Clinical Dentist - Competition #2024-22

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Performs clinical dentistry by providing dental diagnostics (medical history, examination, radiographs), and preventive and clinical care to standards currently accepted by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario
• Performs all phases of general dentistry, including diagnostic, preventive and restorative services, oral surgery, periodontics, and endodontics
• Reviews client’s general medical history at initial examination and updates at each appointment
• Maintains client/patient records as per the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario record keeping guidelines, providing an accurate picture of conditions present on initial examination as well as the clinical diagnosis, treatment options, the proposed and accepted treatment plan, a record of the treatment preferred, details regarding any referrals, and the prognosis and/or outcome of treatment, where applicable. Ensures the confidentiality of client health information
• Ensures that the necessary infection control measures and procedures are followed in the clinic
• Maintains current knowledge and eligibility for the various financial assistance programs, such as Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Senior’s Dental Care Program.
• Counsels’ clients, families, or caregivers regarding client’s dental diagnosis, necessary treatment and daily oral hygiene care, nutrition, and/or tobacco use
• Obtains necessary informed consent from client or caregivers before proceeding with treatment
• Refers clients to other dental health professionals, as necessary, following established protocols. Able to form partnerships with dentists and other care providers in order to ensure accessibility of dental care and treatment for priority groups
• Provides professional advice, guidance and direction to dental clinic staff on a regular basis. 
• Consult with client’s physician regarding existing serious medical conditions. Makes clinical diagnosis, communicates diagnosis and treatment options to patient, parent or guardian
• Liaises with dental and other Health Unit staff to ensure dental standards and procedures are current, departmentally consistent, efficient, and effective
• Utilizes clinical instruments and equipment according to proper operating standards, including notification of need for replacement or repair of equipment. Determines and recommends dental clinic equipment purchases
• Performs other related duties as assigned
  

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current clinical techniques and procedures, including diagnosis through visual examination and interpretation of radiographs, preventative and restorative services, oral surgery, periodontics and endodontics
• A thorough understanding of Federal, Provincial, and Municipal legislation and regulations, such as the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario Practice Standards and Code of Ethics, Child and Family Services Act, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
• Human relations and communication skills, including patience, empathy, and observation skills in order to work with children, youth, and seniors; be sensitive to the needs of the designated target population and the care they require. Ability to assess and monitor client’s verbal and nonverbal cues regarding anxiety, fear, emotion, discomfort, and respond appropriately. Interpretive skills in order to interview dental clinic clients to obtain medical history and explain dental terminology to clients with language barrier
• Advanced knowledge of Health Unit communication systems and appropriate computer software including web-based case management tools
• Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization
• Ability to read and critically appraise dental journals and related health periodicals to maintain current knowledge of scientific literature, specifically as pertains to dental practices
• Ability to write original letters and instructions on dental issues, treatment plans, and to draft and recommend revisions to dental standards and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively with dental and other Health Unit staff regarding dental clinic services; and to obtain medical history from clients and explain procedures to clients, requiring some use of specialized vocabulary
  

Employee Requirements:

Education - Training

• Must possess a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from a university recognized by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and be eligible to practice clinical dentistry in Ontario