Dental Hygienist
Positions involving preventive dental care including cleanings, examinations, and patient education.
💰GS-0682 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-0682
Licensure: Applicants for all grade levels and specializations must be currently licensed to practice as dental hygienists in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.
NOTE: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must (l) have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and (2) be certified as radiographers in their field. The following meet these requirements:
(l) Persons employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel prior to the effective date of the regulation (January 13, 1986) who show evidence of current or fully satisfactory performance or certification of such from a licensed practitioner such as a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic who prescribes radiologic procedures to others.
(2) Persons first employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel after the effective date of the regulation who (a) received training from institutions in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not accredit training in that particular field at the time of graduation, or (b) practiced in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not license that particular field or did not allow special eligibility to take a licensure examination for those who did not graduate from an accredited educational program, provided that such persons show evidence of training, experience, and competence as determined by OPM or the employing agency.
The following table shows the amounts of education and/or experience required to qualify for positions covered by this standard. Requirements
GRADEEDUCATIONEXPERIENCE
GS-4 None None
GS-5 Dental hygiene curriculum, plus appropriate experience, totaling 4 years None
GS-5 Clinical Dental Hygenists 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene or in a directly related field of study 1 year of experience as a licensed dental hygienist
GS-5 Community Health Dental Hygenists 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, which included or was supplemented by a curriculum in dental hygiene none
GS-6 Clinical Dental Hygenists None 1 year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level
GS-7 Clinical Dental Hygenists None 1 year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 level
GS-7 Community Health Dental Hygenists 1-year of graduate education in dental hygiene or in a directly related field of study 1 year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level
GS-8 Clinical Dental Hygenists None 1 year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level
GS-9 Community Health Dental Hygenists 2 year of progressively higher level graduate education or a Master's of equivalent degree in dental hygiene or a directly related field of study 1 year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level
GS-11 and above None 1 year of experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable.
Evaluation of Education: The academic curriculum in dental hygiene must have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association.
Evaluation of Experience: When combining experience and education, appropriate supplemental experience for entry level Community Health Dental Hygienist must have demonstrated the ability to:
• Plan and direct group activities.
• Organize, analyze, and evaluate data, draw conclusions, and make decisions or recommendations.
• Express ideas and communicate information orally and in writing in a clear, logical, and motivating manner.
• Demonstrate and/or present new ideas, techniques, and procedures.
• Conduct meetings and present lectures.
• Deal effectively with individuals and groups.
Examples of work that may have provided this experience include work as a teacher, recreation leader, or leader in a community or professional organization.
🎖️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-0682
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal dental hygienist 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-0682
Dental Laboratory
Federal dental support family covering VA and DoD dental services; dental laboratory bench roles are classified here at most facilities.
Dental Assistant
GS-0682 Dental Hygienist requires associate degree in dental hygiene plus state licensure. Not a direct match without the degree, but a strong target for 4Y0X1s using the GI Bill on a dental hygiene program.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Perform dental cleanings
- •Take dental x-rays
- •Apply preventive treatments
- •Examine patients
- •Educate patients on oral health
- •Document patient care
- •Maintain instruments
- •Assist with procedures
- •Screen for oral diseases
- •Update patient histories
🎯Key Competencies
Skill in performing dental cleanings and preventive procedures.
Ability to educate patients on oral hygiene and dental health.
Skill in conducting preliminary oral examinations.
Ability to take and process dental radiographs safely.
Knowledge of periodontal disease identification and assessment.
Understanding of dental infection control procedures.
Skill in documenting dental hygiene treatments and findings.
Ability to plan and conduct dental health education programs for community health positions.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0682
What is a federal Dental Hygienist?
GS-0682 Dental Hygienists provide preventive dental care: cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, oral examinations, and patient education. They screen for oral diseases, document findings, and collaborate with dentists on treatment plans. They work at VA dental clinics, IHS facilities, and military installations.
How much does a federal Dental Hygienist make?
GS-0682 follows a one-grade interval typically ranging from GS-6 ($38,407) to GS-9 ($52,205-$67,865). Most positions are GS-7 to GS-8 ($42,679-$61,449). Senior hygienists and public health positions may reach GS-9. Add locality pay of 15-40% plus federal benefits.
What are the requirements for GS-0682 positions?
Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program AND current state dental hygienist license required. Associate's degree is minimum; bachelor's preferred for advancement. Local anesthesia certification may be required. CPR certification and radiography credentials typically needed.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0682?
The dental hygiene degree and license are mandatory—no substitution. However, military dental hygienist experience transfers directly. Your clinical skills and experience with military populations are valued. Navy dental hygienists and those with similar training transition seamlessly to federal positions.
What is the career progression for Dental Hygienists?
Entry at GS-6/7 with progression to GS-8/9. Lead hygienist and public health dental hygienist positions offer advancement. Some pursue bachelor's or master's degrees to transition to dental public health or education roles. VA offers continuing education support for career growth.
How do I apply for GS-0682 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Dental Hygienist.' VA and IHS are the largest employers. Emphasize your clinical experience, patient education skills, and any specialty certifications. Veterans with dental hygiene credentials are valued at VA—your understanding of veteran dental needs is an advantage.
Ready to Apply for GS-0682?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.