Home / Federal careers / GS-0681
Dental Assistant
Positions involving dental support work including patient care, instrument preparation, and clinic operations.
What GS-0681 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-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| 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-0681, as written.
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0681:
Radiologic Procedures Credentialing: All personnel administering radiologic procedures must meet 42 CFR Part 75 standards, requiring completion of an accredited educational program and certification as radiographers. Federal employees hired before January 13, 1986 may demonstrate competence through current performance or certification from a licensed practitioner.
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Applicants must possess experience in:
- Dental assistance to general or specialized dentistry
- Dental assistant (expanded function) work
- Or any combination of these appropriate to the position
Education and Training Requirements:
- GS-3: Successful completion of either: A 1-year dental assistant program or completion of 1 year of a dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Accreditation with specified radiation and radiographic coursework; OR practical nurse training approved by state/territorial accrediting body
- GS-4: Completion of a 2-year dental assistant program or completion of a 2-year dental hygiene program with at least 12 semester hours in relevant radiation and radiographic courses
- GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in a dental assistant or dental hygiene program with minimum 24 semester hours in required coursework
Special Requirements for GS-5+ Expanded Function Positions: Applicants must complete 1 year of acceptable course work, preceptorship, or other formal training and/or work assignments in intra-oral procedures, including:
- ADA-accredited dental program courses in expanded functions
- U.S. Army Dental Therapy Assistant Training Program
- IHS continuing education in expanded functions
- Comparable formal training in hospitals, clinics, or schools
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1-year ADA program or practical nurse training |
| GS-4 | 6 months | 6 months | 2-year dental program |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4-year bachelor's degree |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Graduate education if directly related |
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.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0681
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 Assistant
Dental Assistant series. VA dental clinics and military dental facilities.
Skills that carry over: Dental Assistance, Sterilization, Patient Care, X-Ray, Records Management.
Usually opens at: GS-4, GS-5, GS-6.
Dental Specialist
Direct translation to dental assistant roles. Highlight dental procedures, patient care, and clinic management.
Skills that carry over: Dental Procedures, Patient Care, Clinic Management, Sterilization, X-Ray Operations.
Usually opens at: GS-4, GS-5, GS-6.
Dental Lab Technician
Dental assistant.
Skills that carry over: Dental Lab, Prosthetics, Precision Work.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.
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
- Assist dentists with procedures
- Prepare patients for treatment
- Sterilize instruments
- Take dental x-rays
- Maintain patient records
- Schedule appointments
- Order supplies
- Educate patients
- Maintain equipment
- Process insurance
Key competencies
Dental Assistance
Skill in assisting dentists during examinations and procedures.
Instrument Preparation
Ability to prepare and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.
Radiography
Skill in taking and processing dental X-rays.
Patient Preparation
Ability to prepare patients for dental procedures.
Infection Control
Knowledge of dental infection control and sterilization procedures.
Dental Materials
Skill in handling dental materials and supplies.
Patient Communication
Ability to communicate with patients and explain procedures.
Record Keeping
Skill in maintaining dental records and appointment schedules.
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-0681
What is a federal Dental Assistant?
GS-0681 Dental Assistants support dentists during examinations and procedures. They prepare patients, sterilize instruments, take dental X-rays, maintain records, schedule appointments, order supplies, and educate patients. They work at VA dental clinics, IHS facilities, military dental clinics, and federal prisons.
How much does a federal Dental Assistant make?
GS-0681 follows a one-grade interval typically ranging from GS-4 ($30,795) to GS-7 ($42,679-$55,486). Most positions are GS-5 to GS-6 ($34,454-$49,927). Lead dental assistants reach higher grades. Add locality pay of 15-40% plus excellent federal benefits.
What are the requirements for GS-0681 positions?
At entry, you need dental assistant training or equivalent experience. DANB certification (Certified Dental Assistant) strengthens applications significantly. Radiography certification required for X-ray duties. Higher grades require specialized dental assisting experience. Knowledge of sterilization and infection control is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0681?
Yes. Military dental assistant or dental technician training (68E Dental Specialist) directly qualifies. Your four-handed dentistry skills, sterilization procedures, and radiography experience transfer completely. Veterans with dental MOSs are highly valued at VA and military dental clinics.
What is the career progression for Dental Assistants?
Entry at GS-4/5 with progression to GS-6/7. Lead dental assistant positions offer advancement. Many pursue dental hygiene education to transition to GS-0682 at higher grades. Expanded functions certification opens additional opportunities. VA offers tuition assistance for career advancement.
How do I apply for GS-0681 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Dental Assistant.' VA dental clinics and IHS are the largest employers. Emphasize your chairside experience, radiography certification, and sterilization training. Veterans with dental MOSs have directly applicable qualifications—your military dental training is highly valued.
Ready to apply for GS-0681?
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.