Special Care Dentist

State of Minnesota; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 106,000 - 186,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training for IV Sedation

Paid training for Hospital Dentistry

Job summary

State of Minnesota, Direct Care and Treatment, willmar is seeking a Special Care Dentist to provide comprehensive dental care to patients with intellectual/developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and serious mental illness. The role emphasizes teamwork, patient-centered care, and a supportive clinical environment.

The position offers a flexible schedule with day shifts (32 hours) and no weekends or on-call.

Qualifications

• Licensed or license eligible to practice dentistry in Minnesota.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team.
• Commitment to professional conduct and patient care.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose dental conditions and develop treatment plans.
• Perform comprehensive dental procedures and case management.
• Coordinate with clinic staff to ensure smooth operations and patient care.
• Deliver compassionate, high‑quality care tailored to patients’ needs.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team player

Licensed to practice dentistry in MN

Education

DDS / DMD or equivalent

Tools

Sedation dentistry

Oral surgery

Hospital dentistry

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/30/2026
• Closing Date: 12/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Health Trt Prf
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift - 7:45am - 4:15pm (32 hours)
• Days of Work: Flexible, No weekends or on-call
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $76.81 - $135.27 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 213 - Health Treatment Professional/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Special Care Dentist

Job Class: Special Care Dentist

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 98094
• Location: Willmar
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/30/2026
• Closing Date: 12/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Health Trt Prf
• Division/Unit: DCT Support Services / Dental Willmar Dentist
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift - 7:45am - 4:15pm (32 hours)
• Days of Work: Flexible, No weekends or on-call
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $76.81 - $135.27 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 213 - Health Treatment Professional/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

At Special Care Dentistry, we believe everyone deserves a healthy smile and a comfortable dental experience. We are searching for a dentist who is a strong team player and wants to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and people with severe and persistent mental illness. No high-pressure sales. This position has the opportunity for you to develop and expand your knowledge with paid training for IV Sedation and/or Hospital Dentistry.

Job responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive dental procedures
• Perform initial, emergency and continuing care examinations
• Review health history, medications and need for pre-medications for the patients
• Dedicated to a team-oriented environment by working with other clinical and non-clinical staff members, as necessary

What You’ll Do

As a Special Care Dentist, you’ll provide comprehensive, individualized dental care while collaborating with a dedicated team of clinical and non-clinical professionals. Responsibilities include:

• Diagnose dental conditions, develop treatment plans, and perform a variety of dental procedures, including:
  • Direct dental restorations
  • Stainless steel crowns
  • Lab fabricated crowns
  • Simple and surgical extractions
  • Endodontic therapy
  • Removal prosthodontics
  • Behavior management for patients with special healthcare needs
  • Sedation dentistry
• Deliver compassionate, high-quality care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
• Work collaboratively with the clinic manager and team members to support daily operations, staff collaboration, and a positive patient experience.
• Exercise sound clinical judgment and work independently while contributing to a supportive, team-oriented environment.

New Graduates Welcome

If you’re just starting out, this is an exceptional opportunity to build real clinical confidence with guidance in a supportive environment.

If you’re looking for a dental career where your skills make a difference and your work has a purpose, we’d love to hear from you!

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly and thoroughly describes your experience in the areas listed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed or license eligible to practice dentistry in the State of Minnesota.
• Candidate must have strong communication skills and be a team player.
• Treats colleagues and patients with respect

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in clinical collaboration with dental assistants and dental hygienists
• Oral surgery comfortability
• Special Care Dentistry training or experience
• General Practice Residency Graduate or Hospital Dentistry Residency Program
• Background in clinic management
• Willingness to cover at other state operated clinics, if necessary.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

Reference/Background checks – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Heidi Schurmann at [e-mail] or 651-539-7190.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Heidi Schurmann at [e-mail].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at [e-mail] or call 651-539-7243.

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to: [e-mail]

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Annual pay increases
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.