DETAILS

Job Summary: The Dental Therapist provides preventive, restorative, and educational oral health services under the supervision of a licensed dentist, in accordance with Michigan dental practice laws. This role focuses on improving access to quality dental care, promoting oral health, and delivering patient-centered treatment to diverse populations.

Key Responsibilities:

      Clinical: 90%

  • Perform oral health assessments and collect patient dental histories
  • Provide preventive services including prophylaxis, scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments, and sealants
  • Perform basic restorative procedures such as placing and finishing fillings, stainless steel crowns, and temporary restorations as permitted by state law
  • Perform nonsurgical extractions of periodontally diseased permanent teeth with mobility +3, simple extraction of erupted primary teeth, placement and removal of space maintainers, suturing and suture removal
  • Administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide where authorized
  • Take, process, and interpret dental radiographs
  • Provide oral health education and disease prevention counseling
  • Assist in developing treatment plans in collaboration with supervising dentists
  • Maintain accurate, compliant patient records (EHR)
  • Follow OSHA, HIPAA, CDC, and infection control guidelines

Quality Improvement & Other Duties: 10%

  • Participate in community outreach or public health initiatives when applicable
  • Participate in peer review and quality assurance studies. Cooperate in setting and implementing dental quality standards and policies

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited Dental Therapy program
  • Current licensure or certification as a Dental Therapist through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
  • BLS certification at time of hire
  • Knowledge of state dental practice acts and scope of practice regulations 

Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong clinical skills within authorized scope of practice
  • Excellent communication and patient education abilities
  • Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills
  • Ability to work independently under general or indirect supervision, as allowed

Physical Demands: Medium

Supervisory Responsibilities: May supervise up to 3 dental assistants and 2 hygienists as assigned to the extent permitted in a written practice agreement.