What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dental Director position at Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, Inc?
About the Role:
The Dental Director at Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, Inc. plays a pivotal leadership role in overseeing the dental services provided to the community. This position is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered dental care while maintaining compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards. The Dental Director will lead and mentor the dental team, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes continuous improvement and professional development. Additionally, this role involves strategic planning to expand and enhance dental programs that meet the evolving needs of the community. Ultimately, the Dental Director ensures that the dental department operates efficiently, effectively, and with a strong commitment to improving oral health outcomes for all patients served.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school.
- Current and unrestricted dental license to practice in the state of Iowa.
- Minimum of five years of clinical dental experience, including experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Strong knowledge of dental clinical practices, healthcare regulations, and quality assurance standards.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a dental team and coordinate clinical operations effectively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a community health center or public health setting.
- Advanced training or certification in dental public health or healthcare administration.
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and dental practice management software.
- Experience in grant writing or program development to support community dental health initiatives.
- Strong background in quality improvement methodologies and patient safety practices.
Responsibilities:
- Provide clinical leadership and supervision to the dental team, including dentists, hygienists, and support staff.
- Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and quality standards.
- Oversee patient care delivery to ensure it meets established clinical guidelines and patient satisfaction goals.
- Collaborate with administrative leadership to manage budgets, staffing, and resource allocation for the dental department.
- Lead initiatives to improve access to dental care, community outreach, and preventive oral health programs.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for dental staff.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation and reporting of clinical activities and outcomes.
- Participate in strategic planning and quality improvement projects to enhance service delivery and patient care.
- This position is 80% Clinical Care and 20% Administration.
Skills:
The Dental Director utilizes clinical expertise and leadership skills daily to guide the dental team in delivering exceptional patient care. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for mentoring staff, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and engaging with community stakeholders. Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities enable the Director to manage operational challenges, optimize workflows, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Proficiency with dental technology and data management systems supports accurate documentation and quality monitoring. Additionally, strategic thinking and project management skills are applied to develop and implement programs that enhance oral health services and expand community outreach.