Community Health Dentist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of holistic healthcare, the role of community health dentists has never been more crucial.

As public health consciousness rises, so does the demand for competent professionals who can provide, enhance, and safeguard our community dental health.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a community health dentist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager delineating the perfect candidate,
• Or merely fascinated by the realm of community dental healthcare,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable community health dentist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Community Health Dentist Duties and Responsibilities

Community Health Dentists specialize in promoting good oral health within the community by providing dental care and conducting educational programs.

They focus on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases and work with individuals and communities to improve their dental health.

The duties and responsibilities of a Community Health Dentist include:

• Evaluating patients’ dental health and diagnosing their dental conditions
• Designing, implementing and evaluating community-based dental health programs
• Assessing treatment options and agreeing on treatment plans with patients
• Carrying out agreed clinical treatments such as restoring teeth affected by decay and treating gum disease
• Educating patients and the wider community about oral healthcare
• Screening for oral cancer and other oral diseases
• Applying preventive materials to the teeth such as sealants and fluorides
• Providing professional referrals when necessary
• Keeping accurate records of patients’ oral health histories and treatment plans
• Working within the community to improve access to dental care and to help eliminate dental health disparities

 

Community Health Dentist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Community Health Dentist to promote dental health by completing dental examinations, providing treatments, and educating patients about oral hygiene and preventive dental care.

The Community Health Dentist’s responsibilities include conducting oral screenings to identify diseases and infections, and providing instructions on dental care and diet that can impact oral health.

Our ideal candidates possess excellent interpersonal communication skills, the ability to educate a diverse community about oral health, and a strong commitment to public service.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive dental examinations and diagnose oral health conditions
• Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain during procedures
• Provide treatments such as teeth cleaning, extractions, and filling cavities
• Examine x-rays of teeth, gums, the jaw, and nearby areas for problems
• Educate patients about oral hygiene and preventive dental care
• Prescribe antibiotics or other medications
• Document treatment plans and care provided to patients
• Participate in community health education and outreach programs
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals for more comprehensive patient care

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree
• State license and malpractice insurance
• Proven experience as a dentist in a community health setting
• Excellent understanding of dental procedures and diagnostics
• Knowledge of a wide range of dental diseases and conditions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A strong commitment to public service

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Public service loan forgiveness

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Health Dentist
• Work Environment: Community health center, with possible outreach to various community locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dental Director or the Healthcare Facility Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $125,000 minimum to $205,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Community Health Dentist Do?

Community Health Dentists work in public health centers, often serving disadvantaged populations or those with limited access to dental care.

They focus on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases and disorders, conducting routine exams, cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions.

They also screen for oral cancers and other diseases that can affect the mouth.

Community Health Dentists also play a vital educational role, teaching community members about good oral hygiene practices, including proper brushing, flossing, and diet.

Some may work on specific public health initiatives, such as increasing access to fluoridated water or offering free dental checkups to school children.

Community Health Dentists often work with a team of dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

Many also engage in research or policy-making to improve oral health at the community or national level.

 

Community Health Dentist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Community Health Dentist should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the job description, which include:

• Strong knowledge in dental science and the ability to apply this knowledge to provide quality dental care for the community.
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for precise work in small, delicate areas.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with patients, particularly those who may be anxious or fearful about dental treatment.
• Effective communication skills to clearly explain oral hygiene methods, treatment plans, and procedures to patients of all ages and backgrounds.
• Patient care skills to ensure that all patients receive a high level of care and comfort during their visit.
• Decision-making skills to assess the dental health of a patient and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Problem-solving skills to identify, diagnose, and effectively treat oral health issues.
• Ability to work in a team environment with other dental professionals and healthcare providers.
• Commitment to continued education and staying up to date with the latest advancements and trends in dental health.

 

Community Health Dentist Experience Requirements

To become a Community Health Dentist, individuals typically need to have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited dental program.

Following dental school, potential Community Health Dentists should consider completing a residency in public health dentistry, which will provide them with practical experience in community health settings.

Entry-level Community Health Dentists typically have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through their residency program, working in public health clinics or other community-based settings.

In these roles, they may have provided dental care, educated the community about oral health, and participated in oral health research.

Community Health Dentists with 3 to 5 years of experience are usually proficient in working with diverse populations and have a strong understanding of community health needs.

They may have gained their experience working in public health departments, community health clinics, or nonprofit organizations that provide dental services.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have developed leadership skills and may be ready to take on a managerial role or to lead a dental program within a community health organization.

They may also be involved in policy-making, advocacy, and research related to oral health in community settings.

Additionally, Community Health Dentists should have a license to practice dentistry in their state and might consider obtaining a specialty certification in dental public health from the American Board of Dental Public Health.

 

Community Health Dentist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Community Health Dentist, individuals typically need to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Prior to attending dental school, students usually complete a bachelor’s degree program with a major in science such as biology or chemistry, and take courses like anatomy, microbiology, and biochemistry.

Dental school programs typically include coursework in health policy, community health, epidemiology, and health administration.

Clinical experience in dental school is also essential, where students gain practical skills under the supervision of licensed dentists.

After earning their dental degree, dentists are required to obtain licensure to practice in their respective state.

Licensure requirements generally include passing written and practical examinations.

To specialize in Community Health, dentists may consider completing a residency program in public health dentistry or a Master’s degree in public health (MPH).

This additional training focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and the development of community dental health programs.

Continued education is important for Community Health Dentists to stay updated on the latest research, treatment methods, and dental technology.

This could involve attending workshops, conferences, or obtaining additional certifications.

They may also consider becoming board certified by the American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH) to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field of public health dentistry.

 

Community Health Dentist Salary Expectations

A Community Health Dentist earns an average salary of $157,776 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, specialization, geographical location, and the specific community health organization.

 

Community Health Dentist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Community Health Dentist need?

Community Health Dentists should have excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to perform detailed work in a small area.

They should also have strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients of all ages, including those who may be nervous or anxious about dental treatment.

Additionally, they must have good problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat various oral health issues.

 

Do Community Health Dentists need a degree?

Yes, Community Health Dentists need a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited dental program.

They also need to pass written and clinical exams to become licensed to practice dentistry in their state.

Some Community Health Dentists may also choose to complete additional training or certification in public health.

 

What should you look for in a Community Health Dentist resume?

When looking at a Community Health Dentist’s resume, check for their DDS or DMD degree and their licensure status.

It’s also important to look for experience working in community health settings, such as public health clinics or outreach programs.

Additional qualifications, such as a Master’s in Public Health (MPH), could be beneficial for this role.

 

What qualities make a good Community Health Dentist?

A good Community Health Dentist is compassionate and patient, able to make individuals of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable during treatment.

They should be passionate about public health and committed to improving oral health in underserved communities.

It’s also important that they stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in dental health.

 

What are the daily duties of a Community Health Dentist?

Daily duties of a Community Health Dentist may include examining patients’ teeth and gums, diagnosing and treating oral health issues, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene.

They may also participate in public health initiatives, such as organizing oral health screenings or educational programs in the community.

They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricate details that make up the role of a community health dentist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about promoting oral health and preventing dental diseases within your community, one smile at a time.

With our comprehensive community health dentist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool to craft detailed job listings or fine-tune your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Each smile you care for is a part of a healthier community.

Let’s create that community. Together.

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