Community Oral Health Coordinator, RDH

Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine seeks a Community Oral Health Coordinator (RDH) as a full-time staff member for a new dental college in Joplin, Missouri. This role reports to the ADCHP and supports community-based oral health education programs and engagement initiatives.

About the Role

Approximately 30% of the role is dedicated to administrative and compliance-related responsibilities, with the remaining scope focused on coordination of community programs, oral health screenings, education, student engagement, and partnership development. The position supports and expands outreach initiatives such as Score 1 for Health and other community-based programs. This role requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend work and travel for community events and site visits.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, promote, and participate in community outreach activities such as oral health screenings, health fairs, school-based programs, and career fairs
• Educate patients, families, guardians, school personnel, and community partners on oral health promotion and disease prevention
• Facilitate and participate in interprofessional education and practice activities
• Engage and support dental students participating in community programs and outreach activities (e.g., Third Thursday)
• Conduct occasional site visits to community partner locations
• Participate in maintenance of patient safety and quality assurance measures
• Serve as educator and mentor to students
• Teach, oversee, and assess students in the clinical and community settings
• Participate in the advancement of the Score 1 for Health Program and other oral health community outreach programs
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory governance, universal precautions, and/or standard protocols
• Provide administrative support for community-based education and outreach programs
• Coordinate student community rotations, including scheduling, site communication, and documentation
• Manage preceptor onboarding processes and compliance tracking
• Track program data, contracts, and partnership agreements
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of CODA accreditation documentation
• Coordinate logistics, documentation, and follow-up for outreach events, meetings, and site visits
• Exercise independent professional judgment in planning and delivering community oral health initiatives
• Develop educational strategies and outreach activities based on community health needs
• Make professional recommendations regarding preventive oral health practices and program improvements
• Evaluate community program outcomes and recommend enhancements
• Serve as a subject matter expert in oral health promotion and community dentistry

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene
• Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) licensure in the state of Missouri that includes permits for infiltration and block anesthesia as a registered dental hygienist by the Missouri Dental Board
• One-year experience as an RDH in a pediatric and/or community health clinical environment preferred
• Knowledgeable and skillful in age-appropriate health promotion, guidance, and primary care skills
• Ability to decipher and interpret information and respond effectively and appropriately
• Ability to adapt to different health literacy levels when interacting with a variety of individuals
• Ability to interact professionally and appropriately with patients, parents, and school/program administrators
• Ability to function as a team leader to effectively oversee screenings (instructions, training, charting, etc.)
• Experience in research and educational programs preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite required; experience with software for learning management systems and project management preferred
• Ability to work independently, with a team, and with diverse populations
• Knowledge and experience working with community organizations with missions to serve the public
• Ability to carry out the varied management and administrative functions of the position
• Ability to convene groups, obtain consensus, and plan strategically
• Ability to be flexible, creative, and resourceful
• Flexibility to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends