DENTIST

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

Dentist role is vital in the dental health delivery system.  This position requires adherence to the PCMH principles, policies, and procedures. Delivers safe and high-quality dental care. Assesses dental history and physiological, factors to determine the cause (s) of a disease, disorder, or injury; developing plans for treatment; and administering specialized dental treatments and procedures as well as preventive.  Participates in organizational committees and performance improvement activities. Reports to the Chief Dental Officer. When assessing the patient, the age of the patient is taken into consideration.   Supports the vision and the mission of the Clinic at all times and ensures the patients have a pleasant and satisfactory experience.  May supervise and teach dental students, residents and other allied health professionals.  Participates in organizational committees and performance improvement activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (with or without accommodations)

Professional competence:  Provides patient focused care by which the patient is supported in disease management and participates in the decision –making process by providing feedback to the care team.  Conducts comprehensive dental evaluations on patients, including but not limited to patient medical history, clinical dental examinations, radiographic and supplemental examinations, diagnostic summary and treatment planning recommendations.  Will perform priority treatments, disease control, restoration of function and, re-evaluation and recall. 

Management of patient and support staff: Dentist builds an ongoing relationship with patients on their panel and provides first contact, continuous, and comprehensive care. Dentist directs and leads a team of individuals that collectively take responsibility for ongoing patient care and meeting the varied needs of their patient population.  Dentist will enhance access to care through open scheduling, expanded hours, and other innovative options for communication between patients and clinic staff.  Access may be in person, by telephone, or through a secure, web-based patient portal. Continually assesses ongoing dental treatment and follows-up with patient or refers them as appropriate.  Advises Chief Dental Officer of unusual or difficult dental problems. Maintains a minimum panel of 1,000 patients. 

Quality Performance Improvement: Abides by the Standards of Clinical Quality of the department as well as the Dental Practice Act and established state practicing guidelines. Clinical protocols followed are based on current evidence-based dentistry. Dentist will work with the patient, clinical team, and others to improve healthcare outcomes such as HRSA and meaningful use healthcare indicators.  Provides patient education regarding proper oral hygiene, diet and nutrition.  Participates in school screenings and education programs.  Assists in the implementation of preventive dental programs.  Teaches dental/oral disorders and disease prevention methods to patients and their care givers.  Follows OSHA guidelines for infection control measures. 

Patient Care Documentation: Dentist uses establish clinic systems to maximize information technology through performance reporting, clinical-decision support for clinicians, patient education, and online communication.    Records progress notes within a 24 hour period.

Professional Development: Attaining adjunct clinical faculty appointment with UTHSCSA may be required.

Submits required documentation in a timely manner (credentialing requirements, license renewals, certifications, CNE attendance, etc.). May assist with the supervision and teaching of dental students, residents and other allied health professional students.  May be asked to participate in educational research activities.  Maintains professional courtesy at all times. May be required to take call. Maintains a friendly environment for self and others. Responds to emergency situations as per training.  Refrains from texting and speaking on the cell phone while on duty. Refrains from informal communication with patients and others. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with Clinic leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Submits all required documentation in a timely manner.  Attends SC educational programs, committee meetings or other meetings as required.  Submits required documentation in a timely manner (credentialing requirements, license renewals, certifications, CNE attendance, etc.) Responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of others. Performs other duties assigned.

Position directly supervised: None.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (use of equipment, job related knowledge, language, etc.)

Knowledge of the Patient-Centered Medical Home Model (PCMH).

Knowledge of  principles of health promotion, prevention, and motivation.

Knowledge of documentation of individualized care and treatment plans.

Knowledge of protocols in general and an ability to quickly gain specific knowledge of clinic’s operational protocols.

Knowledge of guidelines set forth by the Dental Practice Act

Knowledge of evidence-based dental disease prevention and techniques

Knowledge of sterilization methods and radiographic development techniques

Knowledge of Su Clinica administrative policies and procedures.             

Skilled in excellent customer service. 

Skill in the care and treatment of patients; and in the use of dental diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment.

Skilled in the use of a computer and knowledge of computer software (EDR, Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.) programs.

Excellent follow through skills, multi-tasking, prioritization and attention to detail.

Excellent interpersonal skills reflecting clarity and diplomacy and communicates accurately and effectively with all levels of staff and management.

Ability to resolve patient service issues and exercise independent judgment   

Ability to read, write and speak in a clear, accurate and professional manner-- includes active listening skills and understanding medical/dental terminology.

Must be able to apply critical thinking skills and make sound judgment at all levels throughout the patient’s continuum of care and make necessary referrals.

Ability to train others and to assist staff in performing dental procedures

Ability to apply critical thinking skills while performing daily responsibilities

Ability to maintain an effective and professional working relationship with the public and co-workers.

Ability to maintain a positive work environment.

Ability to maintain an effective and professional working relationship with the public and co-workers.

Ability to bend, stretch, stoop, stand, sit, and lift 20 lbs.

Ability to examine documents for accuracy and completeness.

Ability to prepare records in accordance to detailed instructions.

Ability to recognize, evaluate, and solve problems and correct errors.

Ability to work in a fast paced environment.

Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule.

Ability to maintain client and office confidentiality.

Ability to fully comply with the enhanced infection control requirements of the clinic.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: Graduation from an accredited college of dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree. Must be licensed as a dentist by the State of Texas.  Experience in working with the public.  Must be current with BLS/CPR

Special Instructions: Due to the nature of Su Clinica services, it may be necessary for employees to work extended hours or other variations of the usual shift to ensure adequate care to patients and to maintain service to the community.