Career Opportunity: Chief Dental Officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to serve as the Chief Dental Officer in Coleman, Florida. This leadership role is designed for dentists who are not only masters of their craft but also passionate about serving in a mission-critical environment. By providing essential healthcare to the inmate population, you contribute directly to the safety and successful reintegration efforts of the federal correctional system.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief Dental Officer, your role is multifaceted:

Clinical Excellence: Diagnose and treat complex dental conditions, performing procedures ranging from standard restorative work to complex extractions and oral surgery.
Program Leadership: Coordinate the institution's dental program, which involves setting local policies and maintaining rigorous quality control.
Patient Interaction: Provide high-quality care to a population that may have communication or behavioral barriers, requiring patience and adaptability.
Institutional Security: As a correctional employee, your security responsibilities are a top priority, ensuring that dental care is delivered safely and within the parameters of the institution.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level role, candidates must demonstrate a background in both dentistry and leadership. Key requirements include:

Education: A DDS or DMD degree from an accredited school.
Licensure: An active, unrestricted license to practice dentistry in the United States.
Experience: Professional experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher.
Medical: Candidates must pass a drug test and have the ability to distinguish color shades.

Feature	Requirement Detail
Salary Range	$145,000 – $335,000 (Per Year)
Education	DDS or DMD from an accredited school
Citizenship	United States Citizenship required
Probation	One-year probationary period for supervisors

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary range, reflecting the seniority and specialized nature of the Chief Dental Officer role. With a range between $145,000 and $335,000, the final offer is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the specific needs of the facility.

Benefits

Employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons enjoy access to a robust federal benefits package. This includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, a generous federal retirement program with pension components, and the flexibility of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly 2 pages long.
Documentation is Key: Use clear, descriptive names for your uploaded files, avoiding symbols.
Detail Matters: When listing your work experience, always include the hours per week and specific dates.

Serving as a Chief Dental Officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons is more than a job; it is a vital public service. If you are a dentist looking to combine your clinical expertise with a leadership role that ensures the health of a population and the security of a facility, we encourage you to apply.

Why This Dentist (Chief Dental Officer) Job Matters

Lead vital dental healthcare initiatives in a unique correctional environment where your expertise directly impacts public safety and patient wellbeing.

Dentist (Chief Dental Officer) Job Overview

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking a dedicated Chief Dental Officer to join our professional healthcare team in Coleman, Florida. This critical role involves overseeing comprehensive dental programs, performing complex clinical procedures, and establishing high-quality care standards for the inmate population. You will serve as both a clinical provider and a leader, shaping dental policies and ensuring our correctional institution remains a secure and effective environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a licensed dentist to apply their clinical acumen in a mission-driven setting that values security, rehabilitation, and professional integrity.

Requirements for Dentist (Chief Dental Officer)

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from an ADA-accredited or CODA-approved institution.
Possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a U.S. State, D.C., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
Successful completion of the National Board of Dental Examinations (NBDE).
Minimum of one full year of professional experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12 or higher).
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, medical physical, and urinalysis.
Ability to distinguish shades of color.
U.S. Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications for Dentist (Chief Dental Officer)

Proven track record of managing dental clinical programs.
Expertise in complex restorative procedures, exodontia, and oral surgery.
Experience developing and implementing local dental health policies.
Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on staff supervision and development.
Ability to communicate effectively with difficult or challenging populations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary structure.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
✓Structured training opportunities.
✓Contribution to public safety and essential institutional operations.

💡 How to Apply Dentist (Chief Dental Officer) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dentist (Chief Dental Officer) Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly 2 pages, including detailed experience and hours worked per week.
Ensure all educational transcripts and licensure proofs are in a legible digital format.
Submit your application and all supporting documents through the USAJOBS portal.
Monitor your account for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages; exceeding this limit will disqualify your application.
Clearly include the start/end dates (MM/YYYY) and the average hours worked per week for all previous roles.
Ensure your resume uses a clean, sans-serif font like Arial or Calibri at 10-point size for the body text.
Do not use special characters in your file names (e.g., avoid symbols like # or @) when uploading documents.
Double-check that your license and NBDE certification are uploaded at the time of application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Chief Dental Officer at the BOP?

You are responsible for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients, the coordination of the dental program, the implementation of quality control measures, and advising on local dental policies.

Is travel required for this position?

The position is based in Coleman, Florida, though as a federal employee, you are subject to potential geographic relocation to meet agency needs.

Can I submit my resume in a different format if I am a PHS Commissioned Officer?

Yes, current Public Health Service Commissioned Officers should follow specific instructions outlined in the official vacancy announcement regarding resume/CV submission.

What is the biggest challenge of this role?

*A: The role requires balancing high-standard dental care with the security requirements of a correctional institution.*

Is background screening required?

*A: Yes, all applicants must pass a thorough background check, credit check, and physical evaluation.*

Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System

The Department of Justice, through the Federal Bureau of Prisons, manages a diverse range of correctional facilities. Our mission is to provide a humane, secure, and safe environment for inmates while preparing them for reentry into society. As part of our medical team, you are not just providing dental care; you are functioning as a key professional in an organization dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.