Dental Directory - Pine Ridge - Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a U.S. federal government agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that provides direct medical and public health services to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Headquartered in Rockville, MD (founded 1955), IHS operates hospitals, health centers, and health stations across 37 states, serving about 2.2 million AI/AN people through 26 hospitals, 59 health centers, 32 health stations, and 33 urban Indian health projects. It supports tribal health system participation and funds medical education for staff. For Pine Ridge, IHS would typically coordinate access to dental services through local IHS facilities, tribal health programs, and urban Indian health partnerships within the Pine Ridge region. - Purpose: Federal health program and main healthcare provider for AI/AN communities. - Location: Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland; national presence in 37 states. - Structure: Part of HHS; operates hospitals, clinics, and public health programs; supports tribal partnerships and education. - How it relates to Pine Ridge: Dental services are delivered via IHS facilities and tribal/urban Indian health programs serving Pine Ridge area; possible routes include Pine Ridge IHS clinics or affiliated health centers.
