Serving Those Who Serve: Career Opportunities for Dentists at the Defense Health Agency

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) represents the pinnacle of integrated military healthcare. For dedicated dental professionals, the DHA offers more than just a job; it provides an opportunity to support the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. We are currently accepting applications for a General Practice Dentist at the Army Health Clinic Kenner in Fort Lee, Virginia. This role is essential for maintaining the oral health and overall readiness of our military personnel and their families.

Job Responsibilities

As a General Practice Dentist in the Direct Health Network Atlantic, your daily duties will be both rewarding and technically demanding. Key responsibilities include:

Restorative and Corrective Care: Treating common dental diseases, managing extractions, and restoring cavities through standard restorative measures.
Prosthodontic Assistance: Acquiring impressions for bridges, dentures, and crowns, ensuring proper fit and function.
Preventive Services: Conducting thorough prophylaxis, deep scaling, and root planning.
Patient Advocacy: Educating patients through tobacco cessation, oral health, and dietary counseling.
Clinical Collaboration: Consulting with and referring patients to specialized care providers when necessary.
Documentation: Maintaining accurate dental records and performance data within approved management systems.

Comparison: Private Practice vs. Federal Dental Service

Feature	Private Practice	Federal Dental Service (DHA)
Patient Base	Varies/Private	Military Service Members & Families
Benefits	Varies by Employer	Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Scheduling	Often Irregular	Standard Mon-Fri (7:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Mission Focus	Profit-driven	Readiness-driven

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Educational Foundation: A DDS or DMD degree from an accredited school.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a U.S. state or territory.
Examinations: Successful passage of the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE).
Experience: Applicants should possess at least two years of relevant experience or a combination of residency and clinical training.
Physical: Must be able to pass a color-vision screening.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position is competitive and determined by the Activity Compensation Panel, which considers tier, grade, and location. Starting salaries for this role begin at $124,308 and can reach up to $315,000 annually. Specific salary details are finalized upon the acceptance of an initial job offer.

Benefits

Employees of the Defense Health Agency enjoy a robust federal employment package. While specific details can vary, federal employees generally receive health insurance, access to retirement plans, and the stability of working for a premier national agency. Furthermore, for highly qualified candidates, the agency may offer recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Over-length resumes are automatically disqualified.
Be Specific: When describing your work history, include start and end dates (month/year), hours worked per week, and a concise summary of your clinical duties.
Sanitize Wisely: If you include supporting military documents, feel free to redact sensitive information about others mentioned in those papers.
Double Check: Ensure your dental license and transcripts are clearly attached; failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.

If you are a professional who values clinical excellence and desires to serve those who protect our nation, a career with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Lee is an exceptional next step. We encourage all qualified applicants to review the requirements carefully and submit their application through the USAJOBS portal. Your expertise helps build readiness and saves lives—apply today to join our mission.

Why This Dentist (General Practice) Job Matters

Advance your dental career while supporting those who serve: Join the Defense Health Agency at Fort Lee and make a tangible difference in the oral health of our nation's military heroes.

Dentist (General Practice) Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Dentist (General Practice) to join the Directorate of Dental at the Army Health Clinic Kenner in Fort Lee, Virginia. This role focuses on delivering high-quality preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental care to military personnel and their families. As part of a vital, integrated healthcare system, you will perform a range of clinical duties, from routine restorative procedures to specialized patient counseling, helping to maintain the health and readiness of the Joint Force.

Requirements for Dentist (General Practice)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Possess a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from an ADA or CODA-accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted dental license in any U.S. State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or territory.
Successful completion of the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE).
Ability to pass a color vision screening.
Must be able to successfully undergo a pre-employment suitability and fitness investigation.
Submit a maximum two-page resume highlighting relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications for Dentist (General Practice)

Completion of a two-year residency program in dentistry, oral health, or craniofacial sciences.
Professional dentistry experience equivalent to the GP-11 grade level.
Combined residency training and professional clinical practice totaling at least two years.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal government health and retirement benefits package.
✓Potential eligibility for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
✓Direct deposit of pay.
✓Integration into a mission-driven, global healthcare system.
✓Professional development opportunities within a specialized military medical environment.

💡 How to Apply Dentist (General Practice) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dentist (General Practice) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Prepare your two-page resume ensuring all job history includes employer names, dates, and duties.
Upload required supporting documentation, including transcripts and a copy of your valid dental license.
Review your application package for accuracy and submit before the 11:59 PM EST closing date.
Monitor your USAJOBS dashboard for status updates.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Use clear, plain language and avoid internal acronyms when describing your previous clinical experience.
Verify that your license and educational transcripts are attached; these are critical for eligibility.
Ensure your resume includes specific start/end dates (month and year) and average hours worked per week.
Sanitize sensitive personal information from uploaded military or family documents if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The position offers a salary range between $124,308 and $315,000 annually, depending on the specific tier, grade, and clinical specialty determination.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this position is located on-site at the Army Health Clinic Kenner in Fort Lee, Virginia, and is not eligible for telework.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration during the initial screening process.

Job from Defense Health Agency

The Defense Health Agency is a critical component of the Department of Defense. As an integrated healthcare system, the agency provides medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Working here means becoming part of a worldwide team of healthcare professionals committed to the mission of ensuring that the Joint Force is healthy, resilient, and ready to deploy anywhere, anytime.