Launch Your Dental Career with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Huachuca
Are you a dedicated dental professional looking to transition into a stable and rewarding federal career? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking skilled Dental Hygienists to join the team at the Raymond W. Bliss Army Community Hospital in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. This role is pivotal in ensuring the oral health and operational readiness of our service members.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Hygienist, your daily routine will be focused on preventative care and supporting the dental health of a diverse patient population. Key responsibilities include:
- Performing advanced oral prophylaxis on both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients.
- Administering local anesthesia to assist in complex procedures.
- Conducting deep scaling, root planing, and sub-gingival curettage.
- Interpreting radiographs to identify abnormalities and periodontal conditions.
- Providing chair-side instruction on hygiene, including flossing and brushing techniques.
Qualifications
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Licensure | Current, active, unrestricted Dental Hygiene license |
| Certification | Valid radiology certification per Public Law 97-35 |
| Experience | Minimum 1 year of specialized experience |
Note: This position does not allow for the substitution of education for experience.
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary range of $51,417 to $66,843 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employees gain access to a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning (FERS), and the stability of a federal appointment.
How to Apply
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Your resume must be two pages or less and explicitly demonstrate your specialized experience, including the number of hours worked per week. You must submit your license and certifications at the time of application to avoid being rated as ineligible.
Working as a Dental Hygienist for the Department of Defense is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of those who serve our country. With an ongoing hiring need at Fort Huachuca, now is an excellent time to submit your application and start your journey with the DHA.
Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters
Launch your career in dental health with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Huachuca, where you will provide mission-critical care to our nation's heroes and their families.
Dental Hygienist Job Overview
The Raymond W. Bliss Army Community Hospital is seeking dedicated Dental Hygienists to join their team in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. This is a vital, mission-essential role within the Department of Defense. You will be responsible for providing high-quality preventative and therapeutic dental care, contributing to the overall health and readiness of uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. This position operates under a Direct Hire Authority to fill ongoing vacancies.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a current, active, and unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in a U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Possess valid radiology certification compliant with Public Law 97-35.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience performing prophylactic procedures, oral examinations, and routine x-rays.
- Must be willing to undergo a drug test.
- Must be able to fulfill mission-essential duties during emergencies or contingency operations.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist
- Strong proficiency in local anesthesia administration.
- Advanced experience in periodontal therapy, including deep scaling and root planing.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed clinical documentation and patient records.
- Exceptional patient communication skills for chair-side education.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Defense.
💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job
- Create or log into your account on the official federal employment portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting relevant work experience with hours worked per week.
- Submit all required documentation, including your current dental hygiene license and radiology certification.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Review your application package for accuracy before submission.
- Monitor your status through your personal account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or fewer to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Use plain language and avoid jargon when describing your past duties.
- Ensure your license and certifications are clearly scanned and attached.
- If using foreign education, ensure you have an official equivalency evaluation ready.
- Verify your submission before the deadline, as the agency will not make assumptions about your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position requires on-site presence at the clinic in Fort Huachuca and is not eligible for telework.
What is the pay range for this role?
The annual salary range is between $51,417 and $66,843, depending on qualifications and locality adjustments.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires one year of specialized experience; education cannot be substituted for this requirement.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the medical services of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. By joining this team, you become part of a massive, worldwide effort to provide high-quality healthcare to over 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families. Working at Fort Huachuca offers a unique opportunity to serve in a beautiful, historic area of Southeast Arizona, known for its mild year-round climate and vibrant community.