Lead Dentist

Tend • Arlington, VA

122d • $194,000 - $350,000

About The Position

At Tend, we do dentistry differently — without compromising on excellence or ambition. As a Lead Dentist, you’ll set the bar for clinical quality, mentor a high-performing team, and help shape the patient experience across your studio. You’ll balance delivering best-in-class dentistry with leading and coaching dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants to excel clinically and professionally. Together with the Studio Manager, you’ll create an environment that embraces Tend’s Mission, Vision, and Values — and drives both patient and studio success.

Requirements

• DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school
• Current, active dental license in the state where you practice
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Active DEA registration
• Minimum 6 years of post-residency experience in private practice, DSO, or similar setting in a leadership role
• Proven experience mentoring, teaching, or leading providers in a multi-chair environment
• Demonstrated success managing complex patient cases and provider escalations
• Comfort with modern technology and digital workflows (Invisalign certification strongly preferred)
• Ability to work a full-time schedule of 4 days per week + 2 Saturdays per month

Responsibilities

• Mentor and coach dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants in diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and patient care
• Conduct regular performance reviews for general dentists; create action plans as needed
• Partner with the Lead Hygienist and Lead Dental Assistant to provide team-wide mentorship and development
• Lead clinical onboarding and quality assurance reviews for new hires
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality care and patient experience across all providers
• Deliver comprehensive dentistry services at or above the standard of care, while modeling clinical excellence for your team
• Partner with the Studio Manager to optimize schedules, improve patient access, and achieve production and care outcome goals
• Lead daily pre-shift huddles and studio calibrations focused on workflow, patient care, and efficiency
• Review and analyze clinical outcomes (e.g., REDOs, escalations) and implement solutions to continuously improve care
• Take ownership of complex cases and coordinate member escalations, including making determinations on refunds and clinical resolution
• Build a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented studio culture with your Studio Manager and clinical leads
• Identify and nurture clinical team members with leadership potential
• Participate in leadership development meetings and cascade key updates to your studio team
• Model Tend’s mission, vision, and values every day — and inspire others to do the same

Benefits

• Opportunity to invest alongside Tend and benefit from our growth
• Virtual and in-person CE opportunities and internal clinical forums
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays
• Full coverage malpractice insurance provided at no cost
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance — plus our own Dental Wellness Program
• 401(k) with company match
• Life & AD&D insurance, legal support, EAP, and health advocacy
• FSAs, HSAs, and pre-tax transit and parking benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees