U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service: The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives
IHS Division of Oral Health Dental Externship Program

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If you are wondering whether a career with the Indian Health Service (IHS) Division of Oral Health (DOH) or a position at a specific IHS or Tribal site is right for you, an IHS externship will give you the experience to help make your decision.

You will have the opportunities to work in the state-of-the-art facilities, in a career position with excellent pay and benefits, Loan Repayment Program, job stability, potential for advancement and mentoring by experienced staff, and the opportunity to provide much-needed care to appreciative patients. Begin your adventure now by exploring the diverse professional, geographic and cultural experiences that many IHS dentists say have made their careers the envy of their peers.

Dental students in the Class of 2011 are now welcome to apply for an IHS Dental Externship during the open application season October 31, 2009 to February 28, 2010. Remember that applications and selections are rolling and applying well before the deadline is recommended. Visit www.dentist.ihs.gov regularly to view the "Latest News" to learn about upcoming Web Forums and updates about the externship program.

Last year, 36 Indian Health Service Sites accepted 134 dental externs from 40 different US Dental School. Only about 15 of the 36 sites listed their opportunity in the Current Vacancy List with the job title of "Student Externship D3." The other 21 sites elected to review applicants in the pool and contact those they feel would be the best match for their site. Although a Preceptor can make a selection anytime after October 31, most Preceptors allow the applicant pool to build and then start making their selections in early January.

Please follow these PRE-APPLICATION requirements prior to clicking on the "Apply Now" link:

  1. Compose your answer to the following question in a WORD document using no more than 2500 characters: Please tell us why you are interested in an Indian Health Service Dental Externship. You will be allowed to copy/paste your answer from your WORD document into question #10 in the application.
  2. The application contains a quiz covering the information in the Travel information sheet. Please read the IHS Externship Travel Information Sheet prior to starting the application.
  3. If you have completed item #1 and #2 above, the application will take 30-45 minutes to complete. Please make sure you have that time available prior to starting the application.
  4. As an optional item, you may prepare a resume and a cover letter of intent and contact those sites, via e-mail, that list a "Student Externship D3" at the vacancy list.
  5. Click Apply Now to begin.