Dental Assistant
Positions involving dental support work including patient care, instrument preparation, and clinic operations.
💰GS-0681 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| 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 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0681
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 |
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0681
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal dental assistant position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0681
Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant series. VA dental clinics and military dental facilities.
Dental Specialist
Direct translation to dental assistant roles. Highlight dental procedures, patient care, and clinic management.
Dental Lab Technician
Dental assistant.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋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
Skill in assisting dentists during examinations and procedures.
Ability to prepare and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.
Skill in taking and processing dental X-rays.
Ability to prepare patients for dental procedures.
Knowledge of dental infection control and sterilization procedures.
Skill in handling dental materials and supplies.
Ability to communicate with patients and explain procedures.
Skill in maintaining dental records and appointment schedules.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked 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?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.