Advance Your Career as a Dental Hygienist with the VA in Tacoma
Are you a dedicated dental professional looking to transition into a career where your work directly honors the men and women who served our country? The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System in Tacoma, Washington, is currently hiring for a Dental Hygienist to join their interdisciplinary team.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dental Hygienist at this facility, you will perform a broad range of clinical and preventive tasks. Key responsibilities include:
- Operatory Setup & Maintenance: Preparing and sanitizing dental units to ensure a safe, efficient workflow.
- Patient Care: Providing prophylactic care, scaling, root planing, and applying fluoride solutions.
- Periodontal Treatment: Working alongside staff periodontists to manage patient recalls and treatment plans.
- Radiography: Administering high-quality dental radiographs in compliance with safety and certification standards.
- Education: Teaching patients and caregivers about oral health, periodontal disease management, and the impacts of systemic health conditions on oral wellness.
Requirements & Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, you must meet several foundational requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: An Associate degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. State or Territory.
- Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English.
Grade Level Comparison Table
| Grade Level | Key Requirements | Typical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Basic Requirements | Entry-level clinical work |
| GS-6 | 1 Year Experience | Routine prophylactic care |
| GS-7 | 1 Year Experience | Oral pathology & radiographic quality |
| GS-8 | 1 Year Experience | Advanced preventive dentistry & OSHA compliance |
| GS-9 | 1 Year Experience | Comprehensive assessment & treatment planning |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $58,810 to $115,848 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement, making this an ideal opportunity for those managing educational debt.
Application Tips
When preparing your application, keep in mind that the VA evaluates candidates based on the specific evidence provided in your resume.
- Detail is Everything: Do not assume the hiring team knows your skill level. List specific procedures you have performed.
- Timeline Accuracy: Ensure your resume includes month and year for every position listed.
- Address the KSAs: The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities mentioned in the job announcement are the criteria by which you are graded. Ensure your experience directly maps to these requirements.
Joining the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of serving Veterans. With excellent benefits, loan repayment options, and a supportive, professional environment, this Dental Hygienist role offers a fulfilling pathway for your career. Apply today to contribute to a system that prioritizes both patient health and employee excellence.
Why This Dental Hygienist Job Matters
Join the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System and elevate your clinical career while directly supporting those who served our nation.
Dental Hygienist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Dental Hygienist for the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System in Tacoma, Washington. This role offers the opportunity to practice within a premier Level 1a teaching healthcare facility, providing comprehensive oral hygiene services to our nation's Veterans. Candidates will work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment that values excellence and compassion. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides significant student loan reimbursement.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must hold an Associate degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Must possess a current, full, and unrestricted state dental hygiene license.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical evaluation and drug screening.
- Must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- Must be able to provide required documentation, including transcripts and license verification.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Dental Hygienist
- Certification in local anesthesia administration.
- Proven experience working with medically compromised patient populations.
- Experience in dental radiography and modern preventative dentistry measures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Professional development opportunities
- ✓Supportive and multidisciplinary work environment
💡 How to Apply Dental Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dental Hygienist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume documenting your work history, dates, and hours per week.
- Gather supporting documents: license, transcripts, and SF-50 forms.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Use your resume to detail every duty performed in each position.
- Use exact dates: Always include start and end dates (Month/Year).
- Clarify status: Indicate if your past experience was full-time or part-time and include hours worked per week.
- Double-check documentation: Ensure your license and transcript are clearly legible.
- Address all KSAs: Ensure your resume explicitly supports the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the grade level you are seeking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EDRP?
The Education Debt Reduction Program is a student loan reimbursement program for VA employees. Eligible participants can receive significant support toward their student debt.
Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?
Yes. This position is open to qualified applicants who meet the baseline education and licensure requirements.
What is the full performance level of this position?
The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-9, though selections may occur between GS-5 and GS-9 based on experience.
1. Is telework available for this position?
No, this is an on-site clinical position.
2. Is this position permanent?
This is an Excepted Service position. You will serve a trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.
3. Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
No, this position is open to the public, though veterans' preference policies apply for eligible candidates.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to our nation's Veterans. The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System is a premier Level 1a teaching facility, recognized as one of the most complex and robust healthcare systems in the United States. Working here means joining a team that operates under the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.