Primary Accountability (Job Purpose):
The Staff Dentist delivers high-quality dental care to patients served by HEALing Community Health for Oral Health (HCCOH). Operating under established clinical protocols and in alignment with state, federal, and organizational guidelines, this position ensures comprehensive oral health services are provided with compassion and professionalism. The Staff Dentist also supports outreach initiatives, engages patients through motivational interviewing and goal setting, and advocates for oral health education and disease prevention. Working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, the dentist helps coordinate care and foster a welcoming, patient-centered experience.
Essential Functions:
• Delivers comprehensive dental care in accordance with clinical protocols and GA law.
• Diagnoses and treats dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages.
• Conducts oral examinations and develops individualized treatment plans.
• Provides preventive care and oral health education to patients and families.
• Maintains accurate and confidential patient records using EHR systems (AthenaNet, Dentrix Ascend).
• Participates in planning and execution of community dental outreach events.
• Provides in-house and community-based oral screenings and preventive services.
• Identifies and enrolls high-risk patients into oral health programs.
• Tracks and reports patient and community engagement data monthly.
• Collaborates with primary care providers to enhance services for children and pregnant women.
• Links patients to appropriate health-related community resources.
• Builds and maintains relationships with referral sources and multidisciplinary teams.
• Upholds the highest standards of dental ethics and professionalism.
• Assists in developing and updating dental policies and quality improvement procedures.
• Recommends improvements to patient flow, records, billing, and scheduling practices.
• Supervises and trains dental ancillary staff on protocols and procedures.
• Represents HCCOH at professional dental associations and meetings as directed.
• Participates in emergency call rotations per established protocols.
• Engages in community health events such as school screenings and health fairs.
• Stays informed on federal, state, and local regulations affecting dental services.
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA and all regulatory requirements.
• Participates in QA/QI activities to support organizational performance improvement.
• Stays current with continuing education and organized dentistry practices.
• Contributes to the design and evaluation of dental program efficiency.
• Demonstrates cultural competence and the ability to serve diverse populations.
• Supports team goals and performs additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from an accredited institution
• Experience: Minimum of 2–5 years of clinical experience preferred
• Experience: Advanced dental training is highly desirable
• Licensure & Certifications: Possession of a valid Georgia dental license or eligibility to obtain one
• Licensure & Certifications: Current DEA registration
• Licensure & Certifications: Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) for healthcare providers
• Licensure & Certifications: Possess a valid driver’s license in good standing and be able to travel to various clinical and community outreach sites as needed.
• Proficiency in Spanish is helpful
• Familiarity with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) is preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders including patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with statistical methods.
• Ability to create and manage systems and processes effectively.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working independently or collaboratively.
• Interest in community health and health equity initiatives.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet quality criteria.
• Ability to organize, multi-task, plan and set priorities with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate poise, tact, and diplomacy with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.
• Punctual work attendance, adhering to regular schedule unless approved by supervisor.
Physical Demands:
• Ability to remain in a stationary position (standing or sitting) for extended periods while assisting with dental procedures. Must be able to position self to perform dental procedures, including bending, reaching, and adjusting posture.
• Frequently moves within the clinical environment to access equipment, supplies, and assist patients; may occasionally need to position self by bending, kneeling, or reaching.
• Frequently dental instruments and office equipment such as computers, imaging devices, and sterilization tools are operated.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
• Must be able to travel between clinical and outreach locations, requiring a valid driver’s license in good standing.
Work Environment:
• The role is primarily performed in a standard dental clinic, outreach sites, or school-based setting, which requires adherence to OSHA and infection control protocols.
• Frequent exposure to dental instruments, equipment, and materials, including potential contact with airborne particles, bodily fluids, and communicable diseases; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• The environment is fast-paced and team-oriented, involving regular interaction with patients, dentists, hygienists, and administrative staff.
Additional Duties:
Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.
