Regional Dentist

Department of Public Safety • El Paso, TX

45d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the administrative supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Public Health Region 9/10 and the professional guidance of the Dental Director of the Oral Health Program for the Department of State Health Services, serves as the supervisor of the Region 9/10 Oral Health program and provides preventive oral health services to eligible populations. Supervises and evaluates the dental hygienist in their performance of preventive services and oral health education. Works with other regional managers to coordinate activities that will optimize improvement of the dental public health of the region.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern dentistry, including concepts of prevention.
• Knowledge of current social and economic issues pertaining to public health dentistry.
• Knowledge of fiscal and budgetary operations and administrative processes.
• Knowledge of field research activities, statistical methodologies and dental epidemiology in connection to disease surveillance.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and agency laws, regulations, and policies and ability to evaluate dental policies and procedures in accordance with current rules and regulations as they relate to dental practice in the State as mandated by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
• Knowledge of principles of education.
• Skills in staff development.
• Skills in liaison activities with state and/or federal agencies and professional groups.
• Skills in managing multiple priorities and tasks and ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal tactfully and professionally with the public.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and to work as a team member.
• Ability to use of e-mail, word processing, and database software including Outlook, Excel, and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to compose narrative reports in a logical, concise manner and prepare reports of a complex nature.
• Ability to develop speeches and perform public speaking engagements.
• Ability to develop long-range plans and to measure achievement of established goals and objectives.
• Ability to make sound judgments and decisions.
• Ability to understand and follow directions and organize and set timelines for accomplishment of tasks.
• Ability to analyze critical situations and use original, creative thinking and planning to solve problems.
• Ability to conduct oral health surveillance activities.
• Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DHSH Policy 3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety
• Current license to practice dentistry in Texas.
• Current CPR certification.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• 5 years experience working in dentistry.

Responsibilities

• Leads Health Service Region 9/10 (HSR 9/10) oral health initiatives.
• In consultation with the Deputy Regional Director, plans and prioritizes delivery of dental public health preventive activities.
• Supervises and evaluates the Regional Dental Hygienist in their performance of preventive services, oral health education, record keeping, and required reporting.
• Provides technical assistance in support of integrating oral health into other departmental programs.
• Coordinates dental screening and sealant projects in regional schools.
• Maintains data sets as a result of inspecting various population groups for evidence of dental disease.
• Coordinates preventive dental clinics in community-based sites within the region.
• Assumes responsibility for the purchase of dental supplies and equipment and for the maintenance of existing clinical equipment.
• Provides data to the Oral Health Program regarding yearly grant updates and reporting measures.
• Maintains regional operations to complement ongoing grants regarding dental public health program functions.
• Helps other regions during periods of personnel shortages in coordinating and maintaining normal functions related to surveillance and implementation of sealant and fluoride varnish projects.
• Develops and maintains liaison relationships with dental professional groups and with public and private organizations at the local, county, and state levels.
• Works with individuals within geographic areas of responsibility who are seeking to provide and promote dental public health activities and services. This includes schools of dentistry and dental paraprofessional schools, as well as local community groups, agencies, and individuals interested in improving dental public health services in areas of need.
• Serves as a supporting member for regional oral health coalitions.
• Implements policies and procedures as outlined in the departmental human resources manual.
• Assists the dental hygienist in maintaining qualifications and obtaining required training.
• Completes the annual performance evaluation for the dental hygienist.
• Responsible for independently maintaining professional licensure and meeting continuing education requirements.
• Provides technical assistance and consultation on regional dental program activities and services.
• Supports other regional community health services team members.
• Duties include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and location.
• Compliance with DSHS Immunization Police required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, TDaP, and annual vaccination against influenza.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed