Career Opportunity: Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

Are you a dedicated dental professional looking to advance your career while serving those who protect our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring for a Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This position provides a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills in a clinical setting that supports military service members, retirees, and their families.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will work under the guidance of dental professionals to ensure the highest quality of patient care. Key duties include:

Performing expanded function dental procedures including complex restorative and prosthodontic work.
Providing therapeutic care for periodontal diseases.
Operating intra-oral and extra-oral X-ray equipment.
Preparing clinical environments and maintaining dental instruments.
Managing detailed patient records and dental charting.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Radiology Certification: Must meet the credentialing standards outlined in Public Law 97-35.
Experience/Education: Completion of one year of specialized training in intra-oral procedures plus one year of professional experience.
Clearance: Ability to pass a secret security clearance and pre-employment drug screening.

Salary Overview

Pay Metric	Details
Salary Range	$46,084 - $59,908 per year
Interval	Annually
Locality Pay	Included

Benefits

Working for the federal government comes with comprehensive benefits. Candidates may be eligible for:

Health and life insurance plans.
Recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified applicants.
Advanced leave accrual options.
Direct deposit of pay.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less.
Be Specific: Include the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
Use Plain Language: Avoid industry jargon or acronyms that may be misinterpreted by HR reviewers.
Verify Documents: Ensure your transcripts and certifications are uploaded correctly.

This role is an excellent opportunity for experienced dental assistants to transition into a stable, mission-driven career within the federal government. With professional development opportunities and a focus on clinical excellence, the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a place where your skills will be highly valued.

Why This Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Job Matters

Elevate your dental career by supporting those who serve—join the elite team at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a skilled Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) to join the dedicated clinical team at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. In this role, you will perform a variety of advanced dental support duties, including complex restorative work, oral surgical support, and patient care. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to serve the military community while working in a state-of-the-art facility alongside dental specialists.

Requirements for Dental Assistant (Expanded Function)

U.S. Citizenship
Radiology certification as required by Public Law 97-35
One year of specialized experience in a dental setting
Completion of one year of formal coursework, preceptorship, or training in intra-oral procedures
Successful background check and secret security clearance
Pre-employment drug testing and one-year probationary period

Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant (Expanded Function)

Advanced training in restorative or prosthodontic dental procedures
Proficiency in clinical record-keeping and dental software
Experience in diverse dental specialties including endodontics, periodontics, and orthodontics

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Opportunities for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates
✓Potential for enhanced leave accrual
✓Stable Monday-Friday work schedule

💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Review the full announcement details and documentation requirements.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and certification proof.
Verify that all documents clear the virus scan before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Ensure your resume explicitly details the number of hours worked per week for each role.
Avoid using acronyms; use clear, plain language to describe your experience.
Review your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dental specialties will I work with?

You will be working in a multi-specialty environment including general dentistry, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an on-site clinical position requiring daily attendance at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

What hours should I expect to work?

The position typically requires a Monday through Friday schedule, from 06:15 A.M. to 3:15 P.M.

Are there relocation incentives?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for the most qualified candidates.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system delivering medical and dental services across the Department of Defense. Operating at the forefront of military medicine, the agency ensures the readiness of the Joint Force. The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth dental clinic is a comprehensive facility offering advanced care across multiple specialties.