Dentist

Dentist Position

The Dentist provides comprehensive oral health care services to patients in a Rural Health Clinic (RHC), 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.

RHCs are designed to expand access to essential healthcare in rural and underserved communities, requiring providers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and compliant care within a team-based environment.

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, state, and RHC 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

• 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 Environment

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.

• Smoke-free environment.

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.

EEO Statement

OVP Health Care provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OVP Health Care complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

OVP Health Care expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper inference with the ability of OVP Health Care employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.