Dentist – Special Needs Clinic

We are seeking a full-time, compassionate and skilled dentist to join our Special Care Dentistry team. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to provide high-quality dental care to patients with special needs, including individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, complex medical conditions, and other special health care requirements. This role requires a strong commitment to patient centered care, clinical expertise for special needs patients, patience, adaptability, a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by special needs populations and the ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) – Assign a percentage to each essential function (equal to 100%):

• Patient Care: 70%

Conduct comprehensive dental assessments and provide a full range of dental treatments, including preventive care, restorative procedures, emergency dental services and oral surgery.

Teach, mentor and train dental students and residents, providing high-quality comprehensive care in a comfortable and supportive environment for patients with diverse and complex needs.

Develop customized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of patients and each patient’s specific medical, psychological, and behavioral challenges.

Utilize specialized equipment, techniques, and communication methods appropriate for special needs patients.

Ensure patient comfort and safety, using sedation or anesthesia when necessary, and coordinate with medical professionals for cases requiring hospital-based dentistry.

• Collaboration: 10%

Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including other dental and medical specialists including nurses, caregivers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, to deliver holistic and comprehensive care.

Engage with family members and caregivers to provide education on oral health maintenance, treatment options, dietary advice, and dental care routines.

• Hospital-Based Care: 5%

Obtain and maintain hospital privileges to perform dental treatments under general anesthesia for patients whose needs cannot be safely managed in a dental clinic setting.

Coordinate with hospital staff for scheduling and conducting dental surgeries, ensuring pre- and post-operative care is effectively managed.

• Sedation & Anesthesia: 5%

Obtain and maintain certification in IV sedation, ensuring the safe and effective administration of moderate sedation for patients with special needs.

Administer and monitor IV sedation or coordinate with anesthesiologists when necessary, adhering to all safety protocols and regulations.

Evaluate patients for appropriate sedation or anesthesia options, considering their medical history and special health needs.

• Documentation & Compliance: 10%

Maintain accurate patient records, including medical histories, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Adhere to the standard of care and maintain a calm, patient centered approach treatment regime.

Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations, including infection control and patient privacy standards.

      = 100%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Qualifications:

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited institution.

Unrestricted Tennessee dental licensure to practice dentistry and a valid DEA number.

Advanced training and/or experience in Special Care Dentistry.

Knowledge of sedation and anesthesia techniques used in special care dentistry.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.

Basic Life Support (BLS) /Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Certification in IV Sedation (or eligibility to obtain certification).

Hospital privileges (or willingness to obtain hospital credentials).

Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is preferred.

• Preferred Qualifications:

Completion of a residency or fellowship in special care or hospital-based dentistry.

Board certification in Special Care Dentistry or related specialties.

Experience working with patients with developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments, or complex medical conditions.

• Personal Attributes:

Compassionate and patient focused.

Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of diverse patient populations.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work well in a team-based setting.

Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build strong, professional, effective and efficient teams.

Education and Experience:

• Participate in the training of dental students and residents on special care dentistry principles and techniques.
• Stay updated on advancements in special needs dentistry and integrate new techniques into practice.
• Advocate for oral health policies and programs that improve access to dental care for patients with special needs.

• Meharry Medical College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands

• Usual office environment
• Manual dexterity

• Visual and auditory acuity

• Able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time