Dentist, Meridian Clinic (1.0 FTE)

The Dentist is responsible for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of patients in a clinical setting. They also document the treatment, communicate with patients and refer to partners as appropriate.  This role will also participate in providing guidance and oversight to the dental support team.

This is a grant funded position.

Direct Patient Care

• →Detect and diagnose oral disease including dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral pathology
• →Make reasonable and sound dental assessments and treatment plans and communicate to patient
• →Provides high quality dental care to patients, in accordance with licensure requirements and NCH policies and procedures
• →Confident in performing all aspects of general dentistry including restorative work, surgical extractions, basic endodontics, scaling and root planning, pediatrics, and removable prosthodontics
• →Assures integration of patient education into all treatment phases and partners with patients to achieve optimal oral health that meets the needs of the patient
• →Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients
• →Obtains history and physical appropriate to dental needs/care; coordinates care with primary care team
• →Stays abreast of new innovations, changing practice guidelines and standards to deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based care to patients, via continuing education and professional development
• →Practice universal precautions, appropriate infection control, and sterilization processes, as defined by Neighborcare Health’s policies and procedures

• →Reviews patient records, charts and other pertinent information prior to providing care
• →Consults with appropriate providers and makes recommendations to patients for outside referrals as appropriate
• →Documents all patient visits, communication, referrals, and prescriptions in an accurate and timely manner, in compliance with Neighborcare Health guidelines
• →Participate in developing and utilizing Neighborcare Health practice guidelines and procedures, using disease registries, participating in audits, and being involved with risk management and utilization management programs

Indirect Patient Care

• →Reviews patient records, charts and other pertinent information prior to providing care
• →Consults with appropriate providers and makes recommendations to patients for outside referrals as appropriate
• →Documents all patient visits, communication, referrals, and prescriptions in an accurate and timely manner, in compliance with Neighborcare Health guidelines
• →Participate in developing and utilizing Neighborcare Health practice guidelines and procedures, using disease registries, participating in audits, and being involved with risk management and utilization management programs

Administrative Work

• →Assists the Clinic Administrator and Site Dental Director in the planning and evaluation of effective clinic operations
• →Assist with meeting clinic quality improvement and operations goals, striving for an efficient, productive clinic
• →Participates as a team member with all clinical staff to embody the principles of NeighborCare Health’s Service Commitments
• →Leads a team of support staff to assure services meet or exceed the expectations of patients, coworkers, the public, and community standards
• →Attends and contributes at staff meetings, provider meetings, and other in-service trainings
• →Keep abreast of new developments in dentistry through structured continuing professional developments. Updates delivery of care based on evidence-based practices
• →May participate in preceptorship of dental residents, dental assisting students, dental hygiene students and/or as a clinical shadowing mentor

• Dental Degree required (DDS or DMD) from an American Dental Association accredited dental school
• Current Washington State Department of Health Dentist License
• BLS Certification
• One year of residency training or clinical practice

• DEA License
• Completed a one-year clinical residency program
• One or more years practicing in a community health setting

Since 1968, Neighborcare Health has been removing barriers to health care for our neighbors. We believe everyone deserves a place to call their health care home, where a team of medical, dental and mental health professionals work in collaboration with each patient to develop a personal health improvement plan. 

We are one of the largest providers of primary medical, dental and behavioral health care services in the Seattle area serving low-income and uninsured families and individuals, seniors on fixed incomes, immigrants, and people experiencing homelessness. Each year we care for nearly 60,000 patients at our nearly 30 non-profit medical, dental and school-based clinics. We ask everyone to pay what they can, but no one is turned away due to inability to pay. 

Our clinics are located in neighborhoods where health disparities are the greatest, and our care teams, who speak over 55 languages and dialects, are as diverse as our patients. No matter who you are, or where you come from, regardless of your insurance, income or immigration status, you are welcome at Neighborcare Health.