UG-Public Health Dental Officer

JOB SUMMARY                               

The Dental Officer contributes to the calling of Medical Teams International by assessing, diagnosing and managing of oral health conditions, including minor surgeries and extractions. This role leads community mobilization and sensitization of oral health practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                  

• Assess, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth, gums, and oral structures.
• Perform clinical dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and crown placements.
• Collaborate with community health teams to conduct community outreach programmes and oral health awareness campaigns.
• Refer complicated cases for further investigation.
• Ensure quality assurance by auditing own practice and ensuring that equipment remains in good condition.
• Make requisition for supplies and equipment repair needs in a timely manner.
• Participate in planning and budgeting process for the dental department.
• Ensure data collected is accurate and submit reports according to schedule. 

Other Duties: 

• Support safeguarding of program participants and employees through promoting an environment of awareness and upholding the code of conduct provisions of Medical Teams Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Child & Vulnerable Adult protection, and harassment-free workplace policies. Incumbents will remain alert and responsive to any child and adult safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child and adult safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding code of conduct and behavior expectations.
• Utilize volunteers and interns when appropriate. 
• Additional duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION, LICENSES, & CERTIFICICATIONS

Required:

• Diploma in Public Health Dentistry
• Registration with Allied Health Professionals Council
• Valid practising license

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a dental assistant

Preferred:

• Experience working with international NGOs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITITES

Knowledge:  

• Knowledge of management of oral health conditions and minor dental surgery practices

Skills: 

• Skilled in administering anaesthesia for dental surgery
• Skilled in performing tooth extractions and minor surgeries
• Skilled in using behaviour change strategies to mobilize community members to take ownership of oral health needs
• Moderately skilled in Microsoft 365 software: Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint  
• Moderately skilled in communication software and platforms: Outlook, Teams, Internet, CRM (or other database programs) 
• Excellent interpersonal, relational and communication skills 
• A good command of both written and spoken English 

Abilities: 

• Commitment to Medical Teams International Calling Statement and Core Values: Courageous, Tenacious, Accountable, Selfless, and Not Alone
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information and adhere to professional code of conduct
• Ability to treat all patients and staff with respect, without prejudice
• Ability to provide high quality, ethical, compassionate care that places the needs of the patient first
• Ability to maintain detailed records with high accuracy
• Ability to work collaboratively with others

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Frequent use of a computer, databases and digital platforms, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine and computer printer. 
• Frequently uses hands, fingers, and arms to reach, handle, touch or feel equipment, medical instruments, materials, computer. 
• Frequent communication and exchange of information among colleagues and persons of concern which requires the ability to speak, hear, convey and express oneself. 
• Frequent close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, steps, or ladder depending on the role.
• Occasionally move about inside an office to access file cabinets, office machinery, meet with colleagues, etc. 
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move heavy items 
• Seldom to occasionally position oneself to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• If in travel status, occasional to frequent traversing over rough or steep terrain in either a motor vehicle or on foot. 

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. 
• The employee may be required to travel to remote areas of the world where there are potential health hazards and risks, limited hygiene facilities, extreme weather, and very basic living conditions. 

NOTE:

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of staff in this position. Duties, responsibilities and skills are also subject to change based on the changing needs of the job, department or organization. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by Medical Teams International as the requirements of the job change.

Medical Teams International is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share the same commitment. We believe every stakeholder and every member of the communities we work with has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation - regardless of age, race, religion, and gender, status as an individual with a disability or ethnic origin. Therefore, our recruitment process includes extensive reference and background checks, self-disclosure of prior issues regarding sexual or other misconduct and criminal records and our values are a part of our Performance Management System.