Dentist

Indian Health Service; Mescalero (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave based on service

Recruitment incentives may be authorized

Job summary

The Indian Health Service is seeking a Dentist to provide impactful, patient-centered dental care to American Indian communities in Mescalero, New Mexico. In this role, you will manage complex cases and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, contributing to community health improvement and equity.

Ideal candidates will hold a DMD or DDS from an accredited institution and must have relevant experience, including management of oral diseases and complex cases. U.S. Citizenship and compliance with healthcare policies are required.

Qualifications

• Must comply with IHS Employee Immunization Policy.
• Must possess U.S. Citizenship.
• Must have passed National Board Dental Examinations.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive dental care including various treatment procedures.
• Manage complex dental conditions and coordinate care.
• Deliver patient education on treatment options.

Skills

Comprehensive dental care

Patient-centered care

Collaboration with healthcare team

Cultural competency

Education

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

Job description

Summary

Join the Indian Health Service and make a meaningful impact on the oral health of American Indian communities. As a Dentist, you will provide comprehensive, patient-centered care, manage complex cases, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team while advancing health equity and improving community well-being.

Duties

• 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

Immunization: Must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination exemption requests may be available per policy and guidance.

Legal: Must satisfy public law requirements regarding contact or control over Indian children and have no disqualifying criminal history.

Medical Staff Privileges: Must obtain and maintain appropriate medical staff clinical privileges and licensure; adverse action will result in removal from federal service.

Physical Demands: Work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching, and bending during assessment and treatment of patients.

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required.

Selective Service: Required for male applicants born after 12/31/1959.

Background Investigation: Successful completion of federal background investigation is required.

Financial Suitability: Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility; significant delinquent obligations may lead to being deemed unsuitable.

Identity: Must present two valid forms of ID, including REAL‑ID if one is a state‑issued ID.

Qualifications

Education: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from an ADA or CODA accredited school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Licensure: Must have passed the National Board Dental Examinations and hold a full, unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a state, DC, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.

Experience (GS‑12 level): At least one full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in professional dentistry work (GS‑12 or above). Experience must include evaluation, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases, injury, or disorders. Specialized experience may include restorative, pediatric, periodontic, endodontic, prosthodontic, diagnostic, surgical, and preventive services, oral surgeries, prosthodontic cases, routine pedodontics, medically complex case management, and obtaining medical clearances.

Residency: Two‑year residency in dentistry, oral health, craniofacial sciences, or related medical science, or equivalent experience. (For GS‑12 or equivalent grade level).

Additional Information

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period based on years of service. Newly‑appointed federal employees may receive credit for relevant prior non‑federal or military experience.

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. A service agreement will be required.

This position may be covered by a Bargaining Unit and has promotion potential to GS‑12 or higher based on performance and management discretion.