Chief Dental Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

Manages the dental services program. Supervises the dental staff and the clinic workflow and performs administrative duties that are in conjunction with direction of Laguna Healthcare Corporation Board of Directors. Provides high-quality and culturally appropriate dental care to patients. This position plays a vital role in improving oral health outcomes through the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases and conditions. Works within a multi-disciplinary healthcare team and supports the mission of promoting wellness in the Laguna community. Perform examinations, diagnose, treat, and help prevent disease. Refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for overall assessment, planning, development, implementation and evaluation of all components of the dental program. Provide supervision of the dental staff through direct observation, review of completed work, performance appraisals, and by review of data reports.
• Maintains CMS and other regulatory compliance with federal, state, and tribal policies. Responsible for dental program’s initial and ongoing AAAHC Accreditation and Quality Assurance program.
• Assesses, plans, develops, implements, and evaluates the direct and contract resources made available in order to most appropriately meet the dental needs of the community.
• Recommends selection of staff, train and provide for their professional development. Administers and documents discipline as required.
• Attends and participates in leadership team meetings and projects, maintaining the dental department’s alignment with LHC Strategic and Operational Goals. Coordinates, schedules, and documents regular dental staff meetings.
• Responsible and accountable for maintaining a significant budget that includes dental and support personnel, equipment, supplies, travel, training, deferred services, referred services, grants, etc.
• Maintains reports, claims, and records for dental billing. Maintains compliance with funding and billing requirements.
• Performs routine and non-routine dental examinations of patients with the evaluation of symptoms to determine appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Interprets radiographs to detect tooth structure and abnormalities. Monitor patients' conditions, progress or response to treatment and reevaluate treatment plans as necessary.
• Performs a full range of dental procedures and refers patients for specialty consultation or treatment in conformance with approved clinical protocols and guidelines.
• Provides and manages direct patient care of patients of all ages, including intraoral and extraoral examinations, evaluations, assessments, diagnoses and treatment. Collaborates with dental hygienists, dental assistants and administrative staff to ensure efficient, patient-centered care.
• Prescribes pharmaceuticals, other medications and treatment regimens as appropriate to assessed intraoral conditions.
• Explains dental procedures and provides education of proposed treatment plan(s) to patients and family members. Promote preventive dental care and educate patients on oral hygiene, disease prevention and health-related conditions. Advises patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention. Provides health and wellness advice to patients or caregivers.
• Maintains accurate, complete and timely electronic dental records in accordance with HIPAA, clinic protocols and billing protocols. Prepares official health documents and patient records with proper and ethical coding necessary for billing of all services provided.
• Collects, records, and maintains patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results in consultation with patients, family members or other medical professionals.
• Ensures the quality of the dental program and participate in work teams by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures.
• Participates in community outreach programs, student/school screenings and oral health education initiatives.
• Prepares reports which include disease statistics or medical status of individuals or other required information.
• Ensures personal and professional compliance with all applicable federal, state, tribal and local rules and regulations, AAAHC (Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Healthcare) and infection control standards. Ensures diagnosis, care and treatment follow all protocols established for dental program operations.
• Stays current with dental literature and advancements.
• Serves as a liaison between the dental program, other health services, educational programs, and tribal leadership.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

In performance of their respective tasks and duties, an employee of Laguna Healthcare Corporation is expected to conform to the following:

1.Uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent.

2.Adhere to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.

3.Maintain all licensures and certifications required of position.

4.Maintain all staff licensures and certifications required of respective positions.

5.Interact in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner with patients, employees, visitors and vendors.

6.Direct departmental staff meetings, quality management activities and educational programs as required.

7.Comply with Laguna Healthcare Corporation policies and procedures.

8.Maintain all local, state, and federal Compliance.

9.Maintain a current insurable driver’s license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Five (2) years of professional clinical experience as a Dentist. Two (2) years of supervisory/managerial experience. Experience working in Native American or underserved community preferred.

Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Medicine from accredited post-secondary institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

License/Certification:

• Current, active, full and unrestricted license as a Dentist from any state or the District of Columbia.
• Current DEA License
• Current BLS or ACLS certification.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required for this position.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and telephonically.
• Ability to interact with staff in a team environment.
• Knowledge of dental clinical operations, principles, methods and procedures for the delivery of dental evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of modern principles and techniques of dentistry and public health, as traditionally practiced.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical standards for the delivery of dental care.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Knowledge of diagnostic and patient care services in area of medical expertise.
• Knowledge of relevant drugs and non-pharmaceutical patient care aids and ability to prescribe dosages and instruct patients in correct usage.
• Knowledge of current principles, methods and procedures for the delivery of evaluation, diagnosis and treatment in area of expertise.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Knowledge of accreditation and certification requirements and standards.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and coaching skills.
• Proficiency in use of computer/information technology including computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment. Must include skills in Dentrix, MiPACS, RPMS or equivalent patient health record system.
• Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential patient information and documentation.
• Judgment and decision-making ability.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to hold self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Ability to comply with established control systems and rules.
• Ability to anticipate and meet the needs of both internal and external customers, and to deliver high-quality products and services.
• Ability to make well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, and perceives the impact and implication of the decision.
• Ability to identify and analyze problems and generate alternative solutions.
• Ability to remain flexible, recover quickly from setbacks, and remain optimistic and persistent.
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Active affiliation with appropriate dental networks and organizations.

Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions exist, and the noise level in the work environment can vary from low to moderate. Limited overnight travel may be required from time to time. This position may be exposed to certain health risks that are inherent when working within a health center facility, such as potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, sharps and infectious body fluids. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: The physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, talk, hear and perform repetitive motions. There may be prolonged periods of sitting, keyboarding, reading, as well as driving or riding in transport vehicles. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading, distance, computer, and color vision. Talking and hearing are essential to communicate with patients, vendors and staff. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Operation of a motor vehicle required to travel between LHC facilities and perform other assigned off-site tasks.

Mental demands: There are a number of deadlines associated with this position. The employee must be able to handle frequent interruptions and must also multi-task and interact with a wider variety of people on various and, at times, complicated issues.

TRIBAL PREFERENCE

LHC will apply “Indian Preference” as an employment criterion and not a “racial classification.” The Laguna Healthcare Corporation has implemented a Tribal Preference in Employment Policy. Pursuant to this Policy, applicants who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by this position, and who are enrolled members of the Pueblo of Laguna, will be given primary preference in hiring and employment for this position. Members of other Federally recognized Indian Tribes will be given secondary preference for hiring and employment after providing proof of Tribal membership.

OTHER

Confidentiality: All employees must uphold all principles of confidentiality to the fullest extent. This position will have access to sensitive information, and a breach of these principles will be grounds for immediate termination.

Background Investigation: This position may be subject to a criminal history background check, a suitability background check and/or a credit report check. In addition, some positions are subject to a more extensive background check to ensure compliance with Public Law 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. Candidates must be able to successfully pass all required background checks to qualify for this position.

Drug Screening: All applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening prior to beginning employment and will be subject to random drug testing.

Disclaimer: The information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employees will be asked to perform other duties as needed.:

Community health & wellness • Drug dosages • Patient treatment planning • Collaborate with healthcare professionals • Background check • Clinical program budget management • Computer operation • Patient and family consultation • Direct patient care • Dentistry • Care plan evaluation • Patient progress tracking • Medical claims • Strategic management • Dental diagnosis • Team member evaluation • Program management • Dental office • Clinical program implementation • Data analysis reporting • Healthcare resource management • Medical law • Dental care patient counseling • Clinical staff policy implementation • General dentistry • Initial assessment (medical evaluation) • Ability to walk for extended periods • Program development • Safety regulations • Professional ethics • Radiology diagnostics • Dental License • BLS Certification • Coaching • CMS • In-person customer service • Pass drug screening • Clinical staff development programs • Care documentation • Performance feedback (performance evaluation method) • Windows • ACLS Certification • State healthcare regulations • Patient safety • Healthcare infection prevention and control expertise • Data summary reports • Medical coding in outpatient clinics • Meeting scheduling • Dental insurance • Disciplinary action management • Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) • Team development • Preventive health (patient care) • Hiring • CMS regulatory compliance • Driver's License • Patient history taking • Clinical staff training • Quality control management • Records management • Data management • Electronic health record (EHR) management for billing and coding • Driving • Clinical training • Decision making • Dentrix • Clinical assessment documentation • Doctor of Dentistry • Healthcare practice operations management • Ability to sit for extended periods • DEA License • Health record tracking • Patient family and caregiver education • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) • Interdisciplinary policy and procedure development • Dental treatment planning • Patient consultations • Educational program planning • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) billing regulations • Patient care leadership • Working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds • Disease state management • Patient progress monitoring • Clinical team leadership • Healthcare diagnosis • Health information management • Healthcare policy implementation • Patient counseling • Community health center • Implementation of strategic initiatives • Community relationship building • Clinical confidentiality policies • Claims documentation management • Regulatory compliance analysis • Senior level • Clinical documentation standards • Managing patient records • Working with individuals from underserved communities • Ability to stand for extended periods • Leadership • 2 years • Tribal law & regulations • Communication skills • Technical Proficiency • Medical treatment implementation • Policy Development • Operations planning • Operational budget management • Patient observation • Patient family support • Quality assurance within healthcare • Healthcare consultation • Educational program management