Frequently Asked Questions
Applying to work with the Indian Health Service (IHS)
- What is the role does the IHS Division of Oral Health (DOH) headquarters play in hiring for IHS locations?
- Is there an age limit for working with IHS DOH?
- Do I need a dental license to apply?
- Is there an employment application deadline?
- Where can I find current dental vacancy listings?
- How can I contact the facility that I’m interested in?
Civil Service and Commissioned Corps
- What’s the difference between the civil service and the Commissioned Corps?
- Is the USPHS Commissioned Corps part of the US military?
IHS Work Benefits
Information for Students
- I’m a dental student interested in the Indian Health Service. What should I consider doing now?
- When is the best time to participate in an IHS externship?
IHS Location and Housing
Ready to start a career with IHS?
Q: What is the role of the IHS Division of Oral Health headquarters?
A: The Division of Oral Health (DOH) headquarters recruits dentists, dental hygienists, dental students, and dental hygienist students looking for a career in dentistry with the Indian Health Service (IHS). We serve as your advocate in the job search process and are always available via email to provide you with guidance. After you submit your resume and cover letter of intent, we will market your availability across all IHS locations and connect you with IHS sites that have open positions. Once you connect with a site you are interested in, please refer to the site's instructions to complete the formal, local employment application. All IHS locations are responsible for making their own hiring decisions.
Q: Is there an age limit for working with IHS DOH?
A: Civil service and Tribal or Urban Indian Health Program hires do not have an age limit; however, if you choose to pursue employment with us through the USPHS Commissioned Corps, you must be under age 44 at the time of commissioning.
Q: Do I need a dental license to apply?
A: Yes, unless you’re currently in training. If you are applying for the civil service or the Commissioned Corps, employment requires a dental license from any of the 50 US states. For Tribal or Urban Indian Health Program Hire, you may be required to be licensed in the state in which you will be working. If you will be graduating this year, you are welcome to apply now, but you must have a license upon hire date.
Q: Is there an employment application deadline?
A: Although we accept applicants year-round, dental students in their final year of training are encouraged to begin their job search in the fall. The goal is to match the candidate to a site well before graduation. Many jobs are open continuously; however, some may have a specific application closing date.
Q: Where can I find current openings?
You can view current job openings at the Current Openings page.
Q: How can I contact the facility that I’m interested in?
A: You can find contact information on each job posting within the Current Openings list.
Q: What's the difference between the civil service and the Commissioned Corps?
A: Both the civil service and the USPHS Commissioned Corps are federal employment opportunities. Although the USPHS is one of the seven uniformed services of the U.S. federal government, it is not a military service. Pay and benefits are similar to the military. The civil service is direct federal employment with no multi-year commitment; the Commissioned Corps is part of the USPHS and requires a minimum two-year service commitment. For dentists accepting a signing bonus, the commitment is four years.
Q: Is the USPHS Commissioned Corps part of the US military?
A: Although the USPHS is one of the seven uniformed services of the U.S. federal government, it is not a military service. Pay and benefits are similar to the military.
Q: Are signing bonuses available?
A: Yes. Civil service employees may receive recruitment bonuses authorized by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) when negotiating their salaries. With a four-year commitment with the Commissioned Corps., eligible general dentists may receive a $150,000 signing bonus, while specialists may receive up to $300,000.
Q: Are there any opportunities for specialty training for dentists?
A: Yes. The minimum requirement to apply for such opportunities exists after at least two years of service with IHS. Depending on the sites, there may be opportunities available for Long Term Training (LTT) in Pediatric Dentistry, Endodontics, Oral Surgery and Dental Public Health.
Q: I'm a dental student interested in the Indian Health Service, what should I consider doing now?
A: If you’re going to be near an IHS site and would like us to help you arrange a tour, send your request to dentaljobs@ihs.gov. We also encourage students to enroll in our externship program to determine whether a position at a specific IHS or Tribal site is right for you.
Q: When is the best time to participate in an IHS DOH externship?
A: Summer externships are available for students between their third and fourth years of dental school, for a minimum of two weeks between April and September.
Q: If I apply for a dental career with IHS, am I assigned to a site or will I be able to choose the location?
A: If there are job openings at specific IHS locations you are interested in, we strongly encourage you to apply for them. The choice is yours to accept or decline a job offer.
Q: If I work for the IHS, where will I live?
A: Based on the job location, you may live in a nearby town or on a Tribal reservation.
Have another question?
Division of Oral Health
5600 Fishers Lane
Mail Stop: 08N34 A
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: 800-447-3368
Email: dentaljobs@ihs.gov
Complete the Contact a Recruiter Form
