Dentist

Indian Health Service; Winterhaven (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Health Service seeks a Dentist to provide comprehensive, patient-centered dental care and manage complex cases within a multidisciplinary team. You will focus on health equity and improving community well-being across American Indian communities.

Responsibilities include exams, diagnosis, treatment planning, restorations, surgery, and emergency services, while maintaining records and contributing to quality improvement and infection control efforts.

Qualifications

• Active U.S. dental license in a state or territory.
• Experience with restorative, surgical, pediatric, and preventive dentistry.
• Ability to maintain thorough clinical records and participate in quality improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive dental care including exams, diagnosis, treatment planning, restorations, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, surgery, and emergency care.
• Manage complex cases independently and coordinate with medical providers for medically complex patients.
• Deliver patient education and preventive services; ensure informed decisions and culturally sensitive care.
• Consult with dental staff and healthcare teams on dental health issues and overall patient health.
• Maintain records, support infection control, and participate in program operations and strategic planning.

Skills

Dental license

Clinical teamwork

Infection control

Complex case management

Education

DMD or DDS

NBDE/Equivalent license

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.

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

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Exposures to vaccine‑preventable diseases require compliance with the Indian Health Service Employee Immunization Policy. Vaccine exemptions may be available per policy and facility guidance.
• All candidates must pass a federal background investigation. Completion of the investigation is a condition of employment.
• Financial suitability is required. Candidates must demonstrate financial responsibility and maintain good standing with creditors unless exempt by policy.
• REAL ID compliance is required beginning May 7 2025 for all employees. State‑issued IDs or licenses must be REAL ID‑compliant.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from an ADA‑or‑CODA‑approved school.
• Successful completion of the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and possession of a current, full, and unrestricted dental license in a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
• At least one year of full‑time experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing professional dentistry work for a GS‑12 level or above assignment.
• For GS‑12 (or equivalent) level, completion of a two‑year residency program in dentistry, oral health, craniofacial sciences, or related medical science, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience in restorative, pediatric, periodontic, endodontic, prosthodontic, diagnostic, surgical, and preventive dental services, including complex and medically complex cases.
• Ability to stipulate clinical records, infection control, and quality improvement activities.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to reward a federal career, including health, dental, disability, and retirement benefits. Eligibility for specific benefits depends on the position and work status.