Director of Dental

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Chief Medical Officer, the Director of Dental serves as the clinical and operational leader for the organization’s dental program. The Director of Dental is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive dental services in alignment with the mission of a Federally Qualified Health Center, including access to high-quality, patient-centered care regardless of ability to pay. This position provides supervision and mentorship to dental providers and support staff; leads quality improvement, risk management, compliance, and infection prevention activities; monitors productivity, patient experience, and financial performance; and collaborates with administrative and clinical leadership to strengthen integrated oral health services. The Dental Director demonstrates sound judgment, professional leadership, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, families, and visitors of all age groups while remaining sensitive to cultural, linguistic, and religious needs.

Job Responsibilities:

Plan, organize, and direct all dental activities for the organization in support of a high-performing FQHC dental program

Provide clinical leadership and oversight for dental providers, hygienists, assistants, and support staff

Ensure delivery of high-quality, patient-centered dental care consistent with organizational standards, professional guidelines, and applicable federal and state requirements

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of dental policies, clinical protocols, workflows, and service standards

Develop, monitor, and improve dental quality assurance and performance improvement activities, including patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, peer review, and risk reduction

Monitor departmental productivity, access, scheduling efficiency, case completion, no-show trends, and operational performance to improve patient access and continuity of care

Oversee infection prevention and control practices, equipment readiness, and environmental safety within the dental program

Support compliance with HRSA, UDS, OSHA, HIPAA, Medicaid, Medicare, and other applicable regulatory and payer requirements relevant to dental services

Collaborate with administrative leadership to recommend and implement guidelines, fees, services, staffing models, and budget priorities

Audit and monitor departmental billing, coding, documentation, and accounts receivable processes to support timely, accurate revenue cycle performance

Oversee the consistent application of the Sliding Fee Discount Program and verification of insurance eligibility in accordance with organizational policy

Conduct timely staff performance evaluations, coaching, corrective action, and professional development activities

Recruit, retain, orient, mentor, and evaluate dental providers and team members to support a stable and effective workforce

Conduct and document routine dental staff meetings and provide minutes or updates to Administration as requested

Order, monitor, and maintain appropriate inventory of dental, clinic, and office supplies and ensure appropriate stewardship of resources

Maintain equipment and vendor coordination to support uninterrupted clinical operations

Prepare regular reports for the Chief Medical Officer and Administration regarding dental initiatives, quality indicators, staffing, productivity, and operational priorities

Participate in organizational committees and interdisciplinary initiatives, including quality, infection control, safety, and integrated care planning

Provide consultation to the Chief Medical Officer and leadership team regarding oral health strategy, clinical issues, and community oral health needs

Interact professionally with hospitals, specialists, referral partners, schools, agencies, and community organizations to strengthen access to care and care coordination

Demonstrate sound organizational skills, confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, and the ability to manage difficult situations with staff and patients

Maintain prompt and regular attendance, complete required trainings, verify timecards as assigned, and perform related duties as needed

Provide direct patient care as needed and model clinical excellence, teamwork, and service to underserved populations

Job Requirements:

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited school of dentistry

Current unrestricted dental license in the State of Mississippi, or ability to obtain licensure prior to start date

Preferred three years of progressively responsible clinical and leadership experience in dental practice, community health, or an FQHC setting preferred

Demonstrated ability to supervise personnel, lead teams, and manage departmental operations

Knowledge of dental quality improvement, infection prevention, credentialing support, regulatory compliance, and revenue cycle processes preferred

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare reports, enforce policies, and collaborate effectively across disciplines

Proficiency with electronic health records, dental practice management systems, and standard business software

Ability to multi-task, exercise sound judgment, meet deadlines, and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment

Physical and Other Requirements:

Must be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, and TB skin test

Must be willing to do local and out of state travel.

Must continuously listen, visualize, and have dexterity and eye-hand coordination

Ability for simple grasping and speed work

Must frequently sit, squat, reach, use both right and left forearm rotation, walk and climb stairs

Must occasionally kneel, twist, have the ability to grasp firmly, lift and carry, push and pull in excess of 30 lbs.