Dentist

Akicita Federal • Zuni, NM

16d • Onsite

About The Position

Akicita Federal is hiring a Dentist to deliver comprehensive oral health services to American Indian patients through the Indian Health Service (IHS) Zuni Comprehensive Community Health Center in Zuni, New Mexico. This is meaningful, community-centered work serving approximately 14,000 patients in a rural, culturally rich setting where quality dental care makes a direct and lasting difference. You will be an integral part of a dedicated clinical team providing the full scope of general dentistry — from prevention through complex restorative care.

Requirements

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited institution
• Current, unrestricted license to practice dentistry in any U.S. state or territory
• Demonstrated knowledge and clinical experience in anesthesia, oral anatomy, pharmaceuticals, and preventive dentistry
• Experience providing the full scope of general dentistry services consistent with accepted standards of practice
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or equivalent (or ability to obtain prior to start)
• Ability to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, excluding federal holidays, in an on-site clinical environment
• Physical ability to perform clinical dental work, including prolonged standing, bending, and exposure to a clinical setting

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working in an IHS, tribal, or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) environment
• Familiarity with IHS Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems or similar clinical documentation platforms
• Experience serving rural or underserved patient populations, particularly Native American communities
• Cross-cultural communication skills and demonstrated sensitivity to patients with limited English proficiency or who communicate through interpreters
• Advanced proficiency or additional training in endodontics, oral surgery, or prosthodontics beyond general dentistry

Responsibilities

• Examine, diagnose, and develop individualized treatment plans for a diverse patient population, including medical and dental history review and radiograph interpretation
• Perform routine and moderately complex dental procedures spanning endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery within general dentistry scope, and preventive orthodontic services
• Administer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and appropriate analgesia in accordance with accepted clinical standards
• Educate patients on oral health, disease prevention, and home care practices while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and working effectively with interpreters when needed
• Document all patient encounters accurately in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) within 24 hours, including coding and billing elements
• Coordinate scheduling and communicate proactively with the Dental Department Supervisor, including advance notice of absences and timely submission of weekly timesheets
• Adhere to IHS infection control protocols, safety standards, and facility policies, and maintain awareness of proper dental equipment use and basic maintenance

What This Job Offers

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