Dental Therapist

Job Summary: 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:

Clinical: 90%

• 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: 10%

• 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.