Launch Your Dental Career at West Point
Are you a highly skilled dental professional looking to support those who serve? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently accepting applications for a Dental Hygienist at the renowned Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, New York. This role is a unique opportunity to provide essential care within a world-class federal healthcare facility.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Hygienist at West Point, you will operate as a critical member of the dental care team. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Performing advanced oral prophylaxis on both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients.
- Executing clinical procedures such as deep scaling, root planing, and sub-gingival curettage under local anesthesia.
- Interpreting routine dental radiographs to identify abnormalities.
- Educating patients on optimal oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and specialized periodontal care.
- Providing minor adjustments and repairs to dental work, such as smoothing rough edges and placing temporary fillings.
Requirements
Candidates must meet specific criteria to be considered for this position:
| Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Licensure | Current state or territory dental hygiene license required |
| Experience | One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level |
| Certification | Must meet federal radiologic credentialing standards |
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $59,465 to $77,306 per year. Salary placement is determined based on experience and applicable locality pay. Furthermore, candidates new to federal service may be eligible for salary negotiation, making this an attractive opportunity for both seasoned professionals and those new to the federal sector.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Retirement: Participation in the FERS retirement plan.
- Stability: A secure role within an established, reputable healthcare network.
- Incentives: Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified individuals.
Application Tips
To ensure your application is successful, follow these tips:
- Resume Precision: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Use plain language to describe your experience.
- Required Documents: You must attach your license. Failure to do so will result in an immediate "ineligible" status.
- Detail Oriented: Include the number of hours worked per week for every job listed to prove you meet the "specialized experience" criteria.
Serving as a Dental Hygienist at Keller Army Community Hospital offers the chance to combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven career. If you are ready to make a significant impact on the health of our military community, review the requirements carefully and submit your application via the official USAJOBS platform before the January 2027 deadline.
Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency at West Point and play a vital role in the oral health and readiness of our military community.
Dental Hygienist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join the team at Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, New York. This role focuses on delivering high-quality dental care to military personnel, retirees, and their families. This is a Direct Hire opportunity where qualified candidates may be eligible for salary negotiation upon initial federal appointment.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a valid, current license to practice as a dental hygienist in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Must meet specific federal radiologic credentialing standards as required by Public Law 97-35.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level.
- Ability to perform advanced oral prophylaxis, deep scaling, root planing, and sub-gingival curettage.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
- Subject to pre-employment drug testing.
- Must complete Selective Service registration if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist
- Proven experience performing and interpreting routine dental radiographs.
- Demonstrated ability to instruct patients effectively on periodontal health and hygiene techniques.
- Experience in clinical settings managing both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients.
- Exceptional record of professional conduct and clinical performance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
- ✓Access to comprehensive federal health insurance plans.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Defense Health Agency.
- ✓Direct deposit payroll integration.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified applicants.
💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account if you do not already have one.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, clearly outlining work experience, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
- Gather your professional dental hygiene license and any relevant radiology certifications.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload all required documentation, including your resume and license, ensuring they are clear of personal identifiers.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of January 29, 2027.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must explicitly state your experience, including the number of hours worked per week, to ensure you receive proper credit.
- Keep your resume to two pages; any information beyond two pages will be excluded from review.
- Ensure your dental license is attached as a separate document, or you will be deemed ineligible.
- Use plain language and avoid technical acronyms in your resume to ensure the HR team understands your qualifications.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required work experience?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through relevant specialized experience alone.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this position is located on-site at Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, New York, and is not eligible for telework.
What happens if my resume exceeds the two-page limit?
Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be disqualified and removed from consideration.
Is a drug test required?
*A: Yes, this position requires a drug test as part of the hiring process.*
Can I apply if I am not a military veteran?
*A: Yes, this announcement is open to the public.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the military medical services to provide a medically ready force. Operating across the globe, the DHA manages medical, dental, and pharmacy programs for more than 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families. Joining the DHA means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of patient care.