Dentist

Summary

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a dedicated Dentist to join our healthcare team. This role offers a meaningful chance to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centered care while making a lasting impact within Native American communities.

Duties

There may not be immediate vacancies at all locations.

• Perform comprehensive dentistry services including oral examinations, radiographs, routine, preventative and minor oral surgery.
• Examine, diagnose, and treat commonly encountered dental diseases and dental health problems.
• Provide appropriate dental disease prevention measures for all patients treated.
• Maintain all medical records ensuring they are updated in a timely manner.
• Provide patient education, counseling, and preventive care tailored to patients with diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ensure patients understand treatment options, risks, and post‑treatment care.

Total Compensation Package

Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Total Compensation Dentist

Requirements

Conditions of employment:

• Selectee may be subject to a probationary period.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101‑630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Applicants must not have been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
• IHS selectees whose duties require them to work in an IHS facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy regarding vaccine‑preventable diseases. Vaccine exemption requests may be available as outlined in the policy and facility guidance.
• Applicants must obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges and any required licensure. Failure to maintain privileges may result in adverse action, up to and including removal from federal service.
• On‑call hours or standby duty may be required.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. Visit for more information.
• Applicants must set up direct deposit for payment.

Background Investigation

This position requires successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

• A background investigation verifies an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for federal service.
• Applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays or a determination of unsuitability.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist.

Qualifications

To qualify, your resume must demonstrate sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of this position.

• Experience includes paid and unpaid work, such as volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, or social). Credit is granted for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part‑time work.

Basic Requirements

Education: Applicants must hold a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from a school approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) or the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of degree attainment.

Licensure: Applicants must have passed the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) and possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.

Medical Requirements: Applicants must be able to distinguish shades of color.

Applicants who meet the above basic requirements qualify for the GS‑11 grade level.

Flexibility: The Hiring Manager may treat applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete required education and licensing within nine (9) months of applying as tentatively qualified.

Education Support

Applicants should submit transcripts or a course list with titles, credit hours, and grades. Unofficial transcripts are accepted; official transcripts are required before an official offer is made.

Only attendance or degrees from U.S. accredited schools are considered. Verify accreditation at

Foreign education must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency for credit. More information at

Administrative Information

Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the certificate of eligibles issuance.

Annual leave rates (4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period) depend on years of federal service. Credit for prior non‑federal experience or active duty service may be applied.

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. A minimum six‑month service agreement is required.

The IHS, NHSC, and HRSA offer student loan repayment programs for qualifying disciplines. For details:

• For IHS:
• For NHSC:
• For HRSA Nurse Corps:

This position has promotion potential to GS‑12. Promotion is at management discretion and is not guaranteed.

Evaluation follows the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.

Essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following questions are optional but may be reviewed by hiring managers:

• How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the federal government?
• In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness?
• How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role?
• How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic, or personal achievements?
• Your responses are optional and will not be scored.
• They may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership during the evaluation process.
• You must certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT or Copilot).

Financial Suitability Requirement

This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations before applying.

Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations—including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state taxes, defaulted federal student loans, court‑ordered fines, or child support arrears—may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the IHS.

Candidates should be committed to improving federal efficiency, passionate about the ideals of the American republic, and uphold the rule of law and the Constitution.

Benefits

A federal career provides access to a comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families. Learn more about federal benefits.