Staff Dentist

Pascua Yaqui Tribe•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

Under the direction of the Dental Director and Deputy Dental Director, the Staff Dentist diagnoses and treats oral pathologies and performs general dentistry as defined by the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners. The role includes clinical and administrative duties and may involve acting in a supervisory capacity when the Dental Director and Deputy Director are absent. The Staff Dentist mentors and instructs dental interns, hygienists, and dental assistants, and may consult with physicians or arrange specialty care for patients with priority or complex dental needs. The position provides examinations, diagnoses, preventive treatment, and general and advanced dental care, including endodontic, periodontal, restorative, and pediatric dentistry. The Staff Dentist develops treatment plans, explains proposed care to patients, documents findings, interprets radiographs, administers local anesthesia, and refers patients for medical evaluation or specialist care when needed. The incumbent may assist with residency and internship programs, oversee clinical staff when requested, represent the Pascua Yaqui Health Department, and participate in community events. The role requires working non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends.

Requirements

DDS or DDM degree from a school or institution accredited by the American Dental Association.
Successful completion of an AEGD or GPR residency.
Current State Dental License in good standing.
Current Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) License in good standing to prescribe drugs.
Current CPR and First Aid.
Current continuing dental education, updated to the number of hours required by the State Board of Dental Examiners for re-licensure.
Current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card; failure to maintain it will result in termination.
Knowledge of dental practices, techniques, and methods, including adapting them to specific circumstances.
Knowledge of public health principles and practices and ability to apply them to oral disease prevention programs.
Knowledge of state and federal policies and regulations, including Indian Health Service requirements.
Knowledge of program management, supervision, budgeting, and clinical operations.
Knowledge of Yaqui culture, customs, resources, and traditions, and willingness to learn.
Ability to monitor and evaluate employees and prioritize and assign work.
Ability to perform professional dental work with good eye-hand coordination, precision, manual dexterity, and patience for minute movements.
Ability to use tools as they apply to dentistry.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff; read, analyze, and interpret complex documents; respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints; and make independent judgments.
Ability to evaluate oral health education practices and prevention methods for efficacy and cultural appropriateness.
Must work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends.
New graduates will not be considered due to residency program restrictions.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience as a licensed Dentist in the United States is preferred.
IV sedation permit is desirable but not a basic requirement.
Applicant fulfilling an NHSC scholarship program obligation from an accredited Dental University is preferred.
Desire to perform pediatric dentistry is preferred.

Responsibilities

Review patients’ medical histories and take precautions to ensure safe and effective dental treatment.
Provide consultations, laboratory requests, and second opinions as needed; obtain additional radiographs, including 3D cone beam imaging when necessary.
Examine, diagnose, and treat teeth and oral tissues, including removing decay and diseased tissue, applying sealants, and repairing fractured teeth.
Perform all phases of endodontic care, including molar endodontics.
Provide periodontal care, including care for complex and advanced periodontal issues, occlusal and masticatory restoration, implants, ridge augmentation, and restoration of edentulous spaces.
Coordinate with specialists and staff and ensure examination results are properly recorded in patient charts.
Diagnose pathological or irregular conditions, document them, and establish treatment plans.
Develop treatment plans and refer patients for medical evaluation or specialty care when treatment is beyond the scope of general dentistry.
Ensure patients understand proposed treatment.
Request necessary dental radiographs, interpret them, and maintain complete dental charts.
Administer local anesthesia and use knowledge of nitrous oxide sedation.
Restore simple and complex cavities using standard approved materials, including amalgam and composite.
Provide pediatric dentistry in an outpatient setting.
Mentor and instruct dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental interns.
Assist the Dental Director with coordination and instruction for the Residency Program and internship rotations.
Represent the Pascua Yaqui Health Department and participate in community events when required, including events outside regular work hours.
Refer patients to specialists when their conditions require treatment beyond the Staff Dentist’s expertise.
Oversee clinical staff when requested by a Director or Supervisor.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level, or as assigned by a supervisor, director, or the Executive Director of the Health Services Division.