State Director of Oral Health Services

The Director of Oral Health Services is responsible for the oversight and support of statewide oral health programs and directly supervises and oversees the work of seven rural Regional Dental Directors who provide management of 47 dental sites statewide.  The incumbent establishes, updates, and implements policies and procedures related to dental services in accordance with standards of practice.

The Director of Oral Health Services leads the implementation of teledentistry and the development of a hub and spoke model to improve access to care; assists regional leadership in the recruitment of dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants; and oversees training and provides professional guidance and support to the Collaborative Teaching Dental Program.

The Director of Oral Health Services engages internal and external stakeholders in the planning and evaluation of The Tennessee State Oral Health Plan, maintains reports related to the plan and dental programs, and presents at statewide meetings. 

The Director of Oral Health Services ensures protocols and procedures are established and followed for the School-Based Dental Prevention Program which provides screening exams and sealants to children annually in school settings and provides reports to and manages the contract with TennCare on a routine basis.

Additional responsibilities include providing data for the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant and the Preventive Block Grant by the annual deadline; conducting interviews with media; and providing analysis of legislation impacting the Department of Health and/or Oral Health Services as requested.