś“Comprehensive health and life insurance options (for eligible positions).
đź’ˇ How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS profile.
- Complete the online questionnaire for this specific position.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting relevant specialized experience and work history.
- Upload required documentation, including your radiology certification, professional license, and transcripts (if applicable).
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume concise—any document exceeding two pages will be excluded from consideration.
- Include month/year for start/end dates and mention the average hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Use plain, clear language and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Ensure your radiology certification and professional licenses are clearly attached as separate files.
- Submit early to account for potential technical delays or system processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an on-site clinical position located at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
According to the announcement, any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to Federal service.
What is a Direct Hire solicitation?
This allows the agency to hire quickly by bypassing certain traditional competitive procedures due to critical staffing needs.
Is a drug test required?
Yes, drug testing is a mandatory part of the pre-employment process for this role.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the military medical services to provide a medically ready force. Working at the General Leonard Wood Community Hospital means being part of a vast network that serves over 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families worldwide. Your work directly impacts the readiness and health of the Joint Force.