Embark on a Meaningful Career: Dental Hygienist at the VA
Are you a dental professional looking for a career that offers more than just a paycheck? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated Dental Hygienist to join the team at the Lincoln VA Clinic in Lincoln, Nebraska. This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your skills in a setting that prioritizes patient-centered care and provides vital services to the men and women who have served in our nation’s military.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Hygienist, your role is pivotal to the oral health and overall well-being of our Veterans. Your daily duties will include:
- Clinical Care: Performing dental prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, and root planning.
- Diagnostic Support: Exposing and interpreting high-quality radiographs while adhering to safety protocols.
- Patient Education: Instructing Veterans and caregivers on proper oral hygiene practices and periodontal health.
- Operatory Management: Maintaining sterilization standards and ensuring equipment readiness for seamless patient turnover.
- Administrative Duties: Charting treatment plans and outcomes accurately within the VA electronic health record system.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program.
- Maintain a current, full, and unrestricted state license.
- Possess required radiologic certification.
Grade Comparison Table
| Grade Level | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| GS-5 | Entry level, no experience required |
| GS-6 | 1 year at GS-5 level |
| GS-7 | 1 year at GS-6 level |
| GS-8 | 1 year at GS-7 level |
| GS-9 | 1 year at GS-8 level |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $56,374 to $97,340 per year. The final grade and salary are determined by your experience level and clinical competencies.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides access to one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the federal government, including:
- Health Insurance: Options for medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual policies.
Application Tips
- Use the provided Clinical Resume template.
- Ensure your transcript is uploaded and clearly readable.
- Answer the questionnaire honestly and specifically.
- Highlight your volunteer or specialized clinical experience.
If you are a dedicated Dental Hygienist ready to serve those who served us, we encourage you to apply today. Your expertise will directly contribute to the mission of providing world-class health care to our Veterans.
Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by joining the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa team as a Dental Hygienist, where your clinical expertise meets a mission-driven culture in beautiful Lincoln, Nebraska.
Dental Hygienist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and skilled Dental Hygienist to join the Surgical Care department at the Lincoln VA Clinic. This position offers an opportunity to provide comprehensive oral health care to our nation's Veterans, focusing on preventive services, patient education, and clinical excellence within a supportive team environment. You will play a vital role in maintaining the dental health of those who have sacrificed for our country.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program
- Full, current, and unrestricted state dental hygiene license
- Certification in radiologic procedures meeting 42 C.F.R. Part 75 standards
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Subject to background investigation and pre-employment drug screening
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist
- Experience in providing preventive and therapeutic dental procedures
- Strong communication skills for patient instruction
- Proficiency with modern dental radiographic equipment and digital imaging
- Knowledge of TJC and OSHA safety regulations
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary clinical team
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement pension and thrift savings plan
- ✓Competitive salary packages
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth
💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume and academic transcripts.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including professional licenses.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume to avoid assumptions by recruiters.
- Ensure your transcript clearly shows the degree and accreditation of your program.
- Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Download the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to ensure your application is processed efficiently.
- Clearly label all uploaded documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is a full-time position with a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Is relocation assistance available?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Can non-certified dental hygienists apply?
Under specific conditions, non-certified applicants may be appointed as a graduate dental hygienist for a limited period under close supervision, though restrictions apply to grade level and promotion.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
What is the trial period?
All new federal hires are subject to a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate fitness and performance.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to over 9 million Veterans, the VA is committed to excellence, integrity, and compassion. Joining the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System means becoming part of a community that values work-life balance and provides a robust support network for its employees.