LLD Short-Term Residency

Fitchburg•Fitchburg, MA

About The Position

The Limited License Short-Term Residency at Community Health Connections is a six-month professional development and skills-training program for international and limited-license dentists. Residents work as full-time dental assistants in a community health center, gaining exposure to oral surgery, endodontics, fixed and removable prosthodontics, periodontal therapy, dental emergencies, and pain-control techniques. During months four through six, residents may have limited opportunities to treat patients as limited-license dentists under the direct supervision of attending dentists. The program aims to develop residents’ clinical skills, professional leadership, and confidence. After successful completion, a resident may be offered a position at Community Health Connections as a limited-license dentist or registered dental hygienist, depending on organizational needs. Residents are temporarily hired as full-time employees by their residency employer and receive benefits. Regular employment is evaluated after successful completion of the program. Residents are required to fulfill at least 40 hours per week for 12 weeks. Scheduled hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch. Residents participate in weekly check-in meetings, monthly didactic sessions, pre- and post-residency self-evaluations, and biweekly meetings with the Site Dental Director or Chief Dental Officer. The work takes place in a busy community health center, with exposure to saliva and blood-borne pathogens, moving mechanical parts, and occasional fumes, airborne particles, and radiation risks. The role requires suitable physical dexterity and vision, patient-transfer assistance knowledge, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor's degree in Dental Surgery.
Meet the State of Massachusetts requirements for Limited License Dentists.
Certified in CPR.
Valid Massachusetts Limited License in Dentistry.
Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Meet the physical and mental requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Knowledge of proper patient transfer assistance.
Ability to lift as much as 50 pounds may be necessary.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of professional experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Work as a dental assistant and primary oral health care provider during the residency.
Attend all weekly check-in meetings and monthly didactic sessions.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including consultations and referrals.
Coordinate patient-focused care under the supervision of a general practitioner or specialist.
Direct health promotion and disease prevention activities.
Provide dental treatments and services across disciplines.
Participate in pre- and post-residency self-evaluations and biweekly meetings with the Site Dental Director or Chief Dental Officer.
Perform other duties as assigned.