Dentist Job

Indian Health Service

Key Skills:Comprehensive Treatment PlanningRestorative DentistryOral SurgeryEndodontics & PeriodonticsProsthodonticsPediatric DentistryMedical Case ManagementPatient EducationClinical Quality Improvement

Embark on a Meaningful Dental Career with the Indian Health Service

Are you a dental professional looking to combine your clinical expertise with a commitment to public service? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently recruiting dedicated Dentists to provide essential oral healthcare to American Indian and Alaska Native populations. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to improve health equity and make a tangible difference in diverse communities across the United States.

Job Responsibilities

As a Dentist with the IHS, your duties are broad and impactful. You will act as a primary dental provider, performing:

Comprehensive Care: Conducting examinations, diagnostics, and treatment planning.
Clinical Procedures: Executing restorative work, endodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics.
Oral Surgery: Managing procedures such as extractions of impacted or full-mouth cases.
Complex Case Management: Treating medically complex patients and collaborating with medical staff for holistic care.
Preventive Care: Delivering patient education to promote long-term oral health.

Requirements

To qualify, you must hold a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited school and possess a current, unrestricted license to practice dentistry. You must also have passed the National Board Dental Examinations.

Requirement	Description
Education	DDS/DMD from an ADA/CODA accredited school
Licensure	Unrestricted U.S. State/Territory license
Citizenship	U.S. Citizenship required
Assessments	Must complete USA Hire competency-based assessments

Salary Overview

Positions are available at the GS-11 to GS-12 levels. Compensation is highly competitive, ranging from $123,077 to $315,000 per year, reflecting the essential nature of these healthcare roles.

Benefits

Beyond the salary, the IHS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including access to student loan repayment programs (IHS/NHSC/HRSA), federal retirement plans, health insurance, and generous leave policies.

Application Tips

Be Thorough: Ensure your resume reflects specific hours per week for each job to show experience level.
Documentation: Have your license and transcripts ready for the post-selection stage.
Stay Responsive: Monitor your email closely for the USA Hire link; missing the testing window will disqualify your application.

Serving with the Indian Health Service is a rewarding path for any Dentist. If you are ready to apply your skills in a setting that truly values patient outcomes and cultural service, review our requirements and start your application today.

Why This Dentist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on health equity—provide vital dental care to American Indian and Alaska Native communities across the nation.

Dentist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service is seeking dedicated Dentists to join our multidisciplinary team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive oral healthcare, manage complex clinical cases, and deliver preventive services to underserved populations. Whether you are looking to serve in a rural clinic or a larger community facility, you will play a key role in improving the overall well-being of patients while working within a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Dentist

U.S. Citizenship.
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an ADA/CODA-accredited school.
Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in any U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
Successfully completed National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE).
Must be able to distinguish shades of color.
Ability to obtain and maintain clinical privileges.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation and financial suitability review.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Dentist

Two years of professional dentistry experience equivalent to GS-11.
Experience with complex oral surgery (extractions), prosthodontics (crowns/bridges/dentures), and pedodontics.
Experience managing medically complex patients and coordinating with multidisciplinary medical teams.
Completion of a two-year residency in dentistry or related medical sciences.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accrual based on total service years.
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives available at specific locations.
✓Eligibility for student loan repayment programs (IHS, NHSC, HRSA).
✓Opportunities for professional development in a team-based setting.
✓Comprehensive health insurance and federal retirement programs.

💡 How to Apply Dentist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dentist Job

Review the full announcement and ensure you meet all criteria.
Click the Apply Online button and complete the required questionnaires.
Upload your resume, transcripts, and any supporting documentation (e.g., license, DD214, Indian Preference form).
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a notification regarding the USA Hire Assessment, if required.
Complete the assessment within the provided testing window to remain eligible.

💡 General Tips

List your courses clearly, including titles, credit hours, and grades to ensure proper credit.
Clearly define your duties and total hours per week for every position held on your resume.
If claiming Indian Preference, ensure you include the BIA-4432 form signed by an authorized representative.
Set aside at least two hours to complete the USA Hire assessment once invited.
Register for text message notifications in your USAJOBS account to track your status in real-time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am still finishing my dental degree?

Yes, if you are currently enrolled and expected to complete your education and licensure within 9 months of application, you may be deemed tentatively qualified.

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position has promotion potential to the GS-12 level. Please note that promotion is not guaranteed and depends on management discretion and the specific needs of the duty location.

Does this role require a background check?

Yes, a federal background investigation is mandatory. You will also be subject to a financial suitability review.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of our patients to the highest level. We operate in an innovative, interdisciplinary environment where compassion, cultural competence, and professional growth are at the forefront of our service delivery.