Staff Dentist

Under the direction of the Dental Director and Deputy Dental Director, the Staff Dentist diagnoses, treats oral pathologies, and performs general dentistry as defined by the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners. The incumbent's functions will include clinical and administrative duties and will act in a supervisory capacity, in the absence of the Dental Director and the Deputy Director. This position will mentor and instruct Dental Interns, Hygienist and Dental Assistants as needed. In some cases, the Staff Dentist will consult with a physician where a medical problem and arrange specialty care for patients with priority or complex dental needs.

1. Reviews patient's medical history, as provided, for evidence of disease or abnormalities, which could be adversely affected by dental treatment; will take necessary precautions to ensure safe and effective treatment.
2. Provides consultations, lab requests and second opinions may be necessary to facilitate dental care; additional radiographs (3D cone beam may be necessary).
3. Performs examinations, diagnoses, prevention treatments and treat problems with teeth or oral tissue, removes tooth decay, competently removes diseased teeth and tissues and places protective sealants on teeth, repairs fractured teeth.
4. Performs in all phases of endodontic care, including molar.
5. Performs periodontal care, may work on patients with complex and advanced periodontal issues including restoring occlusions and masticatory portion of the mouth, performing implants, ridge augmentation and restoring edentulous spaces.
6. Utilizes specialists and input from other staff to ensure that results of exam are properly recorded in patient's cart.
7. Diagnoses pathological or irregular conditions and notes these in chart with a treatment plan to address such disease.
8. Develops patient's treatment plan and ensure proper referral of patients for necessary medical evaluation or specialty care, if beyond the scope of general dental practice.
9. Ensures that patients understand the proposed treatment.
10. Requests required/necessary dental radiographs performs radiographic interpretation and ensures the composition and maintenance of a complete dental chart.
11. Administers local anesthesia and has knowledge of nitrous oxide sedation.
12. Performs restoration of simple and complex cavities with standard and approved materials, amalgam, composite, etc.
13. Performs pediatric dentistry in an outpatient setting.
14. Acts as a mentor and instructor for Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistants and Dental Internist.
15. Assists the Dental Director with the coordination and instruction for the Residency Program, as well as the internship rotations that occur (IHS rotations Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral health, Pima Community College, Carrington, Pima Medical Institute).
16. May be required to serve as an ambassador/representative of the Pascua Yaqui Health Department.
17. May be required to participate in community events that may occur during/outside of regular work hours.
18. Refers to patients with conditions requiring treatment beyond his/her expertise for treatment to specialists.
19. May be required to oversee clinical staff if requested by Director or Supervisor.
20. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
21. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.
22. Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of the Health Services Division.

Knowledge of:

• Dental practices, techniques and methods (the incumbent must modify those practices, etc. to deal with anomalies of specific situations);
• Public health principles and practices, an ability to apply knowledge to oral disease preventive programs;
• State and Federal policies and regulations, including the Indian Health Service;
• Program management principles;
• Supervisory principles;
• Budgetary principles;
• Clinical operations and practices;
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and a willingness to learn.

Skills and Abilities:

• Monitoring and evaluating employees;
• Prioritizing and assigning work;
• Performing professional dental work;
• Good eye/hand coordination and precision;
• Manual dexterity and patience for minute movement;
• Use of tools as it applies to dentistry;
• Communicate effectively with patients and staff;
• Read, analyze and interpret complex documents;
• Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints;
• Make independent judgments;
• Evaluating standard of oral health education practices and prevention methods for efficacy and cultural appropriateness.

Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree (DDM) from a school or institution accredited by the American Dental Association

AND/OR

• Two years of experience as a licensed Dentist (within the US) preferred. New graduates will not be considered due to the residency program restrictions.
• Successful completion of an AEGD or GPR residency.
• Successful completion according to the Arizona ANESTHESIA Board Sedation certificate; IV sedation permit is desirable, but not a basic requirement.
• Applicant fulfilling their NHSC scholarship program obligation from an accredited Dental University is preferred.
• A desire to perform pediatric dentistry is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Current CPR and First Aid.
• Continuing Dental Education must be current and updated in the number of continuing education hours as required by the State Board of Dental Examiners for re-licensure.
• Current State Dental License in good standing, current Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) License in good standing to prescribe drugs.
• Must have a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card. Failure to maintain a current Level 1 Clearance Card will result in termination.
• This positions will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights and weekends.