Job Description:
This is a community–based position that serves residents of the Pueblo of San Felipe and eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives. The incumbent will assume a leadership role, working closely with the Health & Wellness Department Directors, to develop and implement the Oral Health/Dental Program to effectively address community dental needs and support ongoing quality improvement assessments. The Chief Dental Officer will be responsible for assuring that the Dental Program meets the requirements, goals, and objectives of the Pueblo of San Felipe Tribal Council, the Indian Health Service P.L.93-638 contract requirements, and the Memorandum of Agreement between the Pueblo of San Felipe and the Indian Health Service.
Essential Duites:
- Maintains a clinical schedule while allocating sufficient time for supervisory, administrative, compliance, quality assurance, infection control, and program management responsibilities.
- Patient care expectations may be adjusted as necessary to accommodate required administrative and leadership functions.
- Provides direct care services to eligible American Indian and Alaska Natives who are in need of Dental Services at San Felipe Health Clinic in accordance with the Pueblo of San Felipe Tribal Administration and the Indian Service P.L.93-638 contract funding requirements.
- Performs examinations, diagnoses, treatment planning, preventive, restorative, endodontic, prosthodontic, periodontal, pediatric, and oral surgery services consistent with the dentist’s training, clinical judgment, available resources, and standard of care.
- Exercises independent professional judgment in determining appropriate treatment and referral needs.
- Refers patients to approved specialists when specialty consultation or treatment is clinically indicated.
- Advises San Felipe Health Clinic staff, Health & Wellness staff, Tribal Administration, and Tribal Council on matters pertaining to oral health and prevention of dental diseases.
- Provides oral health education to patients and participates in community outreach activities as mutually agreed upon with administration.
- Oversees dental equipment maintenance and coordinates service and repair needs.
- Assists with collection and review of dental program data, reports, and performance metrics as required by program, grant, or regulatory requirements.
- Provides supervision of assigned dental personnel in accordance with Pueblo of San Felipe personnel policies and in coordination with Human Resources.
- Serves on committees and workgroups as assigned by the supervisor and as operational needs reasonably require.
- Assists with recruitment and coordination of temporary clinical staffing as requested by administration.
- Ensures compliance with applicable dental program policies, procedures, accreditation standards, and contractual requirements.
- Oversees inventory management and procurement of dental supplies and equipment within approved budgets and purchasing procedures.
- Collaborates with administrative and billing personnel regarding documentation and revenue cycle processes.
- Assists in the preparation of required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports related to dental program operations.
- Participates in strategic planning, goal development, and program improvement initiatives related to oral health services.
- Supports development, implementation, and evaluation of oral health programs, including school-based and community oral health initiatives.
- Serves as a professional liaison with tribal departments, healthcare organizations, schools, community partners, and governmental agencies regarding oral health matters.
- Attends required departmental, clinic, and leadership meetings.
- Develops and participates in quality assurance and performance improvement activities for the dental program.
- Provides administrative oversight of dental initiatives conducted within Head Start, school-based, and other approved community programs.
- Performs other duties reasonably related to the management, operation, and clinical delivery of dental services, consistent with professional licensure, training, and available administrative support.
*Note* This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions or to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.
Working Conditions:
Work in the office. Sits for long periods of time and types. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered.
- May work after hours, weekends, or events, administrative, and Tribal days.
Qualifications:
Education:
- A degree in dental medicine (D.M.D) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from a school approved by the Council on Dental Education, American Dental Association (ADA).
Experience/Basic Knowledge:
- Must have a basic understanding of Public Health principles, health education, health promotion and disease prevention, community assessment, and evaluation techniques.
- Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a wide scope of people, including Indian Health Service employees, paraprofessionals, tribal groups, government agencies, private agencies, patients, and families.
- Familiarity with statistical data development and analysis.
- Ability to manipulate data and modify educational programs to be consistent with cultural requirements.
- Working knowledge of Dentrix, Microsoft Office software including Windows, Word, Access, and Excel. Familiarity with Indian Health Service RPMS computer system including QMAN. Familiarity with the Internet and email services.
Required Licenses/Certification: Valid New Mexico Dental License, DEA License, Controlled Substance License, CPR certification
Physical Requirements: The work requires driving and involves standing, bending, and walking within the community, schools, clinics, and homes. Ability to drive a car in all types of road conditions. Lifting and carrying in necessary to set up equipment for special events, clinics, and teaching programs.
Preference: San Felipe Pueblo Preference. Qualified candidate who is local to the community/reservation and veteran-preference.
Supervision and Guidelines:
Supervision of the Dental program
Guidelines include the personnel policy, department policies, and procedures.
Reports to Clinical Services Director