Become a Federal Dental Assistant with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Eisenhower

For dental professionals seeking a stable, highly rewarding, and mission-driven career path, joining the federal civil service offers unparalleled opportunities. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently recruiting for a Dental Assistant (GS-05) to support its bustling multi-provider dental clinics at Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), located near Augusta, Georgia.

This is not just any dental assisting role. Operating under a Direct Hire Authority, this position places you at the heart of military healthcare, directly contributing to the clinical readiness and overall well-being of active-duty service members, military retirees, and their families. With structured work hours, competitive compensation, and the exceptional benefits package typical of federal employment, this position stands out as an premier career destination for certified dental assistants.

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About the Agency: The Defense Health Agency (DHA)

The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the Army, Navy, and Air Force medical services to provide a medically ready force and ready medical force to Combatant Commands in both peacetime and wartime. The DHA administers the TRICARE health program, providing global medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families.

At Fort Eisenhower, the DHA Dental Command operates advanced clinical facilities designed to deliver comprehensive oral healthcare. The facility's motto—delivering care "Anytime, Anywhere-Always"—reflects the dedication of its multi-disciplinary teams. Working here means collaborating with highly motivated dental officers, specialists, and support staff in an environment that prioritizes modern technology, clinical safety, and professional development.

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Job Responsibilities

As a GS-05 Dental Assistant within the DHA, you will play a central role in both patient care and clinical operations. You will support various dental specialties, performing both administrative duties and advanced intra-oral procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Direct Chairside Assistance: Assisting dental providers during complex diagnostic, restorative, and surgical procedures.
• Intra-Oral Procedures: Performing specialized intra-oral tasks as directed by the clinical provider, including placing and removing rubber dams to isolate the operative site, and removing sutures during post-operative healing assessments.
• Radiographic Imaging: Safely operating state-of-the-art dental X-ray equipment to capture high-quality diagnostic radiographs to assist in provider treatment planning.
• Infection Control & Sterilization: Sterilizing dental instruments, materials, and equipment in strict compliance with clinical safety guidelines and infection-control protocols.
• Patient Coordination: Welcoming and preparing patients for treatment, recording vital signs (blood pressure and pulse) for oral surgery patients, and coordinating appointment schedules.
• Surgical Tray Setup: Pre-selecting and organizing sterilized surgical instruments and restorative materials on clinical trays according to specific procedure protocols.
• Diagnostic Support: Taking preliminary dental impressions to assist in fabricating diagnostic study models.
• Mentorship: Assisting in the clinical training and onboarding of student dental assistants and trainees within the clinic.

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Requirements for Qualification

To qualify for the GS-05 Dental Assistant position, you must meet basic statutory requirements as well as specific professional criteria. First and foremost, you must be a United States Citizen and be able to pass a rigorous suitability and credentialing background check.

1. Radiology Certification (Basic Requirement)

Because you will regularly operate radiographic equipment, you must show evidence of meeting the credentialing standards outlined in 42 CFR Part 75. This requires having completed an accredited educational program recognized by the Department of Education and holding a current certification as a radiographer.

2. Professional Qualifications (Choose One of Three Paths)

Applicants can qualify through specialized clinical experience, academic achievements, or a strategic combination of both.

• Specialized Experience Path: One full year of specialized clinical experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service. This experience must clearly demonstrate your ability to provide chairside assistance, perform intra-oral procedures, operate dental X-ray equipment, and complete dental charting.
• Education Path: Successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program. Your curriculum must have included at least 24 semester hours of specific coursework covering radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation health and safety, radiographic techniques, and film processing/mounting.
• Combination Path: A qualifying blend of post-high school education and specialized experience. To calculate this, your total experience months are divided by 12, and your academic semester hours beyond the first two years (above 60 semester hours) are divided by 60. The combined percentages must equal at least 100%.

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Salary Overview & Grade Level

The salary for this GS-05 position ranges from $40,736 to $52,957 per year. This annual rate includes applicable locality pay for the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC region. Salary progression within the grade is governed by the standard federal General Schedule step system, which rewards longevity and satisfactory performance.

Qualification Route	Education Requirement	Experience Requirement	Primary Documentation Required
Specialized Experience	High School Diploma or equivalent	12 Months at GS-04 equivalent level	Detailed federal resume
Academic Pathway	4-Year Dental Assisting/Hygiene Degree	None (if degree requirements met)	Official college transcripts
Combined Pathway	Partial higher education (with 24 hrs in Radiology)	Pro-rated clinical experience	Resume & transcripts

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Benefits of Federal Employment

Working as a civilian Dental Assistant for the Department of Defense comes with a robust benefits portfolio that far exceeds what is typically offered in the private sector. These benefits support your health, financial future, and work-life balance:

• Stable Schedule: Enjoy a dependable Monday through Friday work schedule (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) with no weekend or holiday shifts.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to excellent health, dental, and vision plans through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, with substantial government contributions toward your premiums.
• Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which features a three-tiered retirement plan: a defined-benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A retirement savings program similar to a private-sector 401(k), offering up to a 5% government matching contribution.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Earn annual leave for personal use, accrue sick leave for medical needs, and enjoy 11 paid federal holidays each year.

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Application Tips & Critical Guidelines

Applying for a federal job requires strict attention to detail. To ensure your package is not rejected during the initial HR screening, review these crucial tips:

1. Respect the Resume Page Limit: Your uploaded resume must be two pages or less. Any resume exceeding this limit will be immediately removed from consideration, regardless of your qualifications.
2. Quantify Your Experience: For every job entry on your resume, you must include the employer's name, your exact job title, precise start and end dates (including month and year), and the average number of hours you worked per week.
3. Do Not Forget Your Certificates: You must upload your valid Radiology Certification and, if qualifying by education, your official college transcripts. Missing documents will result in an automatic rating of 'ineligible.'
4. Use Plain Language: Avoid clinical jargon or obscure military abbreviations. Write clear, descriptive bullet points that directly correspond to the major duties listed in this announcement.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this position open to the general public?
A: Yes. This job is open to all U.S. citizens under a Direct Hire solicitation.

Q: What is the deadline to submit my application?
A: This is an open continuous announcement closing on March 1, 2027. Applications are reviewed periodically as vacancies arise, so early submission is highly recommended.

Q: Are relocation expenses (PCS) covered?
A: No. The Defense Health Agency does not authorize payment for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs for this recruitment.

Q: Will I have to work on weekends?
A: No. The duties of this multi-provider dental office are performed strictly during the week, Monday through Friday.

Q: Is there promotion potential beyond the GS-05 level?
A: This specific position is graded at the GS-05 level with no direct promotion potential, although it serves as an excellent gateway to other advanced clinical and administrative roles within the federal healthcare network.

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If you are a skilled dental assistant looking to escape the unpredictable hours of private practice and find a stable, rewarding career, the Defense Health Agency at Fort Eisenhower is waiting for you. By joining the DHA, you secure a highly sought-after federal benefits package, a reliable daytime schedule, and the profound satisfaction of supporting our nation's military community. Review your resume, gather your certifications, and submit your application today to take the next step in your professional journey.