Deputy Director of Dental Services

Position Title: Deputy Director of Dental Services

Division: Oyáte Health Center

Reports To: Director of Dental Services

Job Summary: 

Provides professional dental care to Oyáte Health Center patients and supports Dental Services operations by assisting the Director of Dental Services with delegated tasks and serving as a designated backup when the Director is unavailable. Ensures continuity of patient care while adhering to established clinical protocols, policies, and workflows.

This position functions in a supporting and backup capacity to the Director of Dental Services and does not share or assume ongoing leadership responsibility for the dental program. All administrative, operational, and supervisory authority remains with the Director of Dental Services, except when temporarily and specifically delegated. Essential Functions:

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

Clinical Care (Primary Function)

• Provide direct dental care to patients, including diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and conditions of the teeth, gums, and related oral structures, consistent with licensure and scope of practice.
• Participate in comprehensive, whole-person care models and collaborate with medical and behavioral health providers as appropriate.
• Ensure patient care is delivered in accordance with established clinical standards, infection control procedures, and organizational policies.

Backup & Delegated Support Functions

• Serve as the clinical backup to the Director of Dental Services during absences or when coverage is needed to maintain continuity of care.
• Assist the Director with delegated administrative or coordination tasks, such as clinical scheduling support, documentation review, or participation in meetings when requested.
• Support implementation of existing dental workflows, protocols, and initiatives as directed by the Director.
• Assist with clinic operations troubleshooting and patient access issues when assigned.

Coordination & Communication

• Work collaboratively with dental assistants, hygienists, clinic management, and interdisciplinary teams to support smooth clinic operations.
• Communicate operational or clinical concerns to the Director of Dental Services for review and resolution.
• Provide professional input when requested; does not independently establish policy, procedures, or operational changes.

Compliance & Professional Standards

• Comply with all applicable federal, state, tribal, and organizational regulations, including HIPAA requirements.
• Maintain required licensure, credentials, and continuing education.
• Adhere to GPTLHB values, Core Connections principles, and customer service standards.

Other Duties

• Perform related duties as assigned by the Director of Dental Services.

 Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited dental school.
• Active, unrestricted dental license eligible for practice.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience as a practicing dentist.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a community health, tribal health, or integrated care setting.
• Prior experience providing coverage or backup support for clinical leadership roles.

The GPTCHB is a tribal organization which follows tribal preference laws. It is our policy to give preference to qualified Indian/Tribal candidates overqualified non-native candidates in hiring decisions, if all other qualifications are equal

Employment is contingent upon the outcome of all required criminal background checks and pre-employment drug screen.

Compliance with our Employee Health Procedure is a condition of employment. You are required to agree that you will comply with all job-related employee health screening and immunizations prior to your first day of employment. Jobs require that you have documentation that you have completed the following immunizations prior to your first day of employment: MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella (Chicken Pox), Hepatitis B, Influenza, T-dap (Tetanus - Diphtheria - Pertussis), and COVID-19 vaccination is required.

This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical demands and work environment may include:

• Primarily sedentary work is performed in an office or administrative setting. 

• Requires the ability to sit for extended periods and regularly use standard office equipment such as a computer, keyboard, telephone, and copier. 

• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required. 

• Ability to lift and carry office materials or supplies up to 25 pounds occasionally. 

• Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity for computer use and document review. 

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and hear.

• Work is performed primarily in an indoor office or administrative environment. 

• The environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of office settings, including proper use of office equipment and awareness of trips, falls, and fire regulations. 

• The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. 

• Minimal exposure to hazardous conditions; no routine exposure to clinical, field, or high risk environments. 

• Occasional attendance at meetings, training sessions, or events may require travel within the organization's facilities.

The employee must comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. This position is subject to Native Preference, background checks, health requirements, and other applicable organizational standards.