Dental Hygienist Opportunity with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Richmond, Virginia

Embark on a fulfilling career dedicated to serving those who have served our nation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a compassionate and skilled Dental Hygienist to join the esteemed Veterans Health Administration team in Richmond, Virginia. This is a remarkable chance to make a significant impact on the oral health and overall well-being of America's Veterans, offering a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment. If you are passionate about preventive care and committed to patient-centered service, this position offers a unique path to professional growth while honoring our heroes.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for Veterans and their families. The VA's mission is to provide Veterans with comprehensive healthcare services, as well as access to benefits and national cemeteries. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is at the forefront of this mission, continuously striving for excellence in patient care, research, and education. The Richmond VA Medical Center, part of the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS), is a leader in providing innovative and compassionate care to Veterans in the region. Located in Richmond, Virginia, this facility is part of Veterans Integrated Service Network 6 (VISN 6) and is dedicated to upholding the VA's core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence ("I CARE"). Richmond offers a vibrant lifestyle with a lower cost of living than the national average and a growing job market, making it an attractive location for healthcare professionals.

Job Responsibilities: A Day in the Life of a Dental Hygienist

As a Dental Hygienist at the Richmond VA Medical Center, you will play a crucial role in providing essential oral healthcare services to Veterans. Working under the general supervision of a dentist, your responsibilities will be diverse and patient-focused:

Direct Patient Care: Perform routine oral prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, and gross debridement. You will also provide subgingival curettage, clean dental prostheses, and manage the dental recall system.
Patient Assessment: Conduct thorough patient medical assessments, including reviewing medical and dental histories, taking vital signs, performing comprehensive periodontal charting, and assessing the impact of medical conditions, medications, and comorbidities on oral health.
Patient Education: Educate patients and their caregivers on crucial topics such as periodontal disease prevention, oral hygiene practices, the effects of illness, addiction, and tobacco use on oral health, and post-procedure care.
Dental Imaging: Skillfully take diagnostic quality dental images using proper radiation safety techniques.
Anesthesia Administration: Administer topical anesthetic agents and, if licensed and certified, local anesthesia.
Operatory Preparation & Maintenance: Set up and clean operatories efficiently, manage equipment components, and ensure timely turnover for patient appointments.
Infection Control: Adhere strictly to standard infection-control protocols for operatory setup, cleanup, instrument sterilization, and image exposure.
Clerical Duties: Assist with patient scheduling and managing appointment gaps.
Veteran-Centered Care: Demonstrate courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude, providing service that aligns with Veterans' personal goals, preferences, and cultural backgrounds.
Patient Safety: Modify care based on patient age, abilities, medical status, and anxiety levels, ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout treatment.

Requirements for Eligibility

To be considered for this vital role, candidates must meet the following essential qualifications:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Possess an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program. The program's accreditation must be valid for the year of completion. Foreign degrees require a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
Licensure: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice as a Dental Hygienist in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Medical and Background Checks: Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination, a background/security investigation, and a drug screening test. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
VA Policy: Applicants pending educational or licensure requirements may be tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met. Non-certified applicants may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental hygienist pending certification (GS-5 level only).

Basic Requirements Summary:

Requirement	Details
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen
Education	Accredited Associate degree in Dental Hygiene
Licensure	Full, unrestricted license in a U.S. state/territory/DC
English Language	Proficient in spoken and written English
Screening	Pre-employment physical, background check, drug test

Salary Overview

This Dental Hygienist position is graded at the GS-9 level, which is the full performance level for this vacancy. The annual salary for this role ranges from $64,475 to $83,822, based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits and Perks

Joining the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a robust benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional development of its employees:

Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid Time Off: Earn generous annual (vacation) leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement within the VA system.
Service Credit: Potential to receive credit for prior work or military experience toward annual leave accrual.

Application Process

Applying for this exciting opportunity is straightforward:

Create/Log In: Visit USAJOBS.gov and create a profile or log in to your existing account.
Apply Online: Click the 'Apply Online' button on the job announcement page.
Complete Questionnaire: Fill out the occupational questionnaire accurately and completely.
Upload Documents: Submit all required documents, including your license, resume/CV, and any preference documentation (e.g., DD-214 for veterans).
Submit: Ensure your entire application package is submitted by the closing date of November 23, 2026.

Application Tips for Success

Detail Your Experience: Your resume should provide specific details about your responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments in previous roles. Avoid generic descriptions.
Review Requirements: Carefully read the 'Required Documents' section and ensure you have uploaded everything requested. Missing documentation can lead to disqualification.
Honest Responses: Answer the occupational questionnaire truthfully, providing concrete examples that support your qualifications.
Proofread: Before submitting, review your entire application for any errors or omissions.
Early Submission: Apply well in advance of the deadline to avoid potential technical issues or last-minute rushes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the salary range for this Dental Hygienist position? A: The annual salary range is $64,475 to $83,822.
Q: What are the basic education and licensure requirements? A: You need an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program and a current, unrestricted dental hygienist license.
Q: Is this position open to the public? A: Yes, this announcement is open to the public, internal candidates, and excepted service candidates.
Q: What is the work schedule? A: The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Q: Is Telework an option for this position? A: No, this position does not offer Telework or remote work options.
Q: Are recruitment or relocation incentives offered? A: No, these incentives are not authorized for this position.
Q: What documents are required for application? A: Required documents include your license, resume/CV, SF-50 (if applicable), and any other supporting documents specified in the announcement.

This Dental Hygienist position with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Richmond, Virginia, presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the lives of Veterans while advancing your professional career. With its competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a mission-driven environment, this role offers both personal and professional fulfillment. Don't miss this chance to join a dedicated team and make a difference. Apply today and become part of the Veterans Health Administration's commitment to providing outstanding care to our nation's heroes.

Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters

Advance your career in dental hygiene while honoring our nation's heroes! The Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a dedicated Dental Hygienist to join their esteemed team in Richmond, Virginia. Make a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans through compassionate, patient-centered care.

Dental Hygienist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is actively seeking a skilled Dental Hygienist for its Richmond, Virginia location. This full-time, permanent position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of American Veterans by providing comprehensive oral healthcare services. As a Dental Hygienist, you will work under the general supervision of a dentist, performing a wide range of clinical duties, from routine cleanings and patient education to more complex procedures like scaling and root planing. You'll play a vital role in preventive care, disease management, and overall patient health, ensuring Veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Requirements for Dental Hygienist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program. Accreditation must be valid for the year the program was completed. Foreign education must be evaluated for equivalency.
Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice as a dental hygienist in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Proficient in spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Must pass a background/security investigation.
Must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work (e.g., I-9 documentation).
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must pass a drug screening test.
Readiness to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period may be required.

Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist

Knowledge of state-of-the-art preventive dentistry measures.
Familiarity with anatomy and physiology for interpreting examinations and images.
Understanding of The Joint Commission (TJC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations pertaining to dental care.
Experience in providing individual and group oral health education to diverse patient populations.
Skill in patient behavior management.
Experience managing stable medically compromised patients.
Proficiency in interpreting dental radiographs.
Ability to select appropriate fluoride products and apply them safely.
Skill in detecting plaque, calculus, and dental abnormalities.
Ability to assess patient medical history, including anxiety, phobias, medications, and comorbidities, to ensure safe patient care.
Adaptability in patient environments and maximizing physical comfort for patients of all ages.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
✓Professional development opportunities
✓Credit for prior work experience or military service towards annual leave accrual may be possible.

💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Apply online through the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the occupational questionnaire thoroughly and accurately.
Upload all required documents: License, long-form resume/CV, SF-50 (if applicable), and any other supporting documentation (transcripts, DD-214, etc.).
Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM ET on November 23, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed and clearly describes your experience, skills, and accomplishments. Avoid assumptions about your qualifications.
Thoroughly review the 'Required Documents' section and ensure all necessary documents are uploaded with your application.
Answer the occupational questionnaire honestly and accurately, providing specific examples to support your responses.
Double-check all information before submitting to prevent errors or omissions that could affect your application.
Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this Dental Hygienist position?

The annual salary range for this position is $64,475 to $83,822.

What are the basic education and licensure requirements?

You need an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program and a current, unrestricted dental hygienist license in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, this announcement is open to the public, as well as internal candidates and excepted service candidates.

What is the work schedule?

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Is Telework an option for this position?

No, this position is not eligible for Telework or remote work.

Are recruitment or relocation incentives offered?

Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized for this position.

What documents are required for application?

Required documents include your license, a long-form resume/CV, SF-50 (if applicable), and potentially transcripts, DD-214, or other preference/eligibility documentation.