Definition

Under general administrative program supervision from the Service Line Specialty Chief and Chief Medical Officer, is accountable for implementation and operation of the dental program, that includes preventative, rehabilitative and community series in a highly complex and diverse setting to Native Americans. Responsibilities include ensuring the quality management of dental care delivery to patients and families, managing and directing dentist and hygienist staff, in conjunction with the operational leaders, overseeing the service delivery budget and implementation of care plans. This is treated as an FLSA-Exempt.

Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

• Provides oversight of dental staff, including dentists and dental hygienist.
• Organize and plan the tasks & work assignments to be accomplished, set and adjust priorities and prepare schedules.
• Identifies developmental/training needs and opportunities for dental clinic personnel.
• Evaluates performance of assigned dental clinic personnel.
• Develops and maintains goals and objectives to facilitate smooth dental operation for assigned dental staff.

1. Provides comprehensive dental care to the community population and clinical oversight of contract dental services in a tribal community environment.

• In conjunction with the practice administrator and manager, implements and makes adjustments to the clinic operations to better facilitate the quality of dental care provided to the community.
• Provides consultation when reviewing dental privileges for contracted dental services.
• In conjunction with the practice administrator and manager, responsible for dental clinical decisions.
• Performs examinations, diagnosis, and treatment for commonly encountered dental health issues; including routine restorative procedures for pediatric and adult patients, extractions, root canals, oral surgery and prosthetics when necessary as privileges allow
• Administers local anesthesia.

2. Maintains secure facility, ensuring confidential access to patient medical records.

• Ensures patient dental records are maintained in accordance with SRPMIC guidelines.
• Along with all other employees, responsible for maintaining security of the facility.

3. Oversight responsibility for establishing and maintaining quality control measures to ensure final product conforms to standards set forth by the American Dental Association and National Board for Certification of Dental Technicians.

4. Provides direction and coordination of production of finished prosthetic appliances in accordance with the requirements submitted.

5. Works collaboratively with other health care professionals and clinic personnel to establish and maintain standards of care for the community, evaluating on a regular and recurring basis. Serves as the dental advisor to the Clinic Administrator and manager regarding the total dental program and objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

-Knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions, history and government of the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community.

• Knowledge of and expertise in modern methods and principles of general dentistry and dental surgery, including preventative aspects.
• Knowledge of current methods and principles of oral hygiene and prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the mouth.
• Knowledge of principles and priorities of personnel management and effective supervision and leadership.
• Knowledge of relevant healthcare federal laws/regulations and standards (preferably accreditation and Indian Health Services).

• 
  Skill in application of modern methods and principles of general dentistry and oral hygiene in order to evaluate, advise and manage the delivery of care.
• Skill in projecting future requirements for dental resources (i.e., staff, equipment, training, etc.) in order to effectively manage dental program.
• Skill in effective communication both verbally and in writing.
• Superior analytical abilities: ability to draw insight from findings and understand member's business issues.

• 
  Ability to work independently, take initiative and use good judgement.
• Ability to multitask and use proven organizational skills to balance multiple projects.
• Ability to engage in critical thinking and creative problem solving.
• Ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with health care professionals and others in order to provide information and/or direction.
• Ability to plan, organize, and provide direction to dental personnel.
• Ability to demonstrate credibility and maintaining productive and collaborative relationships with department management and other health care providers.
• Ability to demonstrate fiscal responsibility in the execution of quality dental care for community members.
• Ability to meet and comply with HIPAA/Confidentiality policies and procedures and ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive patient information and staff member information.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience – Degree in dental surgery (DDS) or dental medicine (DMD) from a school approved by the Council on Dental Education, American Dental Association (ADA)

Applicants must be currently licensed to practice dentistry in a State or the District of Columbia. All candidates MUST submit proof of current, active and unrestricted license for verification. 5 years’ experience in practice with demonstrated leadership skills.

• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.
• Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Special Requirements

• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working With Children”.

The SRPMIC offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. In addition employees enjoy vacation and sick leave and 13 paid holidays.