Launch Your Career: Dental Assistant Opportunities at Fort Jackson
Are you a skilled Dental Assistant looking to pivot into federal service? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring dedicated professionals to join the clinical team at the Moncrief Army Dental Health Clinic in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your clinical expertise in a high-impact environment that supports the health and readiness of our military forces.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant at Fort Jackson, your day-to-day contributions are vital. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Chair-Side Assistance: Providing expert support to dental specialists during complex procedures.
- Clinical Documentation: Recording medical histories, charting examinations, and maintaining accurate patient treatment records.
- Radiological Services: Operating advanced dental radiographic equipment for both intra-oral and extra-oral X-rays.
- Patient Coordination: Managing patient flow, scheduling treatments, and assisting with clinical administration.
- Sterilization & Preparation: Maintaining strict hygiene standards by sterilizing instruments and prepping surgical trays.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must demonstrate the following qualifications:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-04 level or higher |
| Certification | Current Radiology Certification per Public Law 97-35 |
| Resume Limit | Maximum of two pages |
| Testing | Must pass a drug test |
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary range of $40,736 to $52,957 per year. Beyond the paycheck, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance.
- Participation in the federal retirement system, including a Thrift Savings Plan.
- Generous leave policies, including vacation and sick time.
- A stable, mission-driven career trajectory.
Application Tips
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these tips to ensure your application stands out:
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a strict requirement; exceeding it will disqualify your application.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure you attach your radiology certification and any relevant academic transcripts. Failure to include these documents makes your application incomplete.
- Quantify Your Experience: Be sure your resume clearly details your job duties and confirms how many hours per week you worked in each role.
Serving as a Dental Assistant at the Moncrief Army Dental Health Clinic is more than just a job—it is a chance to provide essential care for those who defend our nation. With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the chance to work in a collaborative environment, this position is a fantastic next step for your clinical career. Apply through USAJOBS today to be considered.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career in military healthcare as a Dental Assistant at the Moncrief Army Dental Health Clinic. Join our dedicated team at Fort Jackson, where your skills help maintain the readiness of our nation’s heroes.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking qualified Dental Assistants to join the team at the Moncrief Army Dental Health Clinic in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This role is essential to our mission of providing high-quality dental care to military personnel, supporting the overall readiness of the force. As a team member, you will perform a variety of chair-side duties, administrative tasks, and radiological procedures in a fast-paced, clinical environment.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level.
- Successful completion of a full four-year dental assistant or hygiene program (if qualifying via education).
- Current Radiology Certification (must meet Public Law 97-35 standards).
- Ability to pass a drug test.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
- Submission of required dental certifications and/or academic transcripts.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Strong proficiency in chair-side dental support for complex procedures.
- Experience in maintaining accurate patient medical history and electronic charting.
- Technical skill in operating dental radiographic equipment and processing films.
- Strong interpersonal skills for patient scheduling and interaction.
- Ability to mentor and train student dental assistants.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Defined benefit retirement plans and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Military Health System.
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages and covers required experience, hours per week, and dates of employment.
- Gather your Radiology Certification and any relevant academic transcripts.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload your resume, certifications, and transcripts.
- Verify that your application package is submitted before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly follow the two-page resume limit; any longer, and your application will be excluded.
- Use clear, plain language in your resume and avoid excessive military or technical jargon.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your hours worked per week, as this is critical for experience verification.
- Triple-check that you have attached your radiology certification; failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS dashboard to ensure your documents have cleared the virus scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The salary for this Dental Assistant role ranges from $40,736 to $52,957 annually, depending on experience and locality pay adjustments.
Is a radiology certification mandatory?
Yes, Public Law 97-35 requires all personnel who perform radiological procedures to hold a valid certification. You must provide proof of this with your application.
Can I use education to qualify instead of experience?
Yes, you may qualify through a combination of relevant education and experience, or solely through specific educational programs as outlined in the job requirements.
Is this a permanent position?
This is a federal appointment that typically includes a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance and suitability.
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
Yes, this announcement is open to the public.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated Combat Support Agency that serves as the healthcare delivery arm of the Military Health System. Operating over 400 military hospitals and clinics worldwide, the DHA ensures that our nation’s service members and their families receive top-tier medical and dental care. Working at the Moncrief Army Dental Health Clinic means becoming part of a prestigious, collaborative network of professionals committed to clinical excellence.