Dentist

Summary

Under the general supervision of the Dental Director, Joseph Samuels Dental Center, provides direct clinical services following policies and procedures in provision of dental care to special need patient population comprised of intellectual disability, pediatric and high-risk inpatients and outpatients, including those with contagious and communicable diseases. The dentist will provide all dental procedures per his/her delineation of privileges.

Responsibilities

• Performs dental procedures chairside, including preventative, restorative, prosthodontic, minor orthodontic, endodontic, periodontal and extraction services.
• Provides consults and treatment for inpatients.
• Provides comprehensive dental treatment in the OR when privilege delineated.
• Provides input to develop and recommend long-range and intermediate goals and objectives for the dental program consistent with those of the hospital. In conjunction with the Dental Director, provides support in accomplishing departmental goals and objectives.
• Affords assistance in providing proper orientation, training and inservice education of dental staff in evaluating their overall performance.
• Instructs, supervises and participates in teaching programs.
• Ensures that all dental records and reports are prepared in accordance with established policy and completed in a timely manner.
• Assesses, evaluates and records patient oral health and general health information.
• Provides patient age-specific (patient/caregiver) education related to nutrition, general and dental/oral health, and conveys treatment and treatment plan to the patient, parent and/or caregiver.
• Participates in departmental performance improvement activities.
• Attends and participates in meetings, committees and professional associations within the hospital and the community as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

• BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
• Completion of training and degree from an accredited dental school.
• Must be legally licensed and registered in the State of Rhode Island.
• Demonstrated ability to operate computer system.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to explain procedures, allay patient fears and exchange information regarding their treatment.
• Requires an in-depth knowledge of dental procedures and the manual dexterity to perform them.
• Certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• EXPERIENCE:
• Previous hospital or institutional experience preferred to include completion of post-doctoral program and familiarity in the pediatric, intellectual disability, and special needs patients.

Supervisory Responsibility

• General supervision of dental hygienists and support staff, including dental assistants and clerical staff.
• Works in both clinical and operating room setting where direct contact with high-risk patients requires utilization of universal infection control procedures.
• Exposure to radiation and materials routinely used in the practice of dentistry, however there is minimal risk when established safety procedures are followed.
• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing when performing dental procedures.
• Participation in the behavior management and physical restraint of uncooperative patients in the context of providing dental care to maintain safety of the patient and staff.