Dentist (Endodontics)

Indian Health Service • Whiteriver, AZ

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Dental Department of Medical Services at the Whiteriver Service Unit in Whiteriver, Arizona. The dentist serves as a clinical specialist in Endodontics and provides dental services to the designated population in accordance with Indian Health Service (IHS) policies. The role includes diagnosing oral conditions, providing endodontic treatment and emergency care, and supporting the IHS dental program through continuing education and technical guidance.

The position requires a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), successful completion of the National Board Dental Examinations, and a current, full, unrestricted dental license. Applicants must meet the stated professional dentistry experience requirements and establish specialist status in Endodontics. For the GS-13 level, applicants must also have completed a qualifying three-year residency or demonstrate at least three years of professional Endodontic dentistry experience and/or training.

The selected individual must obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges and meet federal suitability, background investigation, financial suitability, identity documentation, and other conditions of employment. U.S. citizenship is required. A REAL ID-compliant state-issued identification document is required if used as one of the two identification forms presented before appointment; the posting also states that a REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025. Recruitment or relocation incentives and/or permanent change of station may be authorized, subject to availability and service unit approval, and may require a service agreement. The position has no promotion potential.

Requirements

• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from an appropriately approved or recognized school.
• Passed the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE).
• Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
• At least one full year of professional dentistry experience equivalent to the next lower grade level for GS-12 and above assignments.
• For specialty practice, experience, education, board certification, and/or training must establish the applicant's status as an Endodontics specialist.
• Ability to distinguish shades of color.
• For GS-13: completion of a three-year residency program in dentistry, oral health, craniofacial sciences, or a related medical science, or at least three years of professional Endodontic dentistry experience and/or training.
• For merit promotion candidates in the competitive service, one year of service at the next lower grade level; this time-in-grade requirement does not apply under ESEP.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Obtain and maintain required medical staff clinical privileges, including applicable licensure requirements.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check and a federal background investigation.
• Meet the financial suitability requirement and satisfy legal financial obligations.
• Present two valid forms of identification before appointment; any state-issued ID or driver's license used must be REAL ID-compliant.
• Complete all qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Federal employees applying under merit promotion must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose conditions using patient history, radiographs, examinations, diagnostic models, and other appropriate tests.
• Provide endodontic restoration of teeth affected by severe and rampant caries, periodontal disease, and trauma to the oral cavity and supporting structures.
• Provide emergency services, including treatment of trauma, pain, and infection.
• Participate in developing and implementing continuing education courses for the IHS dental program.
• Provide technical guidance to service unit dentists in developing and operating direct and contract endodontic programs.
• For GS-13-level work, provide diagnostic and therapeutic endodontic services using patient history, radiographs, and clinical examination to evaluate pulpal and periapical conditions.
• For GS-13-level work, perform complex root canal treatments, retreatments, and surgical procedures for teeth affected by severe caries, periodontal disease, and trauma.
• For GS-13-level work, manage care for medically and mentally compromised patients, including geriatric patients and those with systemic disease.
• For GS-13-level work, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams while independently managing complex specialty cases and ensuring compliance with infection control standards.

Benefits

• IHS annual leave accrual based on federal service, at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period.
• IHS may grant newly appointed federal employees credit for directly related prior non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual.
• Student loan repayment programs may be available through IHS, NHSC, or HRSA for qualifying health disciplines; opportunities are competitive and depend on agency priorities and funding.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives and/or permanent change of station may be authorized, subject to availability and service unit approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree