Dentist Itinerant

The Dentist Itinerant is responsible for providing professional work in the prevention, diagnoses and treatment of disease, injuries and deformities of the oral cavity and surrounding structures of the head and neck. Responsible for performing a broad range of duties in the treatment of dental diseases requiring knowledge and experience to perform independently. This is a position that requires travel throughout our Region to Seward, Port Graham, Nanwalek, Tatitlek and Chenega.  

• Assume quality of care for all patients at all times. Adhere to the highest standard of dental practices, ethics and professionalism.
• Examine individuals requesting care, diagnose their dental/oral conditions, prescribe and carries out or directs others to carry out appropriate dental/oral treatment or refer individuals for specialty consultation or treatment in conformance with Chugachmiut policies and clinical guidelines.
• Record patient-dentist transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care and treatment provided. In addition, the itinerant dentist shall complete referrals and other records needed for treatment plan completion.
• Communicate effectively with dental staff, other health care providers, patients and families. Ensure that verbal and written instructions are clear and concise and are understood by listening and asking for feedback.  Educate support staff on how to interpret and carry out verbal and written orders so that the patient’s needs are met. Work in coordination with other clinic staff to effectively educate the patient on their course of treatment in order to increase the likelihood of compliance. Provide on-going feedback to health staff to improve communication and is receptive to feedback from staff.
• Provide patient education that consists of advising patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and a movement towards a healthcare partnership between the healthcare providers, the patients, and their families. Counsel and instructs patients and family members either directly or refers to the appropriate healthcare provider. Utilize opportunities and stress preventative care and maintenance to patients and their families regarding dental hygiene, health habits, and home care.  Listens for clues that the patient needs additional assistance in understanding the treatment plan or in carrying out the treatment. 
• Educate individuals in the nature of oral health related conditions and in the general promotion of oral health.
• Serve on health service committees as assigned.
• Participate in short and long-term program planning for the dental department and the division, including development of goals and objectives.
• Travel to fulfill the division’s needs and attends meetings as necessary to represent the organization and/or the Dental Department.
• Responsible for full compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and organization rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dentistry and the clinical provisions of dental care as well as those relating to, but not limited to personal issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.
• Assist in the implementation of the Dental Department plan through coordination with village health care professionals, through direct patient contact, and interaction with civic/educational/tribal groups.
• Ensure maintenance of accurate patient records to reflect each patient’s health status and risk factors. 
• Develop, maintain and oversee a quality assurance program and continuous quality improvement process for the dental program in conjunction with health services division staff and other regional health care providers.  Monitor the quality of care delivered.  Ensures ADA and other regulatory standards are met as they apply to the program.
• Conforms to safety policies and general housekeeping practices.
• Demonstrates sound work ethics, flexible, and shows dedication to the position.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude, is respectful, and possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity toward clients and co-workers.
• Keeps customer service and the mission of the organization in mind when interacting with all clients, co-workers, and others.
• Expected to be prepared to start shift on time, meet attendance standards, and work the hours necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Employees are expected to embrace, support and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion and quality which align with Chugachmiut’s Mission and Vision through their actions and interactions with all patients, staff, and others.
• Conforms to Chugachmiut policies, strict employee confidentiality, and HIPAA regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.