What Is a Dental Officer?

Dental officers work for the government, specifically in the military.  There are several different kinds of dental officer grades.  These include GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 and GS-14.  The different grades of dental officer correspond to different degrees of difficulty in tasks the dental officer performs.

• GS-11- A GS-11 dental officer performs the tasks of a regular dentist.  These tasks include giving oral exams, X-rays, filling cavities, providing local anesthesia as needed for procedures, pulling teeth and treating mouth and gum infections.  These dental officers work with their supervisory dental officers and supervisory medical officers in regards to treatment options for patients.  To be a GS -11 the dental officer must have graduated from college and hold a license in one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.


• GS-12- A GS-12 dental officer regularly deals with health problems and dental diseases that occur with greater than usual difficulty.  GS-12 dental officers also deal with patients who have behavioral and communication problems regularly.  A GS-12 dental officer works more independently than a GS-11, but consults with other dental officers in regards to particularly difficult cases.  A GS-12 dental officer must have special experience with patients who have behavioral problems, usually for about two years.


• GS-13- A GS-13 dental officer is a specialized dental officer.  These dental officers have advanced knowledge and experience in their specialty.  Specialties include oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics and several others.


• GS-14- A GS-14 dental officer is an expert in the area of dentistry.  These dental officers treat a huge range of dental problems and diseases.  When difficult or unusual cases present themselves, GS-14 dental officers consult with other dental officers.  To gain the level of experience and knowledge necessary to become a GS-14, a dental officer must have five or more years’ experience in the dental field.