About This Role
Joining the Indian Health Service as a Dentist offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact the oral health of American Indian communities. This role involves providing comprehensive, patient-centered dental care, managing complex cases, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to advance health equity and improve community well-being.
Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive dental care, including examinations, diagnosis, treatment planning, restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and emergency dental services
- Independently evaluate and manage complex dental conditions, adapting treatment approaches as needed and coordinating care with medical providers for patients with complex health or behavioral needs
- Deliver patient education and preventive care services, ensuring patients understand treatment options, risks, and post-treatment care while addressing diverse cultural and socioeconomic needs
- Provide consultation and professional guidance to healthcare providers and dental staff regarding dental health issues and their impact on overall patient health
- Maintain clinical records, participate in quality improvement and infection control activities, support program operations, and contribute to clinical committees and strategic planning initiatives
Requirements
- Comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers (vaccine exemption requests may be available)
- Not have been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes, as this is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children
- Obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
Benefits
- Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee
- IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service, which can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave
- Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized
Important Details
- Physical Demands: The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients
- Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
- This position may be covered by a Bargaining Unit
- A service agreement will be required
