Pediatric Dentist

HIGH PLAINS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER; Lamar (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

HIGH PLAINS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER is seeking a Pediatric Dentist to provide comprehensive preventive and operative dental care for infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special healthcare needs. This role collaborates with families and a multidisciplinary team to improve oral health outcomes in underserved communities.

The position emphasizes evidence-based treatment planning, behavior guidance, and coordination with medical and behavioral health services.

Qualifications

• DDS or DMD from an accredited dental education program.
• Completion of an accredited pediatric dentistry residency; board eligible or board certified.
• Current, unrestricted Colorado dental license; current DEA registration as required for assigned prescribing duties.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) preferred and may be required based on clinical privileges.
• Eligibility for HPCHC credentialing and privileging; appropriate sedation permits, training and certification required before providing sedation services.
• Experience providing culturally responsive care to diverse, rural, underserved populations and children with special healthcare needs preferred; bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.
• Proficiency for electronic dental health records and dental imaging.
• Proficiency in modern office practices and computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide pediatric dental treatments and preventive care for infants, children, and adolescents.
• Diagnose oral disease, create individualized treatment plans, including prevention and minor surgeries.
• Address pediatric dental emergencies and coordinate referrals within scope and privileges.
• Educate families on brushing, flossing, fluoride, sealants, and recall schedules.
• Coordinate care with pediatricians, behavioral health, and other professionals; document outcomes.

Skills

Pediatric dentistry

Bilingual English/Spanish

Cultural competency

Education

DDS or DMD

Pediatric dentistry residency

Tools

EHR systems

Dental imaging

Sedation credentials

Job description

The Pediatric Dentist provides comprehensive, evidence-based dental care to infants, children, and adolescents, including patients with special healthcare needs. This position is responsible for pediatric oral examinations, diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, preventive and restorative services, dental emergencies, and age-appropriate behavior guidance. The Pediatric Dentist partners with parents and caregivers and collaborates with the dental, medical, and behavioral health teams to improve oral health, patient experience, and access to care for underserved communities.

High Plains Community Health Center (HPCHC) is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an environment for career advancement and professional growth at all levels. HPCHC complies with organization-wide policies and Federally Qualified Health Center and OSHA requirements related to HPCHC operations and its compliance program.

PRODUCTIVITY AND EXPECTATIONS:

The Pediatric Dentist is an essential component to the success of HPCHC. This position is expected to prioritize time and responsibilities in the following manner:

80%: Pediatric Dental Treatments and Prevention

• Assess oral health, medical and dental histories, growth and development, caries risk, chief concerns, and treatment contraindications; perform clinical and radiographic examinations as clinically appropriate.
• Diagnose oral disease and develop individualized, documented treatment plans with patients and parents/guardians, including prevention, restorative care, pulp therapy, space maintenance, minor oral surgery and appropriate referrals within scope and privileges.
• Provide preventive services and family education on brushing, flossing, fluoride, sealants, nutrition, diet, early childhood caries prevention, and appropriate recall schedules.
• Provide developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed behavior guidance and communication, including tell-show-do, positive reinforcement and distraction; use nitrous oxide or sedation only when appropriately credentialed, privileged, equipped and authorized under HPCHC policy.
• Provide compassionate care for children with special healthcare needs, disabilities, dental anxiety and complex medical histories; arrange specialty or hospital-based referrals when clinically indicated.
• Evaluate and address pediatric dental emergencies, pain, trauma and infection; prescribe medications appropriately in accordance with licensure, privileges and applicable laws.
• Coordinate treatment and follow-up with pediatric, primary care, behavioral health and other professionals; connect patients with relevant HPCHC and community resources.
• Follow evidence-based infection prevention, sterilization, radiographic safety, medical emergency and OSHA protocols; support efficient clinical workflows, scheduling and team cohesiveness.
• Participate in daily dental team huddles, review schedules and coordinate patient care needs and follow-up.
• Complete accurate, timely electronic dental records, including medical/dental histories, examination findings, informed consent, treatment plans, procedures, prescriptions and patient education.
• Review and respond to referrals, imaging, test results, patient messages and requests for medication refills within established timelines.
• Monitor patient progress and continuity of care; document outcomes, recommendations and follow-up arrangements.

10%: General Duties

• Provide pediatric clinical mentorship and guidance to dental assistants, hygienists and other dental team members within assigned responsibilities.
• Participate in staff meetings, case review, peer review, quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives, including FQHC/HRSA-related activities as assigned.
• Maintain required licensure, clinical credentials, privileges, continuing education and certifications; complete required HPCHC training.
• Support clinical policy, workflow, safety and patient-experience improvements and demonstrate appropriate stewardship of equipment and supplies.
• Represent HPCHC professionally with families, community partners and referral providers; participate in community outreach or school-based activities when assigned.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental education program.
• Completion of an accredited pediatric dentistry residency/specialty training program; board eligible or board certified in pediatric dentistry (maintain certification if applicable).
• Current, unrestricted Colorado dental license; current DEA registration as required for assigned prescribing duties.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) preferred and may be required based on clinical privileges.
• Eligibility for HPCHC credentialing and privileging; appropriate sedation permits, training and certification required before providing sedation services.
• Experience providing culturally responsive care to diverse, rural, underserved populations and children with special healthcare needs preferred; bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.
• Proficiency with electronic dental health records and dental imaging.
• The position requires a working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. This includes but is not limited to:
• Proficiency in using the Internet, Microsoft Office programs and general computer skills.
• Skill in operating office equipment such as copier, fax machine, scanners, etc.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates commitment to the organizational mission, vision, and values.
• Maintains knowledge of federal and state regulations related to FQHC’s and relative practice area.
• Exhibits the ability to make sound decisions for delivery of care/services.
• Demonstrates effective relationships with clinic staff, patients, public, outside vendors/agencies, and providers.
• Communicates effectively; demonstrates ability to speak, read, and write professionally, as well as compile, analyze and present information in English.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
• Exercises professional judgment, courtesy, and professionalism in daily interactions with others.
• Works both independently and as part of a team; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with health care team members and diverse patient populations.
• Displays time management and organizational skills to consistently meet deadlines.
• Performs other duties as required.

There will be opportunities for other duties as this position may evolve and policies and training may change. Reasonable accommodations will be reviewed, and modifications may be made according to ADA guidelines. This position utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques, and appropriate equipment to minimize fall risk to patients and/or injury to self. This is an OSHA Category 1 position.