Lead Dental Operations: Local Chief Dentist Opportunity
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated professional to serve as the Local Chief Dentist (O-6 Billet). This critical leadership role is stationed in Los Fresnos, Texas, and serves as the senior dental authority for the facility. If you are an experienced dental professional dedicated to public health and institutional excellence, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of correctional dentistry.
Job Responsibilities
The Local Chief Dentist manages the end-to-end operations of the dental unit. Key responsibilities include:
- Supervision: Managing a team of 3 or more staff, including fellow dentists and auxiliary staff.
- Clinical Excellence: Providing complex oral healthcare and ensuring all treatments meet IHSC and CDC standards.
- Administrative Oversight: Managing budgets, equipment, scheduling, and clinic policy development.
- Accreditation: Leading the dental program through rigorous, independent accreditation cycles.
- Emergency Response: Responding to facility-wide emergencies and maintaining physical fitness for clinical/emergency tasks.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Level | O-6 Billet |
| Location | Los Fresnos, Texas |
| Supervisory Status | Yes |
| Required Experience | 6+ Years Clinical, 2+ Years Leadership |
Requirements
This position is specifically designed for USPHS officers and CAD candidates. Applicants must hold a valid DDS or DMD degree and an unrestricted dental license. Proficiency in oral surgery and infection control is mandatory.
Salary Overview
This position offers a salary range up to $150,000 per year, commensurate with rank and federal pay scales for USPHS officers.
Benefits
- Career progression within the federal system.
- Professional autonomy in a specialized field.
- Comprehensive government benefits including health insurance and retirement planning.
Application Tips
To be considered, ensure your application package is complete. Include your most recent COERs, professional references, and clear documentation of your leadership tenure. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.
Serving as the Local Chief Dentist with the IHSC is more than a job—it is a mission. By joining this team, you utilize your clinical expertise to provide essential care where it is needed most. If you meet the criteria and are ready for the challenge, we encourage you to apply.
Why This Local Chief Dentist (O-6 Billet) Supervisory Job Matters
Lead vital dental health operations in a high-impact environment as a Local Chief Dentist for the ICE Health Service Corps.
Local Chief Dentist (O-6 Billet) Supervisory Job Overview
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps is seeking an experienced, mission-driven dentist to serve as the Local Chief Dentist (O-6 Billet). In this supervisory role based in Los Fresnos, Texas, you will manage comprehensive dental programs, lead multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure high-quality oral health care for a complex patient population within a detention setting.
Requirements for Local Chief Dentist (O-6 Billet) Supervisory
- U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Officer or Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from an ADA-accredited program
- Current, unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a U.S. State, District of Columbia, or territory
- Minimum of 6 years of clinical dental experience
- Minimum of 2 years of supervisory, leadership, or practice management experience
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Ability to pass a suitability and security background investigation
- Willingness to perform physical tasks, including emergency care and handling patients in austere environments
Preferred Qualifications for Local Chief Dentist (O-6 Billet) Supervisory
- Demonstrated expertise in oral surgery
- Experience managing clinical environmental health and infection control protocols
- Proven background in navigating independent accreditation reviews
- Strong proficiency in electronic health records and dental software
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal career advancement within the USPHS
- ✓Opportunities for professional leadership and mentorship
- ✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package
- ✓Collaboration with multidisciplinary medical teams
- ✓Ability to influence healthcare policy in a unique clinical setting
💡 How to Apply Local Chief Dentist (O-6 Billet) Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Local Chief Dentist (O-6 Billet) Supervisory Job
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documentation.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required documents (CV, licensure, references, and performance reports) before the deadline.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your documentation includes your most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COERs).
- Double-check that your professional license and degrees are clearly categorized in the documents section.
- Apply at least one day before the closing date to avoid technical delays.
- Clearly highlight your supervisory experience in your resume or CV to meet the 2-year leadership requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is strictly limited to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and qualified Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
What is the physical nature of this role?
This position involves hazardous duty, including the ability to perform CPR, lift over 30 pounds, and assist patients during emergency evacuations.
Is travel required for this role?
Yes, the position may require up to 30% temporary duty (TDY) travel to support mission-critical staffing needs.
Is this position open to the general public?
*A: No, it is limited to USPHS officers and candidates eligible for Call to Active Duty.*
Does this job involve travel?
*A: Yes, the role may require up to 30% travel to support regional staffing needs.*
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are dedicated to the safety and security of the American public. The IHSC is the clinical engine behind ICE detention facilities, ensuring that detainees have access to routine, urgent, and emergency dental care. Working within this framework requires dedication, resilience, and a commitment to providing equitable healthcare in complex, high-stakes environments.