Director of Dental

Job DetailsJob Location: Dental - Hattiesburg, MS 39401Job Summary: Under the direction of the Chief Medical Officer, the Director of Dental serves as the clinical and operational leader for the organization’s dental program. The Director of Dental is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive dental services in alignment with the mission of a Federally Qualified Health Center, including access to high-quality, patient-centered care regardless of ability to pay. This position provides supervision and mentorship to dental providers and support staff; leads quality improvement, risk management, compliance, and infection prevention activities; monitors productivity, patient experience, and financial performance; and collaborates with administrative and clinical leadership to strengthen integrated oral health services. The Dental Director demonstrates sound judgment, professional leadership, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, families, and visitors of all age groups while remaining sensitive to cultural, linguistic, and religious needs.   Job Responsibilities: Plan, organize, and direct all dental activities for the organization in support of a high-performing FQHC dental program Provide clinical leadership and oversight for dental providers, hygienists, assistants, and support staff Ensure delivery of high-quality, patient-centered dental care consistent with organizational standards, professional guidelines, and applicable federal and state requirements Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of dental policies, clinical protocols, workflows, and service standards Develop, monitor, and improve dental quality assurance and performance improvement activities, including patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, peer review, and risk reduction Monitor departmental productivity, access, scheduling efficiency, case completion, no-show trends, and operational performance to improve patient access and continuity of care Oversee infection prevention and control practices, equipment readiness, and environmental safety within the dental program Support compliance with HRSA, UDS, OSHA, HIPAA, Medicaid, Medicare, and other applicable regulatory and payer requirements relevant to dental services Collaborate with administrative leadership to recommend and implement guidelines, fees, services, staffing models, and budget priorities Audit and monitor departmental billing, coding, documentation, and accounts receivable processes to support timely, accurate revenue cycle performance Oversee the consistent application of the Sliding Fee Discount Program and verification of insurance eligibility in accordance with organizational policy Conduct timely staff performance evaluations, coaching, corrective action, and professional development activities Recruit, retain, orient, mentor, and evaluate dental providers and team members to support a stable and effective workforce Conduct and document routine dental staff meetings and provide minutes or updates to Administration as requested Order, monitor, and maintain appropriate inventory of dental, clinic, and office supplies and ensure appropriate stewardship of resources Maintain equipment and vendor coordination to support uninterrupted clinical operations Prepare regular reports for the Chief Medical Officer and Administration regarding dental initiatives, quality indicators, staffing, productivity, and operational priorities Participate in organizational committees and interdisciplinary initiatives, including quality, infection control, safety, and integrated care planning Provide consultation to the Chief Medical Officer and leadership team regarding oral health strategy, clinical issues, and community oral health needs Interact professionally with hospitals, specialists, referral partners, schools, agencies, and community organizations to strengthen access to care and care coordination Demonstrate sound organizational skills, confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, and the ability to manage difficult situations with staff and patients Maintain prompt and regular attendance, complete required trainings, verify timecards as assigned, and perform related duties as needed Provide direct patient care as needed and model clinical excellence, teamwork, and service to underserved populations QualificationsJob Requirements: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited school of dentistry Current unrestricted dental license in the State of Mississippi, or ability to obtain licensure prior to start date Preferred three years of progressively responsible clinical and leadership experience in dental practice, community health, or an FQHC setting preferred Demonstrated ability to supervise personnel, lead teams, and manage departmental operations Knowledge of dental quality improvement, infection prevention, credentialing support, regulatory compliance, and revenue cycle processes preferred Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare reports, enforce policies, and collaborate effectively across disciplines Proficiency with electronic health records, dental practice management systems, and standard business software Ability to multi-task, exercise sound judgment, meet deadlines, and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment   Physical and Other Requirements: Must be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, and TB skin test Must be willing to do local and out of state travel. Must continuously listen, visualize, and have dexterity and eye-hand coordination Ability for simple grasping and speed work Must frequently sit, squat, reach, use both right and left forearm rotation, walk and climb stairs Must occasionally kneel, twist, have the ability to grasp firmly, lift and carry, push and pull in excess of 30 lbs.