Dentist

Akicita Federal is hiring a Dentist to deliver comprehensive outpatient dental care to American Indian and Alaska Native patients served by the Indian Health Service (IHS) Navajo Area at the Tohatchi Health Center in Tohatchi, NM. This is a meaningful opportunity to address a critical shortage of dental providers in a rural, underserved community located approximately 25 miles north of Gallup, serving roughly 8,000 nearby residents. You will be part of a multidisciplinary care team at one of the newest outpatient facilities operated by the Navajo Area Indian Health Service.

Responsibilities

Provide direct outpatient dental services to IHS patients at Tohatchi Health Center across an 8-hour workday (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday); Diagnose and treat a broad range of dental conditions for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients; Document patient encounters, treatment plans, and outcomes accurately within IHS information systems in compliance with HIPAA standards; Coordinate referrals and collaborate with consultant staff from Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) for cases requiring specialty or inpatient services; Maintain clinical privileges and adhere to credentialing requirements established by the Gallup Service Unit Credentialing Committee; Follow IHS Service Unit policies, Joint Commission standards, and CMS guidelines to ensure high-quality, safe patient care; Engage with patients and staff in a culturally respectful manner consistent with the values and practices of the Navajo Nation community

Requirements

Maintain clinical privileges and adhere to credentialing requirements established by the Gallup Service Unit Credentialing Committee; Follow IHS Service Unit policies, Joint Commission standards, and CMS guidelines; Document patient encounters in IHS information systems in compliance with HIPAA standards

Nice to have

Board certification in a dental specialty relevant to outpatient primary dental care; Prior experience providing dental services in a federal, tribal, or IHS-operated health facility; Familiarity with the Navajo Nation, its culture, and the unique health needs of its community members; Experience working in rural or frontier healthcare settings with limited specialist backup; Completion of a dental residency program, particularly in general dentistry or a related discipline