Does anyone know how I can obtain a position as a civilian dental hygienist for the military?

I am trying to find a position as a registered dental hygienist for the military as a civilian does anyone know how I can go about it? Thanks I will be so grateful for anyone that can help me out!

Jcrdh, you can go to this site, www.usajobs.org. It has all the lates federal jobs posted for all the states. You can also create and post your resume online where recruiters can contact you, sometimes before the jobs are listed. Most federal jobs you have to have a resume created to apply for the different jobs online. I hope you find this information useful!

Good luck!

thanks so much for the info.. When you say recruiters it sounds like I would be applying to be in the service which I really can't do right now. Is that the case?

When I said recruiter, I ment a Human Resource recruiter. These people seek out quailfied people to fill gov't jobs. They don't recruit you to join the military. The only affiliation you would have to the military is cleaning their teeth. I'm NOT trying to sign you up for the military, lol. Go to the site and look around. You don't have to create a resume but it a way for them to find you if a job in your area open up. Sorry for the misunderstanding :0

Another web site is federalgovernmentjobs.com. One thing I will share with you is the civilian pay is very low. I have been offered 2 positions both in different states and I cannot afford to live in the areas of hire. I had a higher rating of GS7 and GS8 and both were under $18 an hour. Some start at GS2. With rent at least $600 a month for a 1 bedroom, over 40% of income would be spent on shelter. The benefits are great, but I couldn't survive on the pay. If it had been in Indiana where I own my home I would have jumped on it. Another thing is I applied on USAjobs and both offers came about 1 year later. So keep looking in the meantime. Good luck

Thanks so much for taking the time to write me back and offer such great advice yes, in these hard times,, that would just not cut it.. I will keep lookin.. thanks again!

jcrdh said: I am trying to find a position as a registered dental hygienist for the military as a civilian does anyone know how I can go about it? Thanks I will be so grateful for anyone that can help me out!

Hi...just wondering if you have had any luck finding a hygiene position yet? I am an RDH also interested...thanks.

No luck yet good luck to you!

I don't know how I feel about it because I have been hearing that the pay is absolutely terrible

I applied for a position open on Eglin as a civilan DH. I have 20 years experience and I was stationed at Eglin as a dental tech. My offer was for $36,000. I know they have cheaper medical coverage but I made $90,000 in Colorado! Hard to justify that much decrease in pay, especially if it's your family's only income source.

Wow, that makes me want to move to Colorado! Ha-ha. Did you see all the postings on USAJOBS by the airforce for $29K? I bet the hygienists who take these positions get some experience and move on.I was offered one in November 08 with the army and it was $18 an hour. I was so disappointed. Now that same job is being filled through a staffing firm for $38 an hour. I am not eligible since I turned it down. Go figure.

You all have changed my mind I do not understand how they can get away with paying like that???? I thank everyone so much for all of your comments.. Just another reason why I love being a hygienist.. What a great group of people to have comradary with!

BOP.gov is federal prison site. Also USAJOBS. The VA has their own website and sometimes it has jobs not listed on usajobs. Also you can type in army or airforce civilian jobs and several sites pop up.

You have to be 36 or under to apply for a Federal Prison job. That kinda kicks out the old girls like me.

big tooth momma in Florence, South Carolina said: You have to be 36 or under to apply for a Federal Prison job. That kinda kicks out the old girls like me.

Me too! I have 4 years in the federal system but it was a contract position. Even though it was with the Dept of Justice, I was too old at 44 to apply for a permanent position at the same institution. How is that not age discrimination? The same gov't that says I have to work until age 67 to draw a full retirement is the gov't that says you have to work 20 years to retire from the federal prison system and they have a maximum age of 55 to retire. The same gov't that says we have to help ourselves, tells us we can't hire in after 36 and have to retire by 55. That rule doesn't apply to nurses though. Discrimination!!

I should add to my previous comment that I am happy for the nurses who can provide valuable and needed patient care AND obtain a federal job with benefits. I only wish it were the same for hygienists over age 36.
When I contacted the BOP and asked why the difference they said because there are so many nursing positions open and unable to fill. Nurses have many avenues in which to practice so there are a less number of them applying. Whereas hygienists have a limited number of practice settings and BOP has an abundance of applicants that meet the age restriction requirement, so they don't have to waive that requirement for us.
I know there are hygienists who enjoy working in the prison setting. I did because you are focused on treatment and not doing any selling and don't have any production goals to worry about. My personal opinion is that some have taken those positions because the private sector has limited openings due to an overabundance of candidates to select from.

I was wondering if it's true you can practice with a license from anywhere in a federal job. I am a dental hygienist and I was wanting to find a job in Florida. We are thinking of moving there, but I'm not sure for how long. I was going to start there.

It all depends on whose hiring and what the requirements are. You will see earlier on this thread I posted I had declined a position with the military. I have since accepted another in NM and they accept my IN license. Some of the federal jobs such as Indian Health require licensure in the state of hire for tribal hires, but it is still a federal position. The bid should tell you the licensing requirements. Good luck.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Another web site is federalgovernmentjobs.com. One thing I will share with you is the civilian pay is very low. I have been offered 2 positions both in different states and I cannot afford to live in the areas of hire. I had a higher rating of GS7 and GS8 and both were under $18 an hour. Some start at GS2. With rent at least $600 a month for a 1 bedroom, over 40% of income would be spent on shelter. The benefits are great, but I couldn't survive on the pay. If it had been in Indiana where I own my home I would have jumped on it. Another thing is I applied on USAjobs and both offers came about 1 year later. So keep looking in the meantime. Good luck

Any advice as to getting an interview/call back? I have applied to some positions and have yet to hear anything. Thanks!!

Hi kwrdh,
I don't have any advice there. I will tell you I'm en route back to IN from Las Cruces NM as I left home last week for my job with the army at White Sands Missile Range. I interviewed and did all the medical and background and it took 11 months. I got my offer and was told I'd get a $4,000 relocation pkg. I put my house up for sale, sold a bunch of my stuff, drove 1500 miles and found out the relocation pkg didn't exist. The pay was GS 6 with a step 6 which is good, $40,016 annually. Well, I couldn't find an apt in a decent area under $900 plus utilities so that is not enough money to make it in that area. Also, many complexes want 6 mo of verifible employment or else pay 6 months rent up front. It would have cost me over 2 thousand to move all my stuff plus 6 thousand for the rent. NOT! I wanted the job for the benefits and retirement but after I pay for that I wouldn't have enough to buy food let alone an emergency. Plus the commute is a minimum of 35 miles one way. So that all just fell apart. That job will be open after Monday if you are interested. I can give you the POC but she was wrong on so many things I don't know if you'd want it. This may be more info than you wanted but I'm letting you know what can happen. I think I'm done with the military aspect. It was a flop for me.

suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Hi kwrdh,
I don't have any advice there. I will tell you I'm en route back to IN from Las Cruces NM as I left home last week for my job with the army at White Sands Missile Range. I interviewed and did all the medical and background and it took 11 months. I got my offer and was told I'd get a $4,000 relocation pkg. I put my house up for sale, sold a bunch of my stuff, drove 1500 miles and found out the relocation pkg didn't exist. The pay was GS 6 with a step 6 which is good, $40,016 annually. Well, I couldn't find an apt in a decent area under $900 plus utilities so that is not enough money to make it in that area. Also, many complexes want 6 mo of verifible employment or else pay 6 months rent up front. It would have cost me over 2 thousand to move all my stuff plus 6 thousand for the rent. NOT! I wanted the job for the benefits and retirement but after I pay for that I wouldn't have enough to buy food let alone an emergency. Plus the commute is a minimum of 35 miles one way. So that all just fell apart. That job will be open after Monday if you are interested. I can give you the POC but she was wrong on so many things I don't know if you'd want it. This may be more info than you wanted but I'm letting you know what can happen. I think I'm done with the military aspect. It was a flop for me.

Hi Suzanne, Sorry to hear about the situation with the military. Do you still have your home? I hope so. Once you are settled back in Indiana...what's your next move in Hygiene? Can you look into teaching at a school that offers this as a major? I'm still on the look-out for "permanent work". I'm still filling-in, but also, I have my name in as a : substitute teacher in a couple of Elementary schools, cafe work (when work is slow), and traveling within reason (1 hour tops, since I have a daughter), and using the agencies (which I call 2-3x daily), as well as Dr.'s I've worked for in the past...EXP

Hi exp,
I'm setting in a hotel in OK waiting for fog to lift so I can head home. Yes, thank goodness my house hasn't sold. All my stuff is loaded on a moving truck, I didn't have it taken yet so that's good too. Right now all I want to do is get home and get a job. I don't care if it's at Walmart. Hygiene has become too difficult. Maybe in time it will turn around. I'm worn out and this last episode has cost me a bundle and stress is over the top.
We have never met, but you are so encouraging. Thank-you.

Hi suzanne,
thank you so much for the info! I hope your situation gets better but I can definitely understand where you are coming from with hygiene becoming too difficult.I am looking for any kind of job right now too. I just moved to CA from CO and debating whether or not i want to get my license out here. It costs a lot of money to take the classes I need and not to mention I would have to retake my boards, etc...and all of this without being insured a job. but thats why i was looking into something federal but i will keep my options open. thanks again and good luck!

Please don't let my negative experience keep you from applying. Maybe you will get a better offer. The bids say that they accept any state license which would help you there. However, be cautious and ask questions if you get a call. IN doesn't have anesthesia cert yet and just this afternoon I checked my email from Friday and they stated I had to have that as the hygienist works alone. So there would have been another problem, and expense as I would have had to find a state that accept IN and have reciprocity and who knows what all I'd have to do to get a license they'd accept. You have to fill out a KSA's form when you apply and I stated I didn't have it but yet 11 months, a specific email and phone call in June and now that I'm due to start it's an issue! Too much hassle for me. And all for $18/hour.
You will find a job, just keep looking and keep your name out there. I'm going to take it one day at a time. Thanks for listening and I wish you the best.

Hi Suzanne, It really ----- (your preference) that we, professionals in this field have such a level of respect. Unfortunately, the Army didn't provide every piece of information YOU needed for them. The person on the other end, SHOULD know every document, certification and license(s) they need to inform you of to submit...but...it's reality, you have to be your own advocate and also be a lawyer: "Hmmmm....what papers do I need...here's my checklist....". Can you teach? It appears to me that you are well informed and educated and maybe a teaching certificate may afford you employment? Check out the school systems, whether they are ie-Elementary? or Hygiene. I'm still looking for employment too! Still filling in, but I have been :exposed (ha, ha) to 3 Digital X-ray systems....Hang in there, you're an intelligent, educated person... GL EXP

exp in Massachusetts said: Hi Suzanne, It really ----- (your preference) that we, professionals in this field have such a level of respect. Unfortunately, the Army didn't provide every piece of information YOU needed for them. The person on the other end, SHOULD know every document, certification and license(s) they need to inform you of to submit...but...it's reality, you have to be your own advocate and also be a lawyer: "Hmmmm....what papers do I need...here's my checklist....". Can you teach? It appears to me that you are well informed and educated and maybe a teaching certificate may afford you employment? Check out the school systems, whether they are ie-Elementary? or Hygiene. I'm still looking for employment too! Still filling in, but I have been :exposed (ha, ha) to 3 Digital X-ray systems....Hang in there, you're an intelligent, educated person... GL EXP

Hey, you are right. I haven't even been able to talk to anyone this morning. So rude. I know everything happens for a reason but I am appalled at their lack of knowledge. One of the HR people I spoke to last Friday made the comment the person I was dealing with was ONLY an asst to her and she really didn't know the correct information! I asked her why I was supposed to sell my house, my belongings, leave my family and move 1500 miles from home if she was ONLY an asst and didn't know what she was telling me to base my decisions on? She was silent and I haven't heard anything since. I'm going back to school. I don't have any options and hygiene hasn't been profitable for me for about 3/4 years. Time to move on. Thanks again for the support.

Suzanne said: Hey, you are right. I haven't even been able to talk to anyone this morning. So rude. I know everything happens for a reason but I am appalled at their lack of knowledge. One of the HR people I spoke to last Friday made the comment the person I was dealing with was ONLY an asst to her and she really didn't know the correct information! I asked her why I was supposed to sell my house, my belongings, leave my family and move 1500 miles from home if she was ONLY an asst and didn't know what she was telling me to base my decisions on? She was silent and I haven't heard anything since. I'm going back to school. I don't have any options and hygiene hasn't been profitable for me for about 3/4 years. Time to move on. Thanks again for the support.

I feel your frustration. I was hired for a job on Jul 24. I still haven't started yet. The office and I are constantly playing phone tag. If I had other options I wouldn't bother. Good luck in what you do. I know I got to find something soon. I got a child that will be in college in 2 1/2 yrs.

Hi Ladies, How would you like to have someone pick so much at your resume that you just felt like.......in the .....Well, that's my beef with Hygiene right now. Many of us are taking what work we can, and if it is only P.T./ Fill-in in a good office you want it on your resume, right? Well, for the past 3 yrs. it's been just that so my resume, is hard to shorten...the life of many of us is, many offices over the years (23 for me), between an ex that wanted me to work here and there to allow for family travel and a child you have to work around for pick up from school...I feel so frustrated with the "Holyer than thou, ...why aren't you working in one office...etc." I'm venting here so thanks for the listening...hopefully I didn't "Van Gough" (sp?) anyone....

My "23" refers to years as an R.D.H. exp

The only way working for the military works is if you are married to a military man on the same base. They hold back a lot of your pay until you sign on for another year. If you move before the year is up you have to pay the money back.

The military does not want you to follow standard ethics or treatment guidelines and have no perio program whatsoever. I had to force them to order the proper hand and ultrasonic instruments. When I got there there were only sickles and worn out 13/14's.

The Colonel in charge said that they spend the money on 'trigger pullers', not 'tooth scrapers.'

Steer clear of government jobs unless you want to be seen as something on the bottom of their boot since you are a civilian 'puke' as they call it.

Also you have to train in all the terrorist, explosive and chemical weapons training the military does and sit through military training for an entire day each month. Not optional, the clinic shuts down for the day and first the prayer session and then the military training.

Dental work in the military is no joke. You are their property.

They give you the bear minimum to make a living and keep some back to make sure that if you quit you will have to pay for the priviledge.

Get ready for your car being searched each and every day and having to wear scrubs that are one size fits most. The only good part is that the day ends an hour early, on the tax payer's dime. It is called the 59 minute rule. Ask a military person about it.

Hi G Girl,
Glad to read your post. Makes me feel better about not taking the job for the army. Last I heard was 1 week ago today and HR was trying to get me a bonus to start. What a joke! The pay was NOT enough to even pay the rent and pay taxes. I have a friend who works on a base and she is desperately trying to get out. Only been there 4 months and said she has been called every name in the book and sexually harrassed daily. I thought those jobs were the good ones!

The bonus is supposed to be paid the day you start. Mine took three months and they told me that it was going to be paid at the end of the year and I was mistaken at when I'd be paid the bonus.

I threatened to get a lawyer and they paid me two weeks later. My first actual paycheck was after six weeks of working for free.

The Army command treated me like an insurgent terrorist when I demanded the proper supplies and treatment practices. The soldiers, seamen and airforce all told me I did the best job they had ever had and did not know a cleaning could be something to be looked forward to!

Staying there under those conditions will break a person if you are not expecting it. I had to take a second job as a home health care provider just to meet my bills.

Stay away from government and military hygiene! You will regret it!

I have been interviewing and the physicals ect for 11 months before I got a firm committment letter. The very first day they called last Oct 08 to offer me the position I asked if there was any relocation assistance and that's when she told me I'd get a 10% advance bonus upon hire. Then when I was in a hotel in NM waiting on the money I called to see what the hold-up was and happened to get her supervisor. She told me that the girl I have been talking to all this time is "just" her assistant and she gave me wrong information that there was no bonus, and that it would be 2 months before I got a paycheck. Are they nuts?!! I told her I couldn't take the job and my brother had to wire me money to get home on as I didn't have a bank account out there and no one would cash a check. Talk about a mess! Then after I got back home last week (luckily my house hadn't sold) no one called or anything. Then yesterday (my start date) she called to tell me I was late for work and they were waiting on me. I couldn't believe it! I told her she'd be waiting quite awhile as I'm in Indiana and she said she FORGOT to call me, that the commander hadn't answered her about any bonus money. I have never in my career been part of anything so unorganized or told so much that was false. I'm still sort of in shock. Pursued this whole thing for nothing and spent about $1700 going out there and back, not to mention selling a lot of my stuff. But I give up. This was horrible.

Suzanne,

I started an investigation with the Office of Special Counsel (Federal Government) about what happened to me and what I went through. The State of Virginia already concluded that there were lots of things wrong with the treatment of civilian employees at that base. We are getting as many affected individuals together as we can to make a strong case and get some justice and fix what is wrong.

Let me know if you want to be interviewed by them over the phone and added to the complaint (anonymous if you want) of these illegal and unfair employment practices.

The soldiers are not getting the treatment they were promised and Dental Command is driving the best Hygienists away with their practices and policies.

G Girl,
Yes! I would like very much to speak with them and let them know how I wasted 11 months pursuing a position for nothing. My email is skprdh@yahoo.com

Wow! I'm glad I found this site! I've been thinking about persuing an Army position to hopefully work abroad. Everything that has been posted is making me reconsider! Has anyone had any positve experiences or work for an international military base?

I was just reading your post and wanted to comment. I worked on a post (contract)and was harrassed every day by the people who worked there, sexuall harrassment, the whole nine yards. And the minute I say something I am the problem not them. I was even threatened that this female said she was gonna punch me in the face, and another commented, I'll do it for you and go to the gym she works at and get her there. so grade school like, worst mistake ever.I was so stressed from my family life going down the tubes and the job that I ended up injurying myself at work. and got screwed over with that as well!!I am still recovering 1 year later.