Dentist

Position Details

Department: Dental

Reports To: Dental Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Classification: Full-Time Regular

Work Condition: On Site

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM & Rotating Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Position summary

The Dentist is responsible for providing comprehensive, high-quality dental care to patients of diverse backgrounds, including underserved populations. This position performs preventive, diagnostic, restorative, and basic surgical dental procedures to promote oral health and improve patient outcomes. The Dentist develops individualized treatment plans, educates patients on oral hygiene and disease prevention, maintains accurate clinical documentation, and ensures compliance with applicable dental practice standards, infection control requirements, and organizational policies.

The Dentist collaborates with dental assistants, dental hygienists, other healthcare professionals, and administrative staff to support coordinated, patient-centered care and efficient dental clinic operations.

essential duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities described in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks, duties, or responsibilities. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities as necessary to meet organizational needs. Reasonable accommodation may be provided as necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Clinical Dental Care

• Perform comprehensive dental examinations, including oral health assessments and evaluations of teeth, gums, and surrounding oral structures.

• Diagnose dental diseases, oral conditions, and other abnormalities and develop appropriate treatment plans.

• Provide restorative services, including fillings, crowns, and other indicated restorative procedures within the scope of practice.

• Perform routine extractions and other minor oral surgical procedures within the dentist’s training and scope of practice.

• Provide preventive dental services, including oral health screenings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and patient education, as appropriate.

• Interpret dental radiographs and other diagnostic information to support clinical decision-making.

• Identify urgent dental conditions and provide appropriate treatment, stabilization, or referrals.

• Prescribe medications and manage dental pain and infections in accordance with clinical guidelines and applicable laws.

• Refer patients to dental specialists when treatment needs exceed the provider’s scope of practice or the clinic’s available services.

• Monitor treatment outcomes and provide follow-up care as clinically indicated.

Patient Education and Care Coordination

• Educate patients on oral hygiene, preventive care, treatment options, and the importance of maintaining regular dental visits.

• Explain diagnoses, recommended procedures, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives in language patients can understand.

• Obtain and document informed consent before performing applicable procedures.

• Develop treatment plans that consider clinical needs, patient preferences, and available resources.

• Communicate respectfully and professionally with patients and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Coordinate care with other dental and medical providers when appropriate to support patients’ overall health.

Clinical Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely patient records, including examinations, diagnoses, treatment plans, procedures, prescriptions, referrals, and follow-up recommendations.

• Document services accurately to support billing, coding, reimbursement, and medical necessity requirements.

• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, dental practice regulations, professional standards, and organizational policies.

• Follow infection prevention and control procedures, sterilization protocols, radiation safety requirements, and workplace safety standards.

• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and other applicable privacy requirements.

• Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement activities, peer reviews, and other compliance initiatives.

• Maintain required licenses, certifications, continuing education, and professional credentials.

Teamwork and Clinic Operations

• Work collaboratively with dental assistants, dental hygienists, and other clinic personnel to support safe and efficient patient care.

• Provide clinical guidance to dental support staff within the dentist’s authority and applicable regulations.

• Communicate treatment needs, clinical priorities, and follow-up requirements to appropriate team members.

• Support efficient patient scheduling, treatment coordination, and clinical workflows.

• Participate in staff meetings, clinical case discussions, training, and organizational initiatives as assigned.

• Identify opportunities to improve patient satisfaction, clinical quality, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Quality Improvement and Organizational Responsibilities

• Participate in initiatives to improve oral health outcomes, patient access, and continuity of care.

• Support the organization’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality, nondiscriminatory, and culturally sensitive healthcare to underserved and vulnerable populations.

• Maintain professional conduct and demonstrate accountability, ethical decision-making, and respect for patients and colleagues.

• Perform other related duties consistent with the position and the organization’s operational needs.