Dental Director

Dental Director

Supporting Ohio Department of Health & Ohio Department of Medicaid, the Dental Director provides statewide leadership for oral health policy, programs, and strategy. This role advises agency leadership, ensures evidence‑based dental public health practices, and strengthens access to oral health services across Ohio.

Strategic Leadership & Policy Development

• Advise agency leadership on oral health strategy, mission, and long‑term direction.
• Assist in defining agency goals, objectives, and oral health priorities.
• Formulate statewide oral health policies and oversee their implementation.
• Communicate ODH’s position on oral health legislation and develop official statements or recommendations.

Clinical & Public Health Expertise

• Provide expert consultation to the ODH Medical Director’s Office to ensure evidence‑based dental public health practices.
• Develop standards of care for oral health programs and manage training, dissemination, and compliance monitoring.
• Oversee the state’s oral health surveillance system, analyzing data, trends, and research related to dental care delivery, workforce, epidemiology, and reimbursement.

Program Integration & Collaboration

• Integrate oral health practices into related ODH programs (e.g., Chronic Disease, Tobacco, HIV/Ryan White, Immunization, Preparedness).
• Work with local, state, and federal agencies; community‑based programs; professional dental/public health organizations; and dental schools to advance oral health across the lifespan.
• Collaborate with dentists and strategic partners to expand dental care access for uninsured individuals.
• Seek state and national funding opportunities to support oral health initiatives.

Representation & Communication

• Represent the agency at state and national meetings and conferences.
• Serve on interagency task forces and committees (e.g., Ohio Dental Association, Ohio State Dental Board).
• Deliver speeches and presentations to professional groups, constituents, the media, and the public.

Work Locations

• 246 N. High St., Columbus, OH
• 50 W. Town St., Columbus, OH

Qualifications

Must have licensure to practice dentistry in Ohio as issued by Ohio State Dental Board pursuant to Section 4715 of OAC and three years’ experience as a licensed dentist, or three years' experience in State Government overseeing a state program.

Technical Skills: Dental/Oral Health, Executive Leadership, Program Management

Professional Skills: Decision Making, Establishing Relationships, Strategic Thinking

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS)
• Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)