The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Ohio University (OU) Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine have initiated a search to fill the State Dental Director position in Ohio. This will be a shared contractual position (90% ODH and 10% OU). This position:

•  Provides dental consultative services to the ODH Medical Director’s Office to ensure that sound dental public health theory and evidenced-based practices are in place to promote, support, and improve oral health for all Ohioans. 

•  Supports programs that prevent oral diseases and improve dental care access. 

•  Monitors the oral health of Ohioans by collecting, analyzing, and sharing oral health data, helping other health professionals such as physicians and nurses improve their patients' oral health, and ensuring that oral health is seen as an essential part of overall health.

Primary Accountabilities:

•  Set overall vision, mission, and strategic direction for oral health in Ohio.

•  Formulate and direct implementation of statewide oral health policies. 

•  Assure that ODH oral health programs are following the best clinical practices.

•  Integrate oral health into other ODH Bureau of Child and Family Health and departmental programs with an oral health component (e.g., Chronic Diseases, Tobacco, Children with Medical Handicaps, AIDS/Ryan White, Immunization, and Preparedness).

•  Develop standards of care for oral health programs funded through ODH and oversee the training, dissemination, and monitoring of compliance with those standards. 

•  Oversee Ohio’s oral health surveillance system and analyze and interpret oral health data and the latest developments and research in oral health and oral health care delivery (e.g., preventive dentistry, oral epidemiology, dental treatment, oral health workforce, planning, dental care delivery systems, reimbursement, and cost containment).

•  Work with outside local, state, and federal agencies and organizations, community-based dental programs, professional dental and public health organizations, dental schools, and other stakeholders to advance oral health across the lifespan.

•  Communicate ODH’s position on oral health legislation and issues through the development of written statements, and technical and/or legal documents.

•  Collaborate with dentists in Ohio, with a focus on Southeast Ohio to increase the network of comprehensive dental care for uninsured patients.

•  Contribute to the educational process of healthcare students at Ohio University including medical and nursing students.

This position follows a hybrid work schedule that may require one day per week in the Ohio Department of Health’s Columbus office. More information about the position including qualifications, salary, and benefits can be found at this link: https://www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/postings/49396

The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by May 1, 2024.