Home / Federal careers / GS-0680
Dental Officer
Performs professional dental work including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental conditions.
What GS-0680 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0680, as written.
Education
Applicants must have a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from a school approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) or the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- This series carries a positive education requirement: a degree is required and experience cannot be substituted for it.
How to qualify for GS-0680
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Dental Corps Officer
Military dentistry. Highlight dental practice, leadership, and healthcare management.
Skills that carry over: Dental Practice, Leadership, Healthcare Management, Patient Care, Training.
Usually opens at: GS-12, GS-13, GS-14.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Examine patients for dental conditions
- Diagnose dental diseases
- Perform dental procedures and surgeries
- Develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medications
- Manage dental programs
Key competencies
Clinical Dentistry
Expert knowledge of dental diagnosis, treatment, and procedures.
Oral Surgery
Skill in performing dental surgical procedures.
Patient Care
Ability to provide comprehensive dental care to patients.
Preventive Dentistry
Knowledge of preventive dental care and oral hygiene education.
Dental Materials
Understanding of dental materials, equipment, and instruments.
Infection Control
Knowledge of dental infection control and sterilization procedures.
Treatment Planning
Ability to develop comprehensive dental treatment plans.
Clinical Documentation
Skill in maintaining accurate dental records and documentation.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0680
What is a federal Dental Officer?
GS-0680 Dental Officers are licensed dentists providing comprehensive dental care at federal facilities. They diagnose dental conditions, perform procedures and surgeries, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and manage dental programs. They work at VA hospitals, IHS clinics, military dental facilities, and BOP.
How much does a federal Dentist make?
GS-0680 base pay ranges from GS-11 ($63,163) to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672). However, most federal dentists receive special pay—VA dentists earn $120,000-$300,000+ depending on specialty. IHS offers loan repayment up to $50,000. Recruitment bonuses and locality pay add significantly.
What are the requirements for GS-0680 positions?
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited dental school is mandatory—this is a positive education requirement. Current, active dental license in a U.S. state or territory required. Specialty certification (prosthodontics, oral surgery, etc.) required for specialty positions.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0680?
The dental degree and license are mandatory—no substitution. However, military dentist experience transfers directly. Your clinical skills, leadership, and experience with young healthy patients and combat trauma are valued. VA actively recruits separating military dental officers who understand veteran populations.
What is the career progression for federal Dentists?
Staff dentists start at competitive salaries with progression based on experience and performance. Chiefs of Dental Service reach GS-14/15 equivalent with substantial pay. Specialty positions (oral surgery, prosthodontics) command highest compensation. VA offers robust dental career paths with education benefits.
How do I apply for GS-0680 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Dentist' or specific specialties like 'Oral Surgeon.' VA is the largest employer. IHS offers positions in underserved areas with significant loan repayment. Highlight your clinical experience, specialty certification, and any leadership roles. Veterans with dental credentials are highly valued at VA.
Ready to apply for GS-0680?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.