Public Health Dentist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of modern healthcare, the significance of public health dentists has become increasingly prominent.

As the landscape of public health advances, the demand for skilled professionals dedicated to promoting oral health and preventing dental diseases escalates.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the dynamics of public health dentistry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a flexible public health dentist job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Public Health Dentist Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Dentists strive to improve the oral health of the community through assessing, preventing, and treating oral health issues.

They use their expertise to implement policies and programs that promote oral health on a large scale.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating community dental health needs and implementing programs to address those needs
• Providing oral health education to the public to promote preventative dental care
• Performing dental examinations and diagnosing oral health conditions
• Performing clinical procedures such as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and oral screenings
• Administering treatments and performing surgeries to maintain or restore oral health
• Referring patients to specialist oral health providers as necessary
• Conducting research to stay updated with the latest trends in oral health and public health
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to integrate oral health with general health
• Advising policy makers on oral health issues and advocating for oral health policies
• Ensuring compliance with dental health safety standards and regulations

 

Public Health Dentist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Public Health Dentist to join our team.

Your role will be to provide comprehensive oral healthcare services, conduct dental screenings, and promote dental health through preventive education.

As a Public Health Dentist, you should have in-depth knowledge of various dental procedures, oral hygiene practices, and educational programs that promote dental health.

Your responsibility will not just be providing treatments but also educating the community about preventive dental care.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive oral health care including cleaning, fillings, extractions, and screenings for oral diseases.
• Design and implement community dental health programs.
• Educate patients about oral hygiene and preventive dental care.
• Participate in community health fairs to promote oral health.
• Conduct research on oral health issues in the community.
• Collaborate with other health professionals to promote overall health.
• Advocate for public policy that improves oral health.
• Comply with all relevant regulations and ethical standards.

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
• Valid state dental license.
• Experience in public health, community health, or related field.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to serving the community and promoting health.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Additional certification in Public Health is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for further training and professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Health Dentist
• Work Environment: Dental clinic and community settings. Some travel may be required for community work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Dental Services or Community Health Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $145,000 minimum to $220,000 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 Public Health Dentist Do?

Public Health Dentists work in the broader field of public health focusing on the oral health of the community.

They typically work for government health departments, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions.

Their main role is to develop and implement strategies that improve dental health and reduce oral diseases within the population.

They research and analyze data to identify trends and key areas of concern in oral health.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals and community leaders to promote oral health education and prevention methods.

This can include programs aimed at teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and the impact of diet on oral health.

Public Health Dentists also often advocate for public health policies that provide greater access to dental care, such as water fluoridation and dental services in underserved areas.

In some cases, they may provide direct dental care services, particularly in community health centers or during public health emergencies.

Their goal is to ensure the oral health of the community is maintained and improved, focusing on preventative measures and education rather than individual treatment.

 

Public Health Dentist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient public health dentist should have the following skills and qualifications that align with the role:

• Must possess a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited program.
• Required to have a license to practice dentistry and may also require additional certifications depending on regional regulations.
• Excellent knowledge of dental public health principles and the ability to apply these principles in practice.
• Highly skilled in conducting oral examinations, diagnosing dental conditions, and planning appropriate treatments.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients and public health stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple patient cases and public health initiatives.
• Experience with research methods and the ability to use data to inform public health dentistry interventions.
• Ability to educate patients and communities about oral health, disease prevention, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
• Teamwork skills to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive health services.
• Problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat complex dental conditions.

 

Public Health Dentist Experience Requirements

Public Health Dentists typically require a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree, which typically involves four years of dental school after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

After dental school, many aspiring Public Health Dentists complete a 1 to 2-year public health residency or fellowship program, which includes gaining hands-on experience in the field.

This program prepares them to deal with public health issues, management of healthcare services and health policy planning.

Having a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) is also beneficial and can provide an advantage when applying for roles within this field.

Prior to becoming fully licensed, Public Health Dentists may also need to complete a period of supervised practice, typically 1 to 2 years, which provides them with further practical experience in public health dentistry.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience in public health dentistry may be eligible for higher level positions, such as leadership or managerial roles within a dental public health department or organization.

Continuing education and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in public health dentistry is also crucial for these professionals, and can be obtained through seminars, workshops, and conferences.

 

Public Health Dentist Education and Training Requirements

Public Health Dentists must first complete a bachelor’s degree in pre-dentistry or a science-related field.

This is followed by a four-year doctoral program, resulting in either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

These programs usually include both theoretical instruction in subjects such as anatomy, periodontology, and pathology as well as practical training.

Upon obtaining their DDS or DMD, aspiring Public Health Dentists must pass a state-specific licensing examination.

This typically includes both a written and clinical component to ensure they are well-versed in both the theory and practice of dentistry.

Furthermore, to specialize in public health, dentists usually pursue additional training.

This is often in the form of a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) or a Dental Public Health Residency program, recognized by the American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH).

Continued professional development is also essential for this role, as public health strategies, policies, and procedures can evolve over time.

Some Public Health Dentists may also choose to seek board certification from the American Board of Dental Public Health.

This involves additional exams and demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to the field of public health dentistry.

 

Public Health Dentist Salary Expectations

A Public Health Dentist can expect to earn an average salary of $136,904 (USD) per year.

However, the exact amount can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of specialization, geographic location, and the type of organization they work for.

 

Public Health Dentist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Public Health Dentist need?

Public Health Dentists should have a combination of clinical skills and public health knowledge.

They should be proficient in diagnosing and treating oral health issues, and they need to be well-versed in preventative dental care.

Strong communication skills are vital as they frequently interact with patients, communities, health care providers and policymakers.

They also need analytical skills for assessing and interpreting public health data.

 

What is the educational requirement for a Public Health Dentist?

Public Health Dentists should have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school.

Additionally, they must pass written and clinical board examinations to be licensed to practice.

Some Public Health Dentists also earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree or have additional training in public health, epidemiology or health policy.

 

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

You should look for a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school, a valid license to practice dentistry, and evidence of experience or training in public health.

Any additional education, such as a Master’s in Public Health, is a plus.

Also consider their clinical experience, any experience working in community health settings, and familiarity with health policy or epidemiology.

 

What qualities make a good Public Health Dentist?

A good Public Health Dentist is patient, empathetic, and has strong communication skills to interact effectively with diverse communities.

They should have a strong commitment to public service and improving community health.

In addition, they should be detail-oriented and possess good problem-solving skills, especially when dealing with complex public health issues.

 

What are the daily duties of a Public Health Dentist?

Public Health Dentists spend their day diagnosing and treating oral health issues, conducting dental screenings, and providing preventive dental care.

They also design and implement oral health programs for communities, educate the public about oral health, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals or policymakers to improve public health policy.

They may also conduct research or analyze data to understand the impact of oral health issues on communities.

 

Conclusion

And that’s the scoop.

Today, we’ve unveiled the reality of being a public health dentist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about safeguarding community health, one smile at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive public health dentist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to forge ahead.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every smile you help to create contributes to a healthier community.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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