Dentist Itinerant

Summary:

The Dentist Itinerant is responsible for providing professional work in the prevention, diagnoses and treatment of disease, injuries and deformities of the oral cavity and surrounding structures of the head and neck. Responsible for performing a broad range of duties in the treatment of dental diseases requiring knowledge and experience to perform independently. This is a position that requires travel throughout our Region to Seward, Port Graham, Nanwalek, Tatitlek and Chenega.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assume quality of care for all patients at all times. Adhere to the highest standard of dental practices, ethics and professionalism.

Examine individuals requesting care, diagnose their dental/oral conditions, prescribe and carries out or directs others to carry out appropriate dental/oral treatment or refer individuals for specialty consultation or treatment in conformance with Chugachmiut policies and clinical guidelines.

Record patient-dentist transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care and treatment provided. In addition, the itinerant dentist shall complete referrals and other records needed for treatment plan completion.

Communicate effectively with dental staff, other health care providers, patients and families. Ensure that verbal and written instructions are clear and concise and are understood by listening and asking for feedback. Educate support staff on how to interpret and carry out verbal and written orders so that the patient’s needs are met. Work in coordination with other clinic staff to effectively educate the patient on their course of treatment in order to increase the likelihood of compliance. Provide on-going feedback to health staff to improve communication and is receptive to feedback from staff.

Provide patient education that consists of advising patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and a movement towards a healthcare partnership between the healthcare providers, the patients, and their families. Counsel and instructs patients and family members either directly or refers to the appropriate healthcare provider. Utilize opportunities and stress preventative care and maintenance to patients and their families regarding dental hygiene, health habits, and home care. Listens for clues that the patient needs additional assistance in understanding the treatment plan or in carrying out the treatment.

Educate individuals in the nature of oral health related conditions and in the general promotion of oral health.

Serve on health service committees as assigned.

Participate in short and long-term program planning for the dental department and the division, including development of goals and objectives.

Travel to fulfill the division’s needs and attends meetings as necessary to represent the organization and/or the Dental Department.

Responsible for full compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and organization rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dentistry and the clinical provisions of dental care as well as those relating to, but not limited to personal issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.

Assist in the implementation of the Dental Department plan through coordination with village health care professionals, through direct patient contact, and interaction with civic/educational/tribal groups.

Ensure maintenance of accurate patient records to reflect each patient’s health status and risk factors.

Develop, maintain and oversee a quality assurance program and continuous quality improvement process for the dental program in conjunction with health services division staff and other regional health care providers. Monitor the quality of care delivered. Ensures ADA and other regulatory standards are met as they apply to the program.

Conforms to safety policies and general housekeeping practices.

Demonstrates sound work ethics, flexible, and shows dedication to the position.

Demonstrates a positive attitude, is respectful, and possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity toward clients and co-workers.

Keeps customer service and the mission of the organization in mind when interacting with all clients, co-workers, and others.

Expected to be prepared to start shift on time, meet attendance standards, and work the hours necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.

Employees are expected to embrace, support and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion and quality which align with Chugachmiut’s Mission and Vision through their actions and interactions with all patients, staff, and others.

Conforms to Chugachmiut policies, strict employee confidentiality, and HIPAA regulations.

Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Work Environment:

Chugachmiut employees strive both for excellence in the services they provide and, through our Employee Values Statement, to serve with integrity. This requires working in an environment where transparency and effective communication is essential. Chugachmiut has tools and training to assist employees in sharing problems with a focus on resolving issues and correcting defective processes.

Customer Service:

Greet both internal and external customers with eye contact and a smile.

Solicit and respond to client feedback to ensure customer satisfaction.

Regular and punctual attendance is expected without excessive absences.

Present professional behavior and appearance while representing Chugachmiut.

Practice and promote effective collaboration to accomplish the goals and objectives of the team.

Support the Mission and Value Statements of Chugachmiut by creating solutions that add value to the operations of Chugachmiut.

Physical Environment:

The following demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The position requires the ability to sit for long period of time, requires normal range of hearing and eyesight, eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to operate office equipment such as computer keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and may be required to lift approximately 30 pounds. May be exposed to infectious diseases or hazardous equipment. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions. Travel to remote locations by boat, snowmobile, ATV or small plane is required and employee must be willing and able to travel.

Hours of Work:

Hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with one hour for lunch. Chugachmiut maintains a drug and alcohol and /non-smoking environment.

Qualifications:

D.D.S. or D.M.D. from an accredited dental school.

Current Alaska licensure (or ability to obtain license within 30 days of hire).

Management level supervisory experience.

Current DEA certificate.

Current CPR (BLS) certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span (e.g. pediatric/adult/geriatric) and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed.

Knowledge and ability to effectively utilize E.H.R.

Knowledge of 1974 Privacy Act.

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and requirements that govern the rendering of responsible dental care.

Knowledge of legal and ethical standards for the delivery of dental care.

Knowledge of community medical diagnostic and patient care services in area of medical expertise.

Knowledge of current and emerging trends in technologies, techniques, issues, and approaches in area of expertise.

Knowledge of the principles and practice of dental medicine in the care and treatment of patients.

Knowledge of public health and preventative guidelines in oral health care.

Knowledge of relevant drugs and non-pharmaceutical patient care aids and ability to prescribe dosages and instruct patients in correct usage.

Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.

Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.

Knowledge of public health principles and practices.

Ability to demonstrate high level of skill with interpersonal relationships and communications, both verbally, in person, and in writing.

Ability to provide strong service philosophy and leadership skills.

Ability to demonstrate high level of skill with interpersonal relationships and communications, both verbally, in person, and in writing.

Ability to effectively supervise professional and non-professional employees in their clinical duties.

Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.

Ability to solve complex problems and deal with a variety of issues.

Ability to work as a member of a management team.

Ability to communicate and work effectively with people.

Skill in interpersonal relationships.

Skill in thinking strategically and to make clear, well-reasoned decisions. Skill in relating to healthcare professionals and their concerns.

Skill and capability to efficiently make decisions independently.

Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.

Skill in providing excellent management for oversight of dental providers.

Skill in follow through and organization.

Skill in excellent communications and relationship development with both internal and external constituents.