FHCHC is a forward-thinking, dynamic, and exciting community health center that provides care for multiple generations at nearly 80,000 office visits in 17 locations. Overseen by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom are patients themselves, we are proud to offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services, as well as evidence-based patient programs to educate patients in healthy lifestyle choices. As we grow and are able to bring high-quality health care to more areas that need access, we continue to put our patients first in everything we do. The mission of FHCHC is “To improve the health and social well-being of the communities we serve through equitable, high quality, patient-centered care that is culturally responsive.”

For nearly 50 years, we have been a health care leader in our community focused on providing excellent, affordable primary care to all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Fair Haven is proud to have a diverse and motivated team of professionals who are constantly seeking ways to enhance and improve the health and well-being of all patients. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality medical and dental care, regardless of ability to pay.

Job purpose

To maintain and provide clinical and administrative leadership in order to expand a program of primary and preventive dental care in a community health center setting.

Duties and responsibilities

The Dental Director supervises the dental staff of the community health center and represents the dental staff to the VP of Clinical Affairs. The Dental Director provides dental advice and counsel to the Executive Management Team, as requested. In addition, he/she is responsible for providing direct patient care as assigned by specific contract hours outlined in Dental Director’s professional contract agreement.  Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Designs, develops, and implements appropriate Dental Department policies, protocols and procedures which are in compliance with the most current accepted professional standards.

• Develops and executes best practices for recruitment and retention measures of dental staff, both professional and ancillary and performs periodic evaluations of all Dental department professional providers as directed by the policy of the corporation.

• Examines individuals requesting care, diagnoses their dental/oral conditions, prescribes and carries out, or directs others in carrying out, appropriate dental/oral treatment, or refers individuals for specialty consultation or treatment in conformance with approved clinical protocols and guidelines; records patient-dentist transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record; and complete referrals and data collections

• Educates individuals in the nature of oral health related conditions and in the general promotion of oral health related disease prevention and assists in the provision of technical assistance and health education to the community as requested.

• Serves as Chair of the Dental Department’s Performance Improvement Committee and/or Peer Review Committee.

• Prepares and submits monthly (or timeline to be outlined with VP of Clinical Affairs/ CEO) written reports on Dental department issues, concerns, program status, initiatives and progress to the Executive Management Team; participates in short and long-term program planning, including development of goals and objectives and assists in the preparation of an operating budget for the Dental Department.

• Responsible for personal, as well as, departmental full compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dentistry and the clinical provision of dental care including those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.

Education & Training

• Graduation from an accredited dental school.

• Completion of an accredited general practice residency program is preferred

• Minimum of three years of clinical experience required, five years of experience preferred.

• Knowledge of public health principles and practices preferred.

• Administrative, management, PI, and budget development experience preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills required.

• Bilingual preferred

• EDR (Wisdom) experience preferred.

Licensure & Credentials

• Unrestricted license to practice dentistry in the State of Connecticut.

• Current CPR (BLS) certifications. ACLS preferred

• Connecticut DEA registration and Controlled Substance License.

• Medicaid provider numbers

Direction of Others

Dental Practice Manager and All Dental Staff

OSHA Status:

Category I—Increased Risk Position

Potential exposure to hazardous waste and blood borne pathogens, clinical setting.

Physical requirements:

Physical Demands: Requires walking, bending, sitting, standing, writing, reading, telephone use, data input into computer, pulling medical records,

Mental Demands: Ability to cope with continual changing priorities under potentially stressful conditions

Manual Dexterity Required:  Ability to use a keyboard, telephone.

American with Disabilities Requirements:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job specific responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case by case basis.

Fair Haven Community Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FHCHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

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