Dental Services Specialist

San Andreas Regional Center•San Jose, CA

4h•$97,224 - $118,236•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Must be a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) currently licensed in the State of California.
Minimum of three years experience as an RDHAP.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Preference is given for Master level of education.
Training and/or experience in the field of developmental disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
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.