Dental Services Specialist

Join San Andreas Regional Center – Where Every Role Matters.

San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) is one of 21 regional centers in California, funded by the State and rooted in the values of the Lanterman Act. As a community-based nonprofit, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in living full, independent, and inclusive lives.

Join a diverse, mission-driven team that is passionate about making a meaningful difference every day. If you care deeply about equity, advocacy, and social impact— SARC is the place for you.

Job Summary:  The position of Dental Services Specialist is part of the Health Services Unit and is responsible to support and promote the dental health and appropriate referral of consumers to targeted dental providers. This position is expected to maintain good public relations and implement the vision of the agency. The Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) in this position uses clinical skills to provide consultation to service coordinators and dentists as well as for screening, information/education on health and dental disease to consumers, families, staff and providers. 

The Dental Services Specialist uses their expertise to recruit dentists and dental specialists familiar with the Developmental Disability (DD) population and promote good-quality dental care regardless of placement in the community. As a representative of the Health Services Unit the position helps to ensure the provision of comprehensive services to developmentally disabled individuals served by the San Andreas Regional Center. 

Essential Job Functions: 

• Participate as member of the inter-disciplinary planning team for dental issue problem-solving.
• Exhibit excellent communication skills to interact with Regional Center personnel, in-home RDHAP vendors, community dentists, Conscious Sedation Dentists, Dentists who work in the hospital setting and others who may be recruited to work with or currently work with this special needs population.
• Assess and consult on matters pertaining to the dental needs of consumers in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. 
• Assist family members and community care givers to understand the specific dental needs and targeted dental referral for services to ensure the provision of comprehensive dental services.
• Provide consultation, screening, education, training and guidance on the basics of good dental hygiene, dental care and dental related issues to families, care providers and Service Coordinators.
• Provide reports and follow up recommendations from screening activities to Service Coordinators and others as appropriate.
• Review and approve treatment plans based on the dental needs of the consumer with consideration of standards of care. 
• Provide targeted dental referrals based on the needs of the consumer and.
• Act as a resource for problem-solving dental office or hospital issues and identify quality concerns. Coordinate quality improvement plans with dental providers. 
• Interpret insurance benefits, including Denti-Cal, Delta Dental, and/or the need to explore private dental insurance with family.
• Document assessments, recommendations provider progress notes and provider records to track the dental history for each consumer.
• Have an excellent working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and willingness to learn and document in the San Andreas data base called SANDIS.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future.

Employees receive free medical coverage (yes, free for employees!), along with free dental and vision insurance for your dependents. 

Our benefits include a CalPERS pension plan, offering rare, long-term financial security through a lifetime pension, excellent health benefits, and overall career stability. Additional benefits include a 403(b) retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

You'll also enjoy:

• Five days of paid education leave per fiscal year
• Vacation time, sick leave, 12 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays!  
• Life insurance, with options for additional coverage
• Access to an employee discounts portal full of great deals
• We offer flexible work schedules and select hybrid positions, promoting a healthy and balanced work-life experience. And that’s just the beginning — explore the full list of benefits on our careers website! (**Benefits apply to eligible employees.)

Education/Experience: Must be a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) currently licensed in the State of California. He/she must have a minimum of three years experience as an RDHAP. Preference is given for Master level of education. Training and/or experience in the field of developmental disabilities is preferred.  

Special Skills and Knowledge:  Ability to relate to and convey knowledge in a constructive and effective manner to consumers, their families, and professionals within the agency and outside the agency Knowledge of principles, techniques, methods, and theory of dental practice in serving the developmentally disabled. 

Other: Use of an automobile, possession of a valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance for the minimum amount prescribed by law or the ability to provide for independent transportation.