DDS-Dentist at Damian Family Care Centers Inc – Rhinebeck, New York

The Dentist is responsible and accountable for assessing, planning, and providing comprehensive dental care, performing treatment interventions, and evaluating patient outcomes in accordance with best practice standards.

The Dentist supports the mission and philosophy of Damian Family Care Centers (DFCC) and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care to the communities served.

Essential Job Duties

Clinical Care & Treatment

• Performs dental interventions and procedures in accordance with accepted standards of practice.

• Utilizes appropriate diagnostic tools (e.g., radiographs, endodontic equipment) to assess, evaluate, and treat oral health conditions.

• Demonstrates competency in managing oral health for HIV-infected individuals and substance-abusing populations.

• Assesses patient conditions and age-specific dental needs on a continuous basis.

• Establishes treatment goals and prescribes appropriate interventions reflective of patient needs.

• Refers patients to outside specialists when clinically indicated and in accordance with current protocols.

• Documentation & Compliance

• Provides complete, accurate, and timely documentation of clinical observations, diagnoses, treatment objectives, and patient responses.

• Utilizes an outcome-oriented approach to evaluate patient progress.

• Documents patient interventions and outcomes in accordance with standards of practice and organizational policies.

• Maintains compliance with DFCC policies and procedures, HIPAA Privacy Rules, and all regulatory and statutory requirements.

• Maintains compliance with universal precautions, OSHA blood-borne pathogen standards, and CDC Infection Control Guidelines for Dental Services.

Collaboration & Supervision

• Collaborates effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare providers to ensure coordinated and continuous care.

• Maintains open communication with all members of the healthcare team.

• Provides direct and indirect supervision of Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants.

• Integrates supervisory feedback to improve patient outcomes and clinical practice.

• Productivity & Professional Standards

• Reports to work on time and adheres to assigned schedules.

• Facilitates timely and efficient patient care.

• Demonstrates effective prioritization and workflow management.

• Practices within scope of licensure and demonstrates awareness of legal and ethical responsibilities.

• Attends continuing education seminars and maintains current knowledge of healthcare trends, standards, and technologies.

• Meets all organizational requirements for mandatory education at hire and annually thereafter.

Safety & Environment

• Maintains a safe and secure dental suite environment for patients and staff.

• Applies established safety and infection control principles.

• Participates in safety and security drills and emergency preparedness activities.

Patient-Centered Care

• Identifies and addresses patient educational needs using appropriate resources.

• Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to the Patient Bill of Rights.

• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.

• Demonstrates cultural and religious sensitivity toward patients, families, and staff.

• Promotes patient satisfaction and incorporates patient feedback into practice improvement.

• Maintains an atmosphere of courtesy, respect, and professionalism.

• Projects a positive image of DFCC within the communities served.

• Participates in community outreach and educational seminars as requested.

Non-Essential Functions

• Assists with quality improvement initiatives, audits, and performance improvement projects.

• Participates in staff meetings, committee meetings, and interdisciplinary case conferences.

• Supports onboarding and mentoring of newly hired dental staff, residents, or students as assigned.

• Assists in reviewing and updating dental policies and procedures.

• Participates in grant-related activities or reporting as requested.

• Provides coverage at alternate DFCC sites, if needed.

• Assists leadership with special projects and administrative assignments.

• Performs other related duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational operations.

• Currently licensed and registered to practice Dentistry in New York State; valid NYS registration required.

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with indigent populations and community-based programs preferred.

• Recent experience managing care of HIV-infected individuals and substance-abusing populations strongly preferred.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Infection Control certifications required.

• Meets all credentialing requirements as outlined in the Medical/Dental Staff By-Laws and DFCC credentialing policies.

• Demonstrates understanding of the interdisciplinary team model with a focus on outcome measurements.

• Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely—both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to interact professionally with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Demonstrated competency in the use of Health Information Technology (HIT).

Physical & Work Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential function

• Prolonged periods of sitting and standing while performing dental procedures.

• Frequent use of hands and fingers for fine motor skills, including handling dental instruments and equipment.

• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are required to perform precise clinical procedures.

• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and position self to provide patient care.

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, occasionally.

• Adequate visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses) to perform detailed dental examinations and procedures.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, gowns, and protective eyewear, for extended periods.

Work Environment

• Clinical dental setting with exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.

• Exposure to typical dental equipment, including x-ray units and ultrasonic devices.

• Moderate noise level consistent with dental clinical operations.

• Must adhere to OSHA regulations, CDC infection control guidelines, and DFCC safety protocols.

• May require occasional travel between DFCC locations.

• May be required to work evenings, weekends, or extended hours based on operational needs.