Advance Your Dental Career with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a skilled Dental Assistant looking to pivot your career toward a mission-driven environment? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently accepting applications for a Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. This is a unique opportunity to provide essential dental care to military service members, retirees, and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As an Expanded Function Dental Assistant, your role goes beyond standard assistance. You will be expected to:
- Perform oral prophylaxis and therapeutic care.
- Provide supra-gingival scaling and stain removal.
- Safely operate dental X-ray equipment for intra and extra-oral radiographs.
- Instruct patients on preventive care and oral hygiene.
- Coordinate patient scheduling and chairside assistance.
- Handle temporary crown and bridge cementation.
Comparison of Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Completion of dental program or graduate-level courses |
| Certification | Mandatory Radiology Certification |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized dental assistant work |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in intra-oral procedures. You must hold a valid Radiology Certification that adheres to 42 CFR Part 75 standards. Additionally, you must have completed one year of formal training or equivalent work experience in an expanded function capacity.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $46,076 to $59,898 per year, including applicable locality pay. Because this is a direct hire solicitation, there may be room for salary negotiation for those new to the federal government.
Benefits
Working for the DHA offers the stability of federal employment, including comprehensive health coverage, access to retirement plans, and the satisfaction of supporting the military community.
Application Tips
- Watch Your Length: Resumes over two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Be Specific: Clearly state your duties and the number of hours worked per week for each role.
- Use Official Documents: Ensure your Radiology Certification and any transcripts are scanned and uploaded clearly.
This position at Brooke Army Medical Center is an excellent choice for a professional looking to combine their technical dental skills with public service. With a closing date of September 8, 2026, interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their application package early to ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.
Why This Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Job Matters
Elevate your dental career and support our service members at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a highly skilled Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) to join our team in Fort Sam Houston. This role is instrumental in providing high-quality oral healthcare to our military community. We are looking for a dedicated professional to assist our dental team with complex clinical tasks, ensure operational efficiency, and provide patient education.
Requirements for Dental Assistant (Expanded Function)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Completion of one year of specialized experience in dental assistance including intra-oral procedures and equipment maintenance.
- Valid Radiology Certification as per Public Law 97-35 requirements.
- Must have completed formal training in expanded functions (e.g., ADA-accredited program, Army training, or IHS courses).
- Must pass a drug test.
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant (Expanded Function)
- Clinical experience in a military or government dental facility.
- Strong interpersonal skills for patient communication and scheduling.
- Proficiency in dental radiography and patient record management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with potential for locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits.
- ✓Opportunity to serve the military community.
- ✓Professional development within a large healthcare system.
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and Radiology Certification.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume over two pages will be automatically rejected.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience with intra-oral procedures and hours worked per week.
- Double-check that your Radiology Certification and any relevant degrees are uploaded as attachments.
- Review your application for accuracy before final submission to avoid being marked incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this role?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive and does not require a security clearance.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to the Federal service.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
Can I apply if my degree is from a foreign university?
Yes, but you must provide an official evaluation proving that your education is equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the Department of Defense. As an integrated health system, the DHA is responsible for delivering world-class medical and dental care to over 9.5 million beneficiaries. By joining this team, you become a strategic partner in maintaining the readiness of the Joint Force.