Regional Dentist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Regional Dentist 
Job Title: Dentist I 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 1 
Posting Number: 10391 
Closing Date: 10/31/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29 
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $11,000.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 40% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: LUBBOCK 
Job Location Address: 6302 IOLA AVE 
Other Locations: Lubbock; Amarillo 
MOS Codes: 220X,47BX,47DX,47EX,47GX,47HX,47KX,47PX,47SX,63A,63B,63D,63E,63F,63H,63K,63M,63N,63P,63R,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Regional Dentist serving Public Health Regions (PHR) 1 and 2, works under the administrative supervision of the PHR 1 Community Health Improvement Manager and receives professional guidance from the DSHS Oral Health Improvement Program (OHIP) Dental Director.  The Regional Dentist executes and oversees preventive oral health service programs serving eligible populations in PHR 1 and PHR 2. Work involves planning and directing dental programs and activities in coordination with the DSHS Oral Health Improvement Program in Austin.  Provides administrative, strategic planning, and administrative services in the development and maintenance of the public oral health programs within assigned public health regions. Supervises, assigns work, and provides guidance to the Regional Dental Hygienist in their performance of oral health preventive services and education. Works with other PHR 1 and PHR 2 regional managers to coordinate activities that optimize improvement of dental public health for each respective PHR. Performs advanced (senior-level) dentistry work. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle, rental, or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.  
Must comply with DSHS Immunization policy. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1 (35%):  Preventive Dentistry:  Leads Public Health Regions 1 & 2 oral health initiatives. Plans and prioritizes delivery of dental public health preventive activities. Work involves planning and directing dental programs and activities in coordination with the DSHS Oral Health Improvement program in Austin.  Coordinates and provides dental screening and sealant projects in regional schools. Coordinates preventive dental clinics in community-based sites within the regions. Enters and provides data to the Oral Health Program regarding yearly grant updates and reporting measures. Maintains data sets as a result of inspecting various population groups for evidence of dental disease. Maintains regional operations to complement ongoing grants regarding dental public health program functions. Helps other regions during periods of personnel shortages in coordinating and maintaining normal functions related to surveillance and implementation of sealant and fluoride varnish projects. Provides technical assistance in support of integrating oral health into other departmental programs. 

EJF 2 (25%):  Supervision of Staff & Personnel Policies: Supervises, assigns work, and provides guidance to the  regional dental hygienist in their performance of oral health preventive services, education, record keeping, and required reporting. Completes the annual performance evaluation for the dental hygienist. Assists the dental hygienist in maintaining qualifications and obtaining required training. Implements policies and procedures as outlined in the departmental human resources manual.  Responsible for independently maintaining own professional license and meeting continuing education requirements.

 EJF 3 (15%): Budget:  Manages, administers, and monitors the departmental budget for the regional oral health program. Assumes responsibility for the purchase of dental supplies and equipment and for the maintenance of existing clinical equipment. 

EJF 4 (15%):  Professional Development and Community Support: Develops and maintains liaison relationships with dental professional groups and with public and private organizations at the local, county, and state levels. Works with individuals within geographic areas of responsibility who are seeking to provide and promote dental public health activities and services. This includes schools of dentistry and dental paraprofessional schools, as well as local community groups, agencies, and individuals interested in improving dental public health services in areas of need. Serves as a supporting member for regional oral health coalitions. Advises and instructs patients and/or community members regarding preventive dental care and other oral health care services.

EJF 5 (10%):  Performs other duties as assigned to include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recover or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.  Such participation may require and alternate shift pattern, work assignment and/or work location. Attends required program and regional administrative meetings. Attends & completes trainings related to job duties to ensure staff competency and development in a timely manner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern dentistry, including concepts of prevention.
Knowledge of current social and economic issues pertaining to public health dentistry.
Knowledge in fiscal and budgetary operations and administrative processes.
Knowledge of field research activities, statistical methodologies, and dental epidemiology in connection with disease surveillance.
Knowledge of principles of education.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and agency laws, regulations, and policies and ability to evaluate dental policies and procedures in accordance with current rules and regulations as they relate to dental practice in the State as mandated by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

Skill in supervision and staff development.
Skills in managing multiple priorities and tasks and ability to adapt to change.  
Skill in liaison activities with state and/or federal agencies and professional groups.

Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively. 
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to deal tactfully and professionally with the public.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships and to work as a team member.
Ability to use e-mail, word processing, and database software including Outlook, Excel, and Microsoft Word.
Ability to compose narrative reports in a logical, concise manner and prepare reports of a complex nature.
Ability to develop speeches and perform public speaking engagements.
Ability to develop long-range plans and to measure achievement of established goals and objectives.
Ability to make sound judgments and decisions.
Ability to understand and follow directions and organize and set timelines for accomplishment of tasks.
Ability to analyze critical situations and use original, creative thinking and planning to solve problems.
Ability to conduct oral health surveillance activities.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Current license to practice dentistry in Texas by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license or equivalent license from another state.
Current CPR certification.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Current license to practice dentistry in Texas by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. (Required)

5 years experience working in dentistry.  (Preferred)

Additional Information:

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines and will be dependent upon available funds.

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained.

The selected applicant will need to maintain compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy.

This position may require travel up to 40% of the time and hours outside of 8:00am to 5:00pm M-F. 

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form