Dental Surgeon (HPC/DS 1) - Clarendon Health Services

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Parish Dental Surgeon, the Dental Surgeon is responsible for providing clinical dental services and preventive dental care in a hospital or community health centre setting. The Staff Dentist in accordance with provision of the Dental Act supervises the following individuals: dental nurses, dental assistants and dental hygienists of the community health center in the absence of the Dental Consultant. 

Qualification & Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited /approved dental school 
• Completion of an accredited general practice residency programme is preferred or successful completion of Dental Internship 
• Registration with the Dental Council of Jamaica 

Specialised Training (A definite asset): 

• Current CPR (BLS) certifications - ACLS is an asset 
• Infection Prevention and Control 
• Dental Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professionalism 
• Voluntary Counselling and Testing protocols for HIV/AIDS 
• Management of the Special Needs Patients 

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge of National Health Services Act & Regulations 
• Knowledge of Pharmacy Act & Regulations and the Food & Drug Act
• Knowledge of the Public Health Act & Regulations 
• In-depth knowledge of the Dental Act & Regulations 
• Knowledge in Emergency Triage System and Emergency Care 
• Comprehensive knowledge of primary dental care in outpatient settings
• Good oral and written communication skills. 

Key responsibilities will include:

• Examining individuals requesting care, diagnosing their dental/oral conditions, prescribing and carrying out, or directing others in carrying out, appropriate dental/oral treatment, or referring individuals for specialty consultation or treatment in conformance with approved clinical protocols and guidelines. 
• Recording of patient-dentist transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care or treatment provided. 
• Educating individuals in the nature of oral health related conditions and in the general promotion of oral health related disease prevention. 
• Preparing of special reports as requested by the community/parish/zone health centre’s Dental Consultant.
• Assisting in the provision of technical assistance and health education to the community as requested. 
• Providing consultation to the Operation Manager of the facility and the Parish Manager and Medical Officer of Health regarding dental and oral health issues in the absence of the Dental Consultant. 
• Travelling when necessary to fulfil the department needs and attends meetings as necessary to represent the Health Facility and/or the Dental Department.
• Assisting in the coordination and integration of the department’s dental programmes and preparing of special reports as requested by the 
• community/parish/zone health centre’s Dental Consultant. 
• Assisting in the coordination and integration of the department’s dental programmes and services with other corporate and public health programmes and services for the welfare of the department’s patients. 
• Responsibility for personal full compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dentistry and the clinical provision of dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality. 

Human Resources Responsibilities: 

• Participating in annual performance appraisal 
• Undertaking professional development and continuing education 
• Involvement in the recruitment and interview process for dental staff Other Responsibilities 
• Performing other related functions assigned from time to time by the Dental Consultant may perform managerial functions at the Parish Level from time to time 

NB. ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED