Physician Dentist

Overview

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:• Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.• Use masks, gloves and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.• Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.• Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.• Use air turbine and hand instruments, dental appliances and surgical implements.• Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.• Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.• Treat exposure of pulp by pulp capping, removal of pulp from pulp chamber, or root canal, using dental instruments.• Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.• Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.• Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.• Remove diseased tissue, using surgical instruments.• Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.• Apply fluoride or sealants to teeth.• Perform oral or periodontal surgery on the jaw or mouth.• Eliminate irritating margins of fillings and correct occlusions, using dental instruments.• Manage business, employing and supervising staff and handling paperwork and insurance claims.• Bleach, clean, or polish teeth to restore natural color.• Plan, organize, or maintain dental health programs.• Produce or evaluate dental health educational materials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:• Ability to observe, assess and record symptoms, reactions and progress.• Ability to maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards.• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.• Knowledge of community medical diagnostic and patient care services in area of medical expertise.• Ability to supervise, advise and train clinical professionals and/or students in area of expertise.• Knowledge of relevant drugs and non-pharmaceutical patient care aids and ability to prescribe dosages and instruct patients in correct usage.• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing and scheduling work assignments.• Knowledge of current principles, methods and procedures for the delivery of medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment in area of expertise.• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.• Knowledge of legal and ethical standards for the delivery of dental surgical care.• Effective verbal and written communications skills.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine; at least 1 year of directly related experience or enrollment in a Dental Residency Program. Current licensure from Indiana State Board of Dentistry.