What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dental Therapist position at Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc.?
The Dental Therapist provides preventive, restorative, and educational oral health services under the supervision of a licensed dentist, in accordance with Michigan dental practice laws. This role focuses on improving access to quality dental care, promoting oral health, and delivering patient-centered treatment to diverse populations.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform oral health assessments and collect patient dental histories
Provide preventive services including prophylaxis, scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments, and sealants
Perform basic restorative procedures such as placing and finishing fillings, stainless steel crowns, and temporary restorations as permitted by state law
Perform nonsurgical extractions of periodontally diseased permanent teeth with mobility 3, simple extraction of erupted primary teeth, placement and removal of space maintainers, suturing and suture removal
Administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide where authorized
Take, process, and interpret dental radiographs
Provide oral health education and disease prevention counseling
Assist in developing treatment plans in collaboration with supervising dentists
Maintain accurate, compliant patient records (EHR)
Follow OSHA, HIPAA, CDC, and infection control guidelines
Quality Improvement & Other Duties:
Participate in community outreach or public health initiatives when applicable
Participate in peer review and quality assurance studies. Cooperate in setting and implementing dental quality standards and policies
Qualifications & Requirements:
Graduation from a CODA-accredited Dental Therapy program
Current licensure or certification as a Dental Therapist through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
BLS certification at time of hire
Knowledge of state dental practice acts and scope of practice regulations
Skills & Competencies:
Strong clinical skills within authorized scope of practice
Excellent communication and patient education abilities
Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills
Ability to work independently under general or indirect supervision, as allowed
Physical Demands: Medium
Supervisory Responsibilities: May supervise up to 3 dental assistants and 2 hygienists as assigned to the extent permitted in a written practice agreement.
TBCHS offers a competitive salary, generous PTO, sick time, paid leave, 401K matching, health insurance with low-cost premiums and a great work-life balance.