Dentist

Public Health Dentist

As a Public Health Dentist, you will play a key role in the Tooth Transit in-school dental program, delivering restorative care directly to students in grades K–12 across the Purchase District. Services are provided in a state-of-the-art Dental Mobile Unit in partnership with our public health dental hygiene team. This position combines clinical practice with community impact, allowing you to improve access to dental care and help establish a dental home for children in our region.

This is a non-exempt, hourly contracted role ideal for dentists seeking work-life balance, meaningful community impact, and a mission-driven environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct routine dental examinations and screenings for students.
• Diagnose and treat common dental conditions such as cavities, infections, and minor injuries.
• Provide basic restorative care, including fillings and simple extractions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential patient records using electronic systems.
• Refer patients to specialists as appropriate.
• Collaborate with dental hygienists, school staff, and public health team members to address oral health needs.

Program Implementation

• Work in conjunction with the dental hygiene team to deliver restorative services within the Tooth Transit program.
• Support program development, including treatment protocols and compliance with state dental regulations.
• Participate in school and community outreach events related to oral health.

Education & Outreach

• Provide oral health education to students, families, and school staff.
• Deliver presentations and workshops on proper brushing techniques, nutrition, and the importance of preventive care.
• Support distribution of educational materials such as handouts, brochures, and posters.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school.
• Valid Kentucky dental license in good standing.
• Experience providing clinical dental care; experience with children or in a school setting preferred.
• Strong skills in general dentistry, including restorative treatment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to educate and engage children and families.
• Knowledge of dental best practices, oral health principles, and public health values.
• Familiarity with dental software and electronic health record systems.

Pay and Schedule

• $85.00/hour starting rate with a 5% raise after successful 6-month probationary period.
• Contracted part-time starting with flexible hours, transitioning to a full-time role.
• Non-exempt position with eligibility for state retirement programs, robust healthcare benefits, and potential student loan forgiveness.

Why Join Purchase District Health Department?

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying one of Kentucky's most competitive public benefits packages, this role is for you. Our dental providers don't just serve, they thrive with:

Holidays & Time Off

• 13 Paid Holidays including Juneteenth, Veterans Day, and two days each for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
• Accrual of 3.5 hours of vacation and 3.5 hours of sick leave per pay period, with vacation increasing based on years of service.
• Up to 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave available within your first year of employment.
• Additional leave opportunities for jury duty, voting, and inclement weather, ensuring you have time for civic responsibilities and unforeseen circumstances.
• Supports a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to manage personal needs, family obligations, and self-care while contributing to public health.

Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage

• Low-premium medical insurance plans starting as low as $20.88 per month for single coverage, with additional options for family coverage
• Annual employer-funded allowance, depending on your plan ($500 – $1000) loaded onto a HealthEquity card each year (HRA dollars roll over each year, up to $7,500)
• HRA card can be used for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses, including copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and prescriptions.
• Preventive care is covered at 100% across all plans — annual checkups, routine screenings, and vaccinations are included at no cost
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) available for health and dependent care
• Telehealth and virtual care options are available, often at lower copays than in-person visits. (Including parenting resources, nurse lines, and more)
• Prescription coverage includes tiered copays for generic, brand, and specialty medications; pharmacy expenses may count toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
• All plans include mental health services such as counseling, psychiatric care and behavioral health care

Dental & Vision Benefits

• Dental insurance plans starting at $14 per month
• 100% coverage on preventive care (cleanings, exams, and X-rays) when using in-network providers
• Coverage for major services such as crowns, implants, and oral surgery
• Teledentistry available 24/7, giving you remote access to dental consultations anytime
• Vision insurance available for less than $6 per month for single coverage, with family options also available
• $150–$175 allowance for contacts, frames, and lenses, with co-pays as low as $10
• Covers routine eye exams for adults and children, including dilation, when necessary, to support overall eye health
• Discounts on frames, lenses, and contacts for costs exceeding the plan allowance

Retirement & Financial Security

• 6% pension contribution through the Kentucky Employee Retirement System (KERS)
• Optional 401(k) and 457(b) plans (employee-funded)
• Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel
• $20,000 of basic life insurance provided at no cost to you, including Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits. You also have the option to purchase additional life insurance for yourself and eligible dependents for enhanced financial protection.

Additional Fringe Benefits These benefits support your physical, mental, and financial well-being:

• Carrum Health: Available under certain plans, access top surgeons and cancer specialists for major procedures, including cancer care, orthopedic surgeries (knee, hip, shoulder, spine), heart surgery, and weight-loss surgery—with most services covered at no cost to you.
• LiveHealth Online: 24/7 virtual visits with doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and lactation consultants
• LivingWell Clinics: In-person or telehealth for annual exams, chronic care, labs, immunizations, and women's health
• 24/7 NurseLine & Substance Use Support: Get care guidance, provider referrals, and confidential substance use help
• Tobacco Cessation: Free prescription and OTC aids, online or phone-based counseling programs
• Diabetes & Chronic Care: Personalized 24/7 coaching, education, and tracking tools through Lark and DSMES programs
• Maternity & Family Support: Digital tools, prenatal/postpartum guidance, lactation consulting, and newborn tracking.
• Joint & Musculoskeletal Care: Virtual therapy for back, knee, hip, neck, or shoulder pain via Hinge Health
• Acupuncture: Covered pilot program for eligible KEHP members at UK Healthcare
• Behavioral & Mental Health: Online therapy, psychiatry, and coaching through LiveHealth Online, RethinkCare, and Learn to Live
• Cash Rewards & Wellness Incentives: Earn $25–$850. Wellness engagement can reduce premiums by nearly $500

Ready to Make an Impact?

This is more than a dental position — it's an opportunity to transform the oral