DENTIST (ON CALL)

About the role

The Dentist (On Call) performs clinical dental services for patients of all ages, including examination, diagnosis and treatment planning, oral cancer screenings, bonded restorations, sealants, simple root canal therapy, simple and surgical extractions, periodontal treatments, full and partial denture constructions, fixed prosthodontics, and other required procedures within the scope of general dentistry. This on‑call position provides schedule coverage for the regular dWC dental staff.

Responsibilities

• Performs examinations, including oral cancer screenings of the oral cavity, head, and neck, and utilizes radiographs, dental instruments, and other diagnostic tools to evaluate the oral healthcare needs of patients.
• Diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, gums, and related oral structures.
• Explains treatment plans to patients, including the benefits, risks, and alternatives of each treatment option.
• Provides clinical dental services, including bonded restorations, simple root canal therapy, simple and surgical extractions, periodontal treatments, full and partial denture constructions, fixed prosthodontics, and other required procedures within the scope of general dentistry using rotary and hand instruments.
• Provides preventive dental services to patients, such as the application of topical fluoride, desensitizing, caries‑arresting, and remineralizing agents, and sealants.
• Educates and motivates patients on appropriate strategies to maintain their oral health, such as toothbrushing, flossing, nutritional counseling, and tobacco cessation.
• Provides comprehensive, culturally‑appropriate, and holistically‑centered oral healthcare while embracing the minimally‑invasive dentistry philosophy.
• Coordinates referrals to specialists for treatments that cannot be provided at didgwalic Dental and corresponds with other dental and medical providers regarding patient care.
• Oversees the documentation of patient information and encounters and signs chart notes in the dental EHR in a timely manner.
• Provides training to the Dental Team.
• Assists in maintaining strong collaboration and communication related to the overall operation of the Dental Clinic.
• Participates in community outreach activities to promote oral health.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Doctorate (DDS or DMD) degree from an accredited dental school.
• Current, unrestricted Washington State Dentist License.
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration.
• National Provider Identifier (NPI) registration.
• At least five years of experience in dental practice (preferred).
• Previous community health or Indian Health Service (IHS) experience (preferred).
• Current CPR (BLS) certification.
• Strong time management and multitasking ability.

Skills

• Excellent customer service skills to ensure patients feel comfortable during appointments and well‑informed about their treatment.
• Understanding of dental technology, such as dental EHR software, mobile radiological equipment (Nomad), and intraoral scanners.
• Knowledge of and adherence to infection control protocols and the ability to lead by example in best practices.
• Effective communication and written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
• Understanding and adherence to state (RCW & WAC) and federal (HIPAA & 42 CFR Part 2) confidentiality regulations.
• Ability to work in a cross‑cultural environment and understanding of the social and cultural context of patients at didgwalic Wellness Center, including the role of trauma, historical, community, family, and personal experience in wellness and recovery.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and other related programs.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing, leaning, and bending.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.