Dentist II

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. 

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Dentist is responsible for providing dental services for individuals living at the Supported Living Center and certain identified individuals living in community-based settings, including advanced dental care and treatment to elevate the oral hygiene of all individuals. The Dentist is responsible to implement best practices in treatment. The Dentist is an integral part of Medical Services working to elevate overall health for individuals residing at the State Supported Living Center. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Oversees other dentist(s), dental assistant(s) and dental Hygienists as assigned by the Dental Director

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Provides dental services directly to multi-disabled individuals with challenging behavioral issues and multiple medical system issues, including individuals with unique dental malformations, at State Supported Living Center, and certain identified individuals living in community-based settings.

Oversees other dentist and dental hygienists with non-routine dental care and cleanings.

Evaluates dental care and makes recommendations to improve oral function, oral hygiene, and appearance.

Develops and implements desensitization practices and ensures other dental personnel follow the plan of care, to include evaluation of current medications and possible interactions with dental sedation methods.

Documents provision of dental services and communicates with individuals, family members, guardians, community members. Contacts include discussion of dental needs with individuals, family members and guardians, to explain dental services provided and needed and to address complex situations.

Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of and experience performing dental services including use of dental equipment.

Knowledge of best practices related to oral hygiene and health care.

Knowledge of and experience diagnosing dental problems and documenting examinations and courses of treatment.

Knowledge of, or ability to learn, ICF-IID standards, certification requirements for the Council on Quality and Leadership, HHSC policies and procedures, and the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement.

Skill in using basic computer software and electronic medical/dental record systems.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ability to lead or direct the work of others effectively.

Ability to maintain required continuing education hours.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as a dentist by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

Must have current registration certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Must possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI#).

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in general practice dentistry work is required.

A minimum of five years’ experience in general practice is preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

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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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form