POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Sr. Director of Dental Services, the Associate Dental Director is responsible for functioning as partner and clinical leader for the oral health program, managing the program including development of protocols, standard procedures and management of all patient care related activities. The Associate Director shall be a fully accredited dental doctor licensed to practice dentistry in the State of Nebraska.  The goal of the Associate Director is to assist the Sr. Director with ensuring timely access to high quality dental care for CDHC patients through clinical systems improvements, support recruitment and retention efforts of Dental departmental staff, training/ development and support oversight of the quality improvement initiatives.  The Associate Director will assist the Sr. Director to ensure the mission and goals of the organization are realized through the professional and effective delivery of oral health services. As directed by the Sr. Director of Dental Services, provides departmental reports regarding clinical activities and outcomes.  The Associate Director will assist the Sr. Director to provide clinical expertise and leadership in the design and implementation of new projects and innovative clinical programs that include collaboration with strategic business and community partners. 

POSITION-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the delivery of competent, accurate, dental care and treatment to all patients.

• Ensure that the delivery of high quality dental care meets or exceeds the needs and satisfaction of all patients served, all organizational and professional standards, all clinical outcomes and related expectations; and all productivity standards, goals, and expectations and all financial metrics associated with the efficient, cost effective delivery of dental care services.

• Ensure all clinical services functions achieve expected clinical, productivity, and financial outcomes
• Makes recommendations to Sr. Director of Dental Services regarding revision to the dental fee schedule annually or on an as needed basis
• Support expansion and programing with area Schools of Dentistry
• Participate in ongoing assessment and evaluation of the dental program
• Development, review and update all dental policies and procedures annually or as needed.
• Assures that quality management programs are carried out in all clinical areas through the development and implementation of effective management programs, clinical protocols and guidelines, other decision tools, and review of the outcomes. Develops a performance database incorporating HRSA, PCMH, The Joint Commission and other key quality indicators to provide leadership necessary to meet regulatory requirements and guidelines. 
• Ensure metrics for clinical outcomes are consistently reviewed, and that the organization is provided clear guidance and direction affecting ongoing improvements in the quality of care.
• Manage patient scheduling
• Educate staff in all standards, policies and procedures.
• Supervise and evaluate the dentists, dental assistants, hygienists and other departmental staff as requested
• Review dentists charts to verify the delivery of quality care
• Provide leadership and direction related to clinical collaborative’s, studies, programs, or research related initiatives that improve the lives of our patients as well as the communities in which they live
• Analyze, summarize and review patient demographic database to determine future dental needs.  Make recommendations accordingly
• Assist the dental staff in the development and training of educational programs for patients
• Manage and ensure favorable, collaborative relationships within and among all dental clinical staff.  Develop a culture of dental care professionals open and willing to accept an integrated approach to the delivery of services.
• Foster a workplace that results in the development of a high performing team of professionals and staff. 
• Solve problems and make critical patient and/or management decisions supported by substantial financial analysis, clinical knowledge and critical data based decision making. 
• Evaluate the adequacy of dental supplies, instruments and equipment and ordering or otherwise procuring needed supplies, instruments and equipment.
• Serve as a member of the following committees, but not limited to: Performance Improvement Committee; Credentials Committee, and Peer Review Committee and make recommendations as warranted
• Attend monthly Dental Department and Board Meetings and present Dental Report as recommended
• Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Current unrestricted Nebraska dental license, preferably in Dental Surgery (DDS) or Dental Medicine (DMD), State and Federal DEA Certificate
• Additional advanced degree in business, public health, healthcare administration or related field of study preferred a plus 
• Minimum 5-years’ experience in a leadership position preferred
• Familiar with operating an academic fellowship or residency program
• Demonstrable leadership role and achievement in a complex healthcare delivery system
• Experience in fiscal accountability and budgeting
• Familiar with PCMH model of care
• Knowledge and/or understand for FQHC healthcare delivery mode
• Knowledge and experience of quality infrastructure is needed, including how to develop and implement decision tools, clinical protocols and guidelines, care management programs, and outcome measurement assessments
• Demonstrated mastery of critical thinking, analytics, and problem solving skills required
• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively with individuals at various levels both inside and outside of the organization, often in sensitive situations
• Demonstrated knowledge of quality assurance and risk management standards and processes

• Familiarity and experience with standards and processes established by Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, CDC, ADA and regulatory entities
• Knowledge of federal regulations governing dental care clinical staff
• Knowledge of credentialing process, delineation of clinical privileges and peer review for dental staff
• Licensure:             Nebraska Dental License, State and Federal DEA Certificate
• Proficiency with meeting facilitation and project management Language: English fluency (Spanish, Burmese, Mai Mai and Sudanese language fluency a plus)
• Hours of Work:  Expect to work 40 hour a week minimum.
• Travel:  Some travel required
• Exposure:  The exposure characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  For example, while performing the essential functions of this job, the employee frequently is exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.  Additionally, the employee may often be exposed to bloodborne and other hazardous chemicals.  Finally, the noise level in the work environment can frequently be quite loud.  In all cases personal protective equipment will be provided to the employee in combination with adequate ventilation and other engineering controls to minimize the risk of exposure or other hazardous occurrence.
• Physical: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with special challenges to perform these essential functions.