This ACDH reports to the local dental unit chief with oversight from the health services administrator. The ACDH delivers advanced dental hygiene procedures, provides chairside assistance, processes and sterilizes instruments, conducts sick call, and ensures infection control. The role includes maintaining access to oral health care services, ensuring compliance with policies and accreditation standards.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Summary
This ACDH reports to the local dental unit chief with oversight from the health services administrator. The ACDH delivers advanced dental hygiene procedures, provides chairside assistance, processes and sterilizes instruments, conducts sick call, and ensures infection control. The role includes maintaining access to oral health care services, ensuring compliance with policies and accreditation standards.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
Provides direct dental hygiene care as prescribed to patients in a detention and/ or residential setting in accordance with prescribed IHSC policy and pertinent accreditation standards.
Performs optimum sterilization and/or disinfection procedures including instrument processing and spore testing in accordance with IHSC national policy and procedure and the CDC guidelines.
Takes digital and/or film radiographs as ordered on patients including bitewing, periapical, and panoramic x-rays.
Observes IHSC radiation safety protocols, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Radiation Protection Guidance and recommendations, National Council on Radiation Protection Guidance, and American Dental Association recommendations/guidance when exposing dental radiographs to assure optimal patient and provider safety.
Will participate in sharps and instrument accountability in the dental clinic through performance and logging of daily inventory of all sharps and instruments in the dental clinic at the beginning and end of each workday.
Provides oral hygiene instruction to patients for preventive dental care.
Accesses interpretation and/or translation services as needed to ensure ability to communicate with detainees or others who are not proficient in the English language.
Performs electronic clinical works (eCW) and paper record keeping functions in accordance with program policies.
Assists the dentist with procedures including operatory set up and clean up. Applies the concepts of four-handed dentistry to maintain a field of operation through the use of retraction, suction, irrigation, isolation, drying, lighting, etc., during all dental procedures.
Participates in Performance Improvement Program.
Serves as a project officer for tasks as assigned (e.g., supply acquisitions, training program development, and policy and procedure revisions and development).
Collects and organizes accurate dental data and submits to the Regional Dental Consultant in a timely manner.
Attends monthly dental teleconferences, organizational and local duty station meetings.
May periodically be asked to travel to support short term TDY missions.
Other duties as assigned in support of the local medical unit and/or IHSC Dental Program.
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.
ASSIGNMENT PAY AGREEMENT: You must not have a current Assignment Pay Agreement. However, if you have a current Assignment Pay Agreement, it must be fulfilled within 90 days of your application submission.
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
Qualifications
COMPETENCIES:
Superior oral/written communication skills.
Active Listening skills.
Reading Comprehension.
Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills.
Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills.
Demonstrates strong problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills.
Integrity/Honesty.
Cultural Competency.
Experience in correctional health care preferred.
Flexible and able to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements.
Superior knowledge and skills in the broad functions of dental hygiene: prevention, prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, infection control, patient education.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Requires physical exertion such as lifting objects greater than 30 pounds.
Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
Must have the ability to assist sick, injured or aging detainees or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self).
The work may necessitate some physical characteristics that will be required when responding to an emergency situation, such as running short distance, prolonged standing and working in an austere environment.
Education
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Graduate from a Dental Hygiene program accredited by American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation located in a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory.
Must have six months of recent licensed work experience in the United States as a practicing Dental Hygienist and hold and maintain a current unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory.
Ability to administer local anesthesia preferred
Minimum 2 years clinical experience
Knowledge of dental science such as oral anatomy, oral physiology and histology, the principles and technique of 4 handed dentistry, periodontics, and dental materials.
Knowledge of regulations on the confidentiality of medical records (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act--HIPAA), and applicable accreditation standards (National Commission on Correctional Health Care, American Correctional Association, and ICE Performance Based National Detention Standards).
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and in dental software programs.
Must adhere to requirements for safety, infection control, quality assurance, clinical documentation, and data management.
Must pass all facility competency testing initially, annually, and as needed.
Ability and proficiency to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Ability to communicate proficiently in English in order to develop rapport with patients, coworkers and administration.
Continuous BLS certification required.
Ability to respond to and assist with medical emergencies.
Additional information
This position is located within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC), Office of Deputy Assistant Director of Clinical Services. The incumbent will report directly to the local dental unit chief with broad administrative oversight provided by the local health services administrator.
As the advanced clinical dental hygienist the incumbent is responsible for the delivery of advanced prophylactic and preventive dental hygiene procedures as prescribed as well as chair side assisting when necessary. The advanced clinical dental hygienist will also participate in dental instrument processing, sterilization and monitoring procedures, sick call assessments and clinic cleaning and infection control practices. The hygienist will perform a variety of clerical and administrative tasks as directed by the local dental unit chief directed towards the maintenance of access to oral health care services within prescribed policy and accreditation standards.
IHSC has a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1400 employees, including U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) commissioned officers, federal civil servants, and contract staff. IHSC provides on-site direct patient care to ICE detainees at 22 detention facilities throughout the country and manages the provision of off-site medical care for detainees housed in approximately 240 additional Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) facilities. The ICE detainee population is approximately 34,000 detainees on a daily basis, with an average length of stay of approximately 30 days, and over 400,000 detainees annually. IHSC also provides medical support during ICE enforcement operations in the air, on the ground and at sea.
DHS SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
1. DHS
2. ICE
3. ERO
HHS SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
1. DHHS
2. USPHS CC
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist works under the broad supervision of the health services administrator while clinical oversight and supervision is provided by the Local Dental Unit Chief.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be selected for an interview at the hiring authority's discretion. You will be notified of selection or non-selection.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position. A complete application includes:
U. S. Public Health Service Officers
Cover Letter/Letter of Interest.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references. (i.e., name, title and contact information)
Official USPHS Promotion CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "Resume")
You may provide a civilian resume in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience.
A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
For IHSC USPHS officers only, a copy of your current Service Remaining Requirements Agreement.
Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement. If you do not, please submit a memo attesting to no AP in the Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement section in the documents section of application.
New Call to Active Duty
Cover letter/Letter of Interest. Please include location preference here.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information)
CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "Resume")
U.S. Public Health Service - Appointment Board Decision Letter/Email.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 09/26/2025.
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.
ERO-DRO-IHSC Public Health Service
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position. A complete application includes:
U. S. Public Health Service Officers
Cover Letter/Letter of Interest.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references. (i.e., name, title and contact information)
Official USPHS Promotion CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "Resume")
You may provide a civilian resume in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience.
A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
For IHSC USPHS officers only, a copy of your current Service Remaining Requirements Agreement.
Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement. If you do not, please submit a memo attesting to no AP in the Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement section in the documents section of application.
New Call to Active Duty
Cover letter/Letter of Interest. Please include location preference here.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information)
CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "Resume")
U.S. Public Health Service - Appointment Board Decision Letter/Email.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 09/26/2025.
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.
ERO-DRO-IHSC Public Health Service
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
