In 1996, Lynn Van Pelt was a University of Mississippi fourth-year dental student who was exploring her career options, unsure of what direction to take. But she was certain of two things: She wanted some adventure in her health care career, and she wanted to fulfill a long-time dream of living in Alaska.

She got both — and more — when she chose a career in public health dentistry with the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the US Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. Exceptional career advancement opportunities and the chance to perform a much-needed public health service to an underserved population brought the professional fulfillment and adventurous lifestyle she sought.

CDR Van Pelt’s career has included travel to three duty sites, increasing career responsibilities and two rank promotions within the span of 10 years. Currently she is the newest member of the IHS Division of Oral Health’s dental recruitment team, working with CAPT Tim Lozon, DDS, and CAPT Jim Schaeffer, DMD, to spread the word to students about dental career opportunities with IHS and the Commissioned Corps. Read the full article »

IHS Connects With You IHS Dental Web Forum IHS Dentistry – A Career of Service A Live and Interactive IHS Dental WebForum Does the opportunity to provide quality dentistry to an underserved population interest you? Do you value a career that offers an exceptional quality of life and a chance to live and work in some of the most beautiful areas of the country? If so, the Opportunity, Adventure and Purpose of an Indian Health Service career may be ideal for you. Get more information — find out about the IHS Loan Repayment Program, the Commissioned Corps Sign-on Bonus, and ask questions of a current IHS dentist during this live 60-minute webcast discussion on IHS careers. Tuesday, January 8, 2008 Noon - 1:00 PM (Eastern Time) Wednesday, January 9, 2008   7:00 - 8:00 PM (Eastern Time) Register Now: Email the date of the WebForum in which you wish to participate, your name and professional status (Dentist, Dental Faculty, RDH, or Student – include school and year) to: DentalWebForum@ihs.gov.

Dental Recruitment List Serv Keep in touch with IHS dental happenings on the new Dental Recruitment Listserv. To join, go to www.dentist.ihs.gov and click on the Subscribe link on the home page under the heading: IHS DENTAL Recruitment List Serv Is Now Available.

The IHS Externship Program is a great way to gain invaluable hands-on clinical experience, as well as exposure to dental careers within IHS. IHS dental preceptors begin reviewing applications in December 2007, so apply early. The deadline is February 28, 2008! To learn more about the IHS Externship Program, go to www.dentist.ihs.gov/extern.cfm, or view previously recorded IHS Dental WebForums. Go to https://ihs-ophs.webex.com , select “Recorded Sessions” and click on the playback icon for “IHS Dental Externships – Opportunity to Learn, Serve, and Travel”.

Recruiting Corner — At Your Place 1/09/08  University of Mississippi School of Dentistry – Lunch & Learn 1/11/08 Boston University – Lunch & Learn 1/14/08  Baylor College of Dentistry – Dental Hygiene Recruitment Presentation 1/16/08 Medical College of Georgia – Lunch & Learn Get more information at: www.dentist.ihs.gov/recruit.cfm?module=recruiter_sch Interested in a Lunch & Learn at your school? Contact Dental Recruiter Dr. Tim Lozon, DDS at (301) 443-0029.

Contact Dental Recruiter Toll Free: 800-IHS-DENT (447-3368) Dentaljobs@ihs.gov www.dentist.ihs.gov