Local Chief Dentist (O-5 Billet) Supervisory Job in El Paso, TX

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides management and oversight of a solo dental unit. Supervises and serves as the leave granting authority for 1-2 federal auxiliary dental staff (i.e., registered dental hygienists and dental assistants) at the facility and/or provides clinical oversight of contract dental auxiliary staff (if part of staffing model). Provides input to the IHSC regional dental consultant, clinical director, health services administrator, and/or designated supervisory authority on contractor clinical performance. Provides orientation, training, and competency testing for the local auxiliary dental unit staff.

2. Provides emergent, urgent, and routine oral health care at a high level of independence for medically and dentally complex patient population in accordance with IHSC policy and accreditation standards. Refers patients to off-site dental providers through the IHSC referral process for care or consultation when necessary. Performs electronic health record documentation and forms management in accordance with IHSC policy. Judgment failure could cause delays in provision of dental services and result in decreased quantity or quality of care.

3. Serves as the responsible dental health authority for the facility on behalf of the health services administrator. Collaborates with multiple stakeholders including IHSC, ICE, and detention staff to plan and administer all aspects of dental unit operations: patient care, budget, management, scheduling, staffing, training, evaluations, supplies, equipment, and maintenance. Prepares and guides dental program through 5+ recurring independent accreditations and reviews.

4. Develops, oversees, and monitors dental clinic environmental health and safety protocols including hazardous materials management, radiation safety, and sharps/instruments safety in accordance with IHSC policy. Oversees and assures optimum sterilization and disinfection procedures in the dental clinic in accordance with IHSC policy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

5. Provides initial and annual dental training to qualified health care professionals.

6. Participates in local and national quality improvement initiatives. May perform peer reviews for IHSC dentists as requested by the IHSC chief dentist.

7. Utilizes extensive knowledge base and independent judgement to serve as a project officer for tasks as assigned (e.g., equipment acquisitions, training program development, and policy and procedure revisions and development). Attends national dental teleconferences, agency teleconferences, and local duty station meetings. Collects, organizes, and submits dental data.

8. Position may require periodic TDY travel in support of the mission.

9. Other duties as assigned in support of the local medical unit and/or IHSC dental program.

10. Adheres to IHSC policies, procedures, directives, operational memoranda, and accreditation standards as prescribed by ICE and IHSC.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• You must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
• Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Service Remaining Requirement Agreement: Upon appointment to this position, officers will be required to serve an 18 to 24-month commitment to IHSC.
• Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate. Civilians are not eligible for this position.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below.

The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/30/2025.

PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Human Resources Office representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.