POSITION SUMMARY:
The Dentist provides comprehensive oral health care services to patients, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental conditions in a medically underserved population. This role emphasizes access to care, patient education, and integration with primary care services, supporting overall health outcomes.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Clinical Care
- Perform comprehensive dental examinations, diagnoses, and treatment planning
- Provide preventive services including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants
- Perform restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and basic prosthodontics
- Conduct simple extractions and minor oral surgical procedures
- Diagnose and manage oral infections, diseases, and dental emergencies
- Prescribe medications appropriately (e.g., antibiotics, analgesics)
Preventive & Community Health Focus
- Educate patients on oral hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention
- Promote early detection of oral health issues, including oral cancer screenings
- Address barriers to care common in rural populations (transportation, cost, access)
- Participate in outreach programs or school-based dental initiatives (if applicable)
Care Coordination & Collaboration
- Collaborate with primary care providers, behavioral health staff, and specialists
- Integrate oral health with overall patient care plans
- Refer patients to specialists (oral surgery, orthodontics, etc.) when necessary
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and case discussions
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate and timely patient records in EHR/EMR systems
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
- Follow infection control, sterilization, and OSHA standards
- Adhere to Medicaid/Medicare billing and documentation requirements
Operations & Quality Improvement
- Support clinic workflow efficiency and patient access
- Supervise dental hygienists, assistants, and support staff
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and performance metrics
- Assist with inventory management and procurement of dental supplies
- Contribute to maintaining accreditation and readiness for audits
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Licensure
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited program
- Active dental license in West Virginia (or eligibility)
- DEA registration (or ability to obtain)
Experience
- Experience in general dentistry required
- Experience in community health, public health, or rural settings preferred
- Familiarity with Medicaid populations and underserved patient care strongly preferred
COMPETENCIES:
- Strong clinical and diagnostic skills across general dentistry
- Excellent communication and patient education abilities
- Cultural competence and sensitivity to underserved populations
- Ability to work independently and within a team-based care model
- Adaptability in a resource-limited environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands described are representative of those that must be routinely met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials duties.
- Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
- Operates a computer and keyboard.
TRAVEL
No travel expected for this position.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
This is a full-time position, and core hours and workdays are Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. This position may require evening or weekend work.
WORK ENVIORNMENT
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change in accordance with the needs of OVP Health Care and contractual obligations.
