Dentist (Deputy Chief)

Full Job Description

The Deputy Chief, Dental Service is responsible for assisting the Chief, Dental Service in managing all aspects of the dental program.

The primary focus is on ensuring high quality dental care for Veterans, overseeing both administrative and clinical operations, and enhancing patient satisfaction and experience within the Dental Service.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Dentist Basic Requirements Citizenship: Citizen of the United States.

(Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with section A, chapter 3, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education: A degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery or dental medicine resulting from a course of education in dentistry.

The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.

Approved schools are (1) United States and Canadian schools of dentistry listed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation(CODA), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.

(2) Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia as qualifying for full and unrestricted licensure provided the licensure requirements include a written examination measuring science achievement and a performance examination measuring clinical competence certification, and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate, if claimed by the applicant.

~AND~ Residency or Comparable Experience: Completed, or you are currently completing, a residency program in general practice or specialty, or comparable experience as a dentist actively involved in treating medically compromised patients.

~AND~ License: Currently hold, or will hold, a current, full and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United State active, current licensure.

Preferred Experience: Prior or current experience as a Martinsburg VA staff dentist or specialist. Experience in leadership roles in the VA Dental Service, military, or other organization.

Knowledge of all VA Dental regulations (VHA Handbook 1130.1), VA infection control, RMD regulations, policies and directives, and VA dental eligibility.

Dentist leadership and management positions may be Section Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, Service Chiefs, VISN Lead Dentists, Service Line Managers, Central Office Program Positions, Chiefs of Staff, or Directors (i.e., medical center and Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN)).

Dentists in leadership positions must demonstrate outstanding professional ability in the practice of dentistry or a dental specialty, and healthcare administration, as well as the ability to guide the development and implementation of programs within their respective domain.

These would include, but are not limited to dental practice, professional standards, personnel issues, quality and performance improvement.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: The Deputy Chief, Dental Service performs both administrative functions and dental procedures which may require sitting or standing for extended periods.

The dentist must demonstrate manual dexterity and the ability to use dental instruments and tools. The position may involve lifting or moving patients or equipment. Major Duties:

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.

Clinical Patient Care: Provide dental care that will restore, prevent, or remedy dental disease and injuries of the teeth, jaws and related structures of veterans according to generally accepted standards of dental practice and scope of services based upon statutory eligibility.

Provide a broad range of routine and complex procedures including restorative, endodontic, prosthetic, periodontic, and oral surgery. Facilitate community care referrals. Provide emergency dental care.

Educate Veterans on proper oral hygiene techniques and the importance of regular dental visits, encouraging effective oral health practices to prevent diseases and decay.

Communicate effectively with Veterans regarding their treatment options, procedures, and outcomes. Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including treatment plans and progress notes.

Complete monthly Clinical Point of Care Reviews and semiannual Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations.

Participate in interdisciplinary care discussions and contribute to the development of comprehensive care plans.

Ensure timely closure of all patient encounters, maintain requisite RVU's per clinical hour, and keep the dental monitors current.

Strive to meet or exceed various metrics set by the Service, Facility, and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Management & Leadership: Assist the Chief, Dental Service in overseeing clinical operations, ensuring adherence to VA policies and best practices.

Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to dental staff, fostering a collaborative and professional working environment.

Participate in the development and implementation of dental care protocols and standards.

Manage day-to-day programmatic functions within the Dental Service, including resource allocation and consumption, assessing staff performance, budget and planning, strategic planning, oversight of resident and student training programs, Homeless Veteran Dental Program, and directing dental services at a large medical center.

Assists the Chief, Dental Service in leading and supervising a team of approximately 45 dental health professionals, and assists in their recruitment, training, and evaluation.

Maintain regular attendance at Service level meetings, such as staff meetings, case presentation and implant board, and Facility Medical Staff Meetings.

Attend and present as needed to Facility meetings and workgroups (CPRC, IPRC, RSM, PMC, etc.). Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.

Develop and implement quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing dental care services. Lead efforts to achieve and maintain high levels of patient safety and clinical excellence.

Care in the Community Delegation of Authority (DOA): Oversee and manage the care coordination for dental services provided in the community (non-VA providers).

Ensure referred dental care aligns with VA standards and that Veterans receive timely and appropriate care.

Monitor and evaluate the performance of community care providers, addressing any issues related to quality and patient satisfaction.

Collaborate with Care in the Community team to streamline referral processes and ensure seamless integration of community care with VA dental services.

Customer Service & Veterans Experience: Demonstrate patient-centered care that upholds the values of the VA.

Interact courteously and respectfully with patients, visitors, coworkers, and other community organizations. Address customer concerns and handle criticism/conflicts constructively and appropriately.

Work collaboratively with other dental and healthcare professionals, including dental hygienists, dental assistants, and administrate staff.

Serve as a service level Veterans Experience Liaison and point of contact for PATS-R within the Dental Service, ensuring timely resolution of complaints and concerns.

Work with the Veterans Experience Office to gather and analyze feedback from Veterans to identify areas for improvement in service delivery.

Develop and promote programs aimed at enhancing the patient-provider relationship and overall patient experience.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized