Dentist I

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The Dentist I will report to the Immediate Supervisor.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Dentist I is responsible for performing dental work at a professional level at schools, hospitals or clinics to which he/she is assigned. Work involves Oral Health Promotion and Oral Disease Prevention activities including the examination, treatment and complete dental care of persons suffering from dental defects. Work also includes the supervision of Auxiliary staff where a clinic is in operation. Work is performed independently within professional principles, but general directions are received from a professional superior who reviews work through observations and reports for efficiency.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Dentist I:

• Participates and serves on assigned committees in the development of policies, plans and programmes for the delivery of Primary Oral Health Care.
• Provides direction to the appropriate members of the Dental team in the delivery of Dental/Oral Treatment, and/or expert clinical advice/referrals as required by clients for specialty consultation or treatment.
• Conducts dental examinations on students as required.
• Educates children and adults; individually or in groups, on the prevention and control of Oral Disease and promotes Oral Health within the community.
• Performs oral prophylaxis and tooth extractions.
• Assists in the provision of continuing education, On-The-Job Training, and orientation of staff as required.
• Assesses the Oral Health of the population to aid in the planning and commissioning of services.
• Participates in Clinical Audit and Development and Implementation of Policies, Procedures and Clinical Practice Guidelines, reviews and reports on compliance of Clinical Staff on such.
• Contributes to decisions on the suitability and appropriateness of materials, equipment and associated clinical practice.
• Arranges referrals and/or transfers as necessary to secondary or tertiary facilities.
• Prepares monthly and annual reports and keeps appropriate records of treatment provided to all clients of the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs).
• Supervises day-to-day functioning of the Dental Clinic.
• Performs any other related duties as required by the approved Authority.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of theories, methods, techniques and practices of curative and preventive Dental Treatment and Dental Health Promotion.
• Considerable knowledge of the use and care of dental tools and appliances.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, build positive relationships and work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to provide strategic clinical advice.
• Ability to interpret, utilize and communicate evaluation data and research as a means enhancing service delivery.
• Experience in the provision of General and Emergency Oral Care to clients.
• Manual dexterity and technical dental skills.
• Ability to operate a dental clinic and its services.
• Ability to perform dental work among school children.
• Ability to lecture effectively on dental care to community groups.
• Ability to maintain intense concentration for long periods.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Training as evidence by the possession of a degree in Dentistry recognized by the Dental Council of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Registered with the Dental Council of Trinidad & Tobago.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Dental Hygienist/Therapist I
• Dental Nurse
• Dental Assistant
• Clerk I
• Interns
• On-the-Job Trainees

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• General Manager-Primary Health Care Services
• County Medical Officer of Health
• Primary Health Care Services Administrative Officer
• Area Administrative Officer
• Primary Care Physician II
• Members of the Dental Department
• Members of the Nursing Department
• Members of the Human Resources Department
• Members of the Fleet Department
• Members of the Stores Department

External:

• Regional Health Authorities
• Private Practitioners and consultants in specialized field in Dentistry.
• Patients
• Principals of Schools
• Dental supply companies