Dentist III @ San Angelo State Supported Living Center

The Dental Director directs the activities of the Dental Department including supervision of one or more Dental Assistant(s) and Dental Hygienist(s). The Dental Director is responsible for dental services for all individuals living at the Supported Living Center and certain identified individuals living in community-based settings including advanced dental care and treatment to elevate the oral hygiene of all individuals. The Dental Director is responsible to implement best practices in treatment. Administrative responsibilities include budget planning and management, policy development, hiring and firing of staff, and developing systems in conjunction with other departments related to dental care and oral hygiene.  The Dental Director is an integral part of Medical Services working to elevate overall health for individuals residing at the State Supported Living Center. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Oversees and manages dental services provided to multi-disabled individuals with challenging behavioral issues and multiple medical system issues, including individuals with unique dental malformations at the State Supported Living Center, and certain identified individuals living in community-based settings.  Services includes routine and non-routine dental procedures for individuals, and supervising other dentist(s), and dental hygienists with non-routine dental care and cleanings.

Monitors and evaluates the quality of dental services provided by other dentist and dental personnel, and determines system changes needed to improve oral function, oral hygiene, and appearance, and implements process changes when appropriate. 

Plans, organizes, manages and controls department and interdepartmental functions related to dental services to ensure best quality of services possible.  Develops systems and policies to improve dental health, oral hygiene and overall health of individuals by staying current on best practices in dental services, and reviews and revises or develops policies that are consistent with evidence-based practices.

Develops and authorizes the implementation of desensitization practices, ensures other dental personnel follow the plan of care, to include evaluation of current medications and possible interactions with dental sedation methods.

Documents provision of dental services, and obtains, tracks, analyzes and writes reports regarding dental services both individually and organizationally.

Communicates with individuals, family members, guardians, to discuss dental needs of individuals, and to explain dental services provided and needed and to address complex situations.

Develops relationships with community members and dental personnel in the community to raise awareness of and improve dental services, and to expand training opportunities and public relations.

Plans, assigns and supervises the work of Dentist(s), Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants; Hires, trains, motivates and takes disciplinary action, up to an including termination of employment, as needed. Responsible for contractual arrangements with oral surgeons, dental anesthetists, and other dental specialists.

Performs administrative functions such as developing and working to remain within the dental budget and working with interdisciplinary groups and teams to improve dental services and overall health care and operations of the facility.

Provides expert consultation and assists with hiring and other dental supervision as needed at other SSLC’s. 

Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of and experience performing dental services including use of dental equipment.

Knowledge of best practices related to oral hygiene and health care.

Knowledge of and experience diagnosing dental problems and documenting examinations and courses of treatment.

Knowledge of, or ability to learn, ICF-IID standards, certification requirements for the Council on Quality and Leadership, HHSC policies and procedures, and the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement.

Skill in using basic computer software and electronic medical/dental record systems.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ability to manage a department and direct the work of others effectively.

Ability to maintain required continuing education hours.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as a dentist by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

Must have current registration certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Must possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI#).

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in general practice dentistry work is required. 

A minimum of ten years’ experience in general practice is preferred.

You’ve decided to make caring your career. Come to the place where you can do that and make a real difference in the lives of Texans with mental health needs.

HHSC’s Health and Specialty Care System has nine state psychiatric hospitals (with more expansion planned) and a residential unit dedicated to adolescents. The State Supported Living Centers have 13 long-term care campuses across the state.  These centers are home to many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Join us and you’ll have the opportunity to work in partnership with academic institutions, community providers, and partners within our agency as we increase work efficiency and provide patient-centered care to more than 12,000 people a year. You can also help us incorporate cutting edge technology into treatment plans.

If you want to be on the forefront of revolutionizing forensic and community psychiatric care or ensure and oversee the delivery of high quality, integrated medical services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, the HHSC Health and Specialty Care System is looking for bright people with new ideas to help us. With a growing demand for our services and a State Legislature that’s investing in the entire mental health continuum of care, Texas is positioned to be a leader and put itself in on the cutting edge of mental health for the 21st Century. Come be a part of it.