Dentist

Description

I. Position Function Summary

Under the direction of the Dental, Director, the Dentist provides general dentistry to patients and manages and treats dental infection and disease in the community in their assigned clinic site, in accordance with federal, state, and other administrative requirements.

II. Essential Responsibilities  

• Maintains a full or part-time dental practice at LFMC as authorized by the dental license. Works in area of his/her specialty in delivery of dental care to LFMC patients;
• Demonstrates differential diagnosis capabilities, makes clinical judgment and decisions based on history, physical and radiographic exam of patients. Formulates a treatment plan in patient dental records within the medical, dental and financial needs of the patient. Evaluates outcomes and modifies treatment plan accordingly;
• Appropriately diagnoses and treats emergency walk-in patients;
• Provides dental care to patients, meeting or exceeding dental encounter requirements, and quality of care standards established by LFMC and its grantor agencies;
• Consults with the Dental Director on the delivery of quality dental care to patients; consults with dental specialists on individual patient concerns and problems;
• Participates in setting dental care standards and protocols for the LFMC Clinic site(s);  
• Charts patient encounters appropriately and in a timely manner using accepted abbreviations and nomenclature; 
• Prescribes pharmaceuticals, other medications, and treatment regimens as appropriate to assessed dental conditions;
• Refers patients to specialists and to relevant dental care components, as appropriate; 
• Trains and supervises dental assistant students and dental hygiene students learning dental practices at the health center(s) and engaged in specialty activities and procedures, as appropriate or assigned; 
• Participates in continuing education and training for dental assistants, dental hygienists and other dentists;    
• Works with other dental providers and dental staff to provide a team approach to patient care; 
• Effectively communicates, directs and coordinates the patient care activities of dental support staff;
• Administers medications and injections appropriately;
• Initiates and/or participates in community organizations to provide resources in dental care;
• Effectively communicates with patients and provides counseling to patients, parents and/or children, focusing on preventive health care;
• Provides educational materials and instruction to patients upon discharge from care;
• Actively seeks continuing education credits in relevant topics for him/herself, as well as dental staff, and shares new information and/or techniques with colleagues;
• Follows established LFMC departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards; and dental policy and operations protocols; collaborates with Dental Director and other dental care providers to revise and up¬date dental protocols to ensure that they are current and accurate.

Requirements

IV. Education, Experience and Skills/Training

• DDs graduate of an accredited school of dentistry.
• 2 to 4 years experience in a community health center or with underserved populations, and work within a managed care environment, preferred.
• Current dental licensure for the State of New Mexico is required, and documentation of education, experience and licensure is required and must be maintained; must be insurable under the policies and requirements of LFMC.
• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Specified Area of Dental Specialty if practicing as a specialist.
• DEA and NM Board of Controlled Substance registration, required.
• CPR and First Aid certification is required.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package

Bargaining Unit Position

Union: X

Non-Union: