(Archived) Dentist in Louisiana

Job Summary:

The Staff Dentist diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums, along with related oral structures. This role involves performing examinations on patients to determine the nature of their illnesses and administering appropriate treatments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct examinations on patients to diagnose dental conditions.
• Provide preventive dental services such as prophylaxis, sealants, and fluoride application.
• Educate and instruct patients in oral hygiene practices.
• Repair injured and diseased teeth.
• Administer local and block anesthesia for routine dental treatments.
• Fabricate dental prostheses for the replacement of missing or diseased teeth.
• Direct and supervise skilled and semi-skilled employees, as necessary.

Job Relationship:

Reports To: Dental Director

Supervisory Responsibilities: Secondary supervisor to Hygienist, Expanded Duty Chair-side Assistants, Dental Assistants, and all other dental staff employees.

Qualifications:

1. Education: Graduate of an approved and accredited Dental School.
2. Licenses, Registration, and/or Certifications Required:

• Licensed to Practice Dentistry in the State of Louisiana.
• Possess a Dental School Diploma, Board Certification Notification, and/or Board Eligible in a primary care dental specialty.
• Federal and State DEA Certificates.

Job Knowledge:

• Comprehensive understanding of dental examination procedures.
• Proficiency in providing various dental treatments and services.
• Ability to educate patients on oral hygiene practices.
• Skill in fabricating dental prostheses.
• Capability to direct and supervise dental staff effectively.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Display knowledge and understanding of the Employee Handbook. Consult with the Dental Director or designee before decisions are made on questions of interpretation.
2. Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the center’s annual health care plan.
3. Provide for organization and maintenance of an effective system of dental care with emphasis on wellness and prevention of illness.
4. Assign, direct, supervise, and review the work of subordinates as instructed by the Dental Director.
5. Perform periodic, limited, comprehensive, and oral cancer screening examinations on patients efficiently and effectively.
6. Provide an effective communication link between the Dental Director and non-management employees of the dental department.
7. Recommend budget items including patient care equipment and supplies to the Dental Director.
8. Perform diagnostic radiographs including Bitewings and Panorex Periapical.
9. Communicate back to the Dental Director the attitudes, suggestions, and complaints of employees in a constructive business manner.
10. Lead and motivate the Employees they supervise to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
11. Perform amalgam restorations to primary and permanent teeth in a safe and efficient manner.
12. Lead by example by holding themselves to the standards of conduct and performance that they demand of subordinates.
13. Attend required organizational meetings and participate on internal committees. Conduct in-service training as required or requested.
14. Perform silicate/acrylic/plastic restorations to primary and permanent teeth in a safe and efficient manner.
15. Perform single restoration crowns in a safe and efficient manner.
16. Perform Endodontics in a safe and efficient manner.
17. Perform Removable Prosthodontic and Repair.
18. Perform denture relining in a safe and efficient manner.
19. Complete fixed prosthodontics in a safe and efficient manner.
20. Meet or exceed annual productivity standards.
21. Utilize technology to create a more efficient and effective way of doing business.
22. Actively participate in outside association activities (LPCA, AHEC, etc.).
23. Maintain confidentiality of workplace information according to the policies and procedures of the institution.
24. Perform oral surgery & simple extractions in a safe and efficient manner.
25. Perform periodontal therapy for the entire mouth or quads.
26. Perform other duties as assigned by the Dental Director.

Environment of Care/Surveillance of Infection:

1. Attend general orientations and trainings.
2. Respond to all emergency codes and drills and complete appropriate paperwork.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of Policies & Procedures for the Environment of Care Plans.
4. Enforce Environment of Care policies (smoking, hand washing, trash disposal, etc.).

Human Resources:

1. Follow Grievance policy when applicable.
2. Participate in continuing education opportunities.
3. Attend Staff Meetings.

Performance Improvement:

1. Participate in CQI activities.
2. Utilize and require others within the department to utilize the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) performance improvement model.
3. Keep appropriate individuals aware of issues, changes, and/or pertinent problems. Advise appropriate personnel of situations requiring follow-up attention.
4. Suggest practical solutions in response to changing regulations, customer, and department needs.

Fiscal:

1. Indicate and submit accurate time and attendance according to policy.
2. Properly utilize and maintain equipment and supplies.
3. Utilize cost-effective thinking/measures daily.

Interpersonal:

1. Serve as a positive influence on others by interacting confidently and productively consistently.
2. Communicate accurately and effectively to achieve needs.
3. Oral and written communication is accurate, timely, and professional.
4. Greet people immediately and in a friendly manner when they first arrive in the area; demonstrate an unsolicited willingness to help by making eye contact; help inexperienced staff members feel welcome by introducing self and helping.
5. Wear facility identification and proper dress while at work.
6. Represent the community's health center professionally with participation in health fairs, school functions, and other volunteer activities.

Equipment Utilization:

• Computer and printer.
• Copier.
• Panorex and Developer.
• X-ray Unit (Bitewing).
• Telephone.
• Dental Hand Piece.
• Autoclave.

Physical Demands:

• Work involves both mobile and sedentary tasks.
• Must be able to bend and perform dental procedures without limitations.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Supervisory duties may involve reading or using a PC.

Work Environment:

- Work is conducted in a well-lighted, air-conditioned medical environment and administrative office setting.

Work Hours:

- Normal work period consists of 80 hours/two weeks, with flexibility for additional hours as needed to meet patient demand.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements of the Staff Dentist position and should not be construed as exhaustive.