Launch Your Healthcare Career: Dental Assistant Opportunities at Womack Army Medical Center
Are you a dedicated dental professional seeking a role that combines clinical excellence with the honor of serving our military community? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently looking for skilled Dental Assistants to join the team at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This position is a vital component of the military healthcare system, ensuring our service members receive the highest quality of dental care.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Assistant, you will act as the right hand to the dental team. Your daily duties will include:
- Patient Care: Receiving patients, conducting preliminary screenings, and taking detailed medical histories.
- Chairside Assisting: Working alongside dentists during complex procedures, passing instruments, and observing patient reactions.
- Radiology: Operating advanced radiographic equipment to perform intra- and extra-oral imaging.
- Clinical Support: Preparing sterilization areas, maintaining dental equipment, and ensuring all materials for procedures are ready.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Experience/Education: One year of specialized experience in a clinical dental setting OR a four-year degree in an accredited dental assistant or hygiene program.
- Certification: Must possess a valid dental license or certification.
- Background: Candidates must undergo and pass a drug test and suitability/fitness assessment.
Eligibility Comparison
| Qualification Path | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | One year of specialized dental assisting and radiology work. |
| Education | Four-year course with 24+ semester hours in radiation/dental sciences. |
| Combination | A blend of experience and education totaling 100% of requirements. |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $42,538 to $55,300. This pay scale includes applicable locality adjustments for the Fort Bragg area, reflecting the value placed on your specialized clinical skills.
Benefits of Federal Employment
Working for the federal government provides a unique set of benefits, including:
- Access to comprehensive federal health insurance plans.
- Accrual of paid leave and recognition of federal holidays.
- Participation in a secure federal retirement pension and savings plan.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities within the DHA.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your application stands out:
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly states your duties and hours worked per week. Remember the two-page limit!
- Documentation is Key: Scan and upload your license/certification immediately. Failure to include this will result in immediate disqualification.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid cryptic jargon or acronyms that HR reviewers might not understand.
Serving as a Dental Assistant at Womack Army Medical Center is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the readiness of our armed forces. With a competitive salary, professional benefits, and a stable work-life balance, this is an excellent opportunity for any dental professional looking to take their career to the next level. Apply before October 30, 2026, to be considered.
Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters
Launch your healthcare career at Womack Army Medical Center, where your skills directly support the readiness and well-being of our nation's heroes and their families.
Dental Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking dedicated Dental Assistants to join our team at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In this role, you will play a critical part in clinical operations by preparing dental equipment, assisting with patient care, and performing radiographic procedures. This position offers a stable work schedule in a supportive, mission-focused environment.
Requirements for Dental Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must possess one year of specialized experience in assisting with dental treatments and operating dental radiography equipment.
- Must possess a valid dental license or certification; proof must be submitted with your application.
- Must successfully complete a background check and drug screening.
- Must be able to maintain patient confidentiality and follow strict safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant
- Prior experience working in a military treatment facility or high-volume dental clinic.
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate the needs of dentists during complex dental procedures.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills for patient screening and history taking.
- Proficiency in current dental radiographic technologies and imaging safety standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holiday schedule.
- ✓Participation in the federal retirement system.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and clinical training.
- ✓Stable Monday-Friday schedule, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting your specialized experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload all required documentation, including your license/certification and transcripts if substituting education for experience.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of October 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; documents exceeding this length will be automatically excluded.
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for each role.
- Double-check that your license or certification is attached; missing this will make you ineligible.
- Submit your documents early to allow sufficient time for the system's virus scan process.
- Use clear, professional language and avoid excessive use of industry acronyms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This role follows a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, from 07:15 AM to 04:15 PM, excluding federal holidays.
Can I use education to qualify instead of experience?
Yes, you may qualify through a four-year degree in a dental assistant or hygiene program that meets specific course requirements in radiation physics and safety.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Resumes exceeding two pages are strictly removed from consideration, so please condense your experience to meet this requirement.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*
Can I apply if I am a recent graduate?
*A: Yes, if your education meets the specific radiation science credit requirements mentioned in the announcement.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the military medical services to provide a medically ready force and a ready medical force. By serving in a Military Treatment Facility, you are part of a global network dedicated to the health and readiness of more than 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families.