Become a Dental Assistant with the Indian Health Service

Are you looking for a rewarding healthcare career that makes a tangible difference in the lives of others? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a compassionate and skilled Dental Assistant to join our team at the Kayenta Service Unit in Arizona. This role is a fantastic opportunity to provide essential support within an interdisciplinary dental environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Dental Assistant, you will act as the backbone of our dental operations. Key responsibilities include:

Chairside Assistance: Assisting dentists during routine procedures by managing instruments and patient support.
Radiologic Procedures: Accurately exposing, mounting, and storing digital radiographs.
Clinical Support: Performing tasks like coronal polishing, suture removal, and fluoride application.
Sterilization: Maintaining strict infection-control standards by cleaning and sterilizing dental equipment.
Patient Interaction: Scheduling appointments, gathering patient histories, and providing post-treatment care instructions.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Certification	Current radiologic certification required
Background	Must pass a federal background check
Suitability	Must satisfy financial and E-Verify requirements

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $35,749 to $44,780 per year. As a federal employee, you will be part of the General Schedule (GS) pay system, with potential for promotion based on demonstrated performance and management needs.

Benefits

IHS employees enjoy a suite of benefits, including:

Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Opportunities for career progression within the federal system.
Health insurance and retirement options.
Credit for previous relevant experience to accelerate leave earnings.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly document your experience in hours per week.
Highlight Certifications: Ensure your radiologic credentials are front and center.
Submit Early: Do not wait until the final day to avoid submission errors.
Use Official Links: Always apply through the secure USAJOBS portal.

If you are ready to start a meaningful career in dental health, the Kayenta Service Unit offers a supportive team and a mission that truly matters. Apply today to help us improve the health outcomes for the community we serve.

Why This Dental Assistant Job Matters

Launch your career in dental healthcare with the Indian Health Service, providing vital care to the Kayenta community.

Dental Assistant Job Overview

The Kayenta Service Unit is seeking a dedicated Dental Assistant to join our clinical team. This role is essential for supporting our dental staff by providing chairside assistance, preparing examination rooms, and ensuring a high standard of patient care. Working within the Indian Health Service means you are helping improve health outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Dental Assistant

U.S. Citizenship.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Must meet radiologic procedure credentialing standards per 42 CFR Part 75.
Possess required state or federal certification for radiologic work.
Ability to perform physical duties including walking, sitting, standing, and reaching.
Financial suitability check and E-Verify verification.
Must satisfy all legal financial obligations.

Preferred Qualifications for Dental Assistant

Experience in dental office customer service and clinic maintenance.
Completion of an accredited dental assistant or dental hygiene program.
Completion of practical nurse training.
Strong technical competence and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to perform preliminary impressions and coronal polishing.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accumulation based on years of service
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Interdisciplinary team collaboration
✓Professional development opportunities
✓Credit for previous non-federal experience toward leave accrual

💡 How to Apply Dental Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dental Assistant Job

Create a profile on USAJOBS.gov.
Prepare a detailed resume highlighting relevant dental or customer service experience.
Gather supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of certification.
Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline.
Complete the mandatory eligibility questionnaire.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume lists exact hours worked per week for all positions.
Clearly highlight your radiologic training and certification.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible.
Apply well before the closing date to avoid technical issues.
Use the USAJOBS Help Center to verify your resume meets federal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of this position?

You will assist the dental team by setting up instruments, prepping patients, taking digital X-rays, and performing clinical support duties like coronal polishing.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an in-person clinical role located in Arizona at the Kayenta Service Unit.

Do I need a formal dental degree?

General experience is accepted for the GS-02/GS-03 levels, but specific radiologic certification is a mandatory requirement.

What if I have foreign education?

*A: You must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript.*

Is there promotion potential?

*A: Yes, this position is graded up to GS-03.*

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is a nationwide organization of healthcare providers dedicated to meeting the health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. We take pride in our innovative, dynamic culture that emphasizes community service and high-quality patient care. Joining our team means becoming part of a community that values problem-solving, empathy, and professional excellence.