Summary

The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System in Harlingen - TX is seeking to hire a full-time Dentist. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in general dentistry - exhibit strong patient care capabilities - and possess excellent communication skills for interacting with caregivers. Additionally - the candidate is expected to be flexible and willing to undertake administrative duites as assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• Education: A degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery or dental medicine resulting from a course of education in dentistry
• The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed
• Approved schools are (1) United States and Canadian schools of dentistry listed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation(CODA) - in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed
• (2) Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State - Territory - or Commonwealth (i.e. - Puerto Rico) - or the District of Columbia as qualifying for full and unrestricted licensure provided the licensure requirements include a written examination measuring science achievement and a performance examination measuring clinical competence certification - and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate - if claimed by the applicant
• ~AND~ Residency: Completed - or you are currently completing - a residency program in general practice or specialty - or comparable experience as a dentist actively involved in treating medically compromised patients
• ~AND~ License: Currently hold - or will hold - a current - full and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• Note: Dentists must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active - current licensure
• Preferred Experience: Demonstrates courtesy - respect - and a positive attitude
• Must have 5 or more years experience in General Dentistry
• Has completed an American Dental Association approved one or two-year dental residency - or has comparable experience as a dentist member of a hospital medical staff actively involved in hospital dental care
• Currently practicing - VA experience - proficient in electronic health records and computer usage
• References: VA Regulations - specifically VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G-3 Dentist Qualification Standard
• Physical Requirements: Light lifting - under 15 pounds
• Light carrying - under 15 pounds
• Straight Pulling (8-12 hours)
• Pushing (8-12 hours
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Walking (8-12 hours): Standing (8-12 hours)
• Kneeling (2 hours): Both legs required
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Hearing (aid may be permitted)
• Mental/emotional stability.

Duties

• The Dentist provides comprehensive care for patients who have illnesses within the scope of dentistry
• The scope of these activities covers all phases of ambulatory care
• Other responsibilities may include education of medical students and residents and/or supervision of other providers
• The majority of the Dentist's time is devoted to patient care and education - with the remaining time set aside for performance improvement activities - creative research to improve patient care - activities sufficient to maintain proficiency in state-of-the-art Dentistry care
• Some travel may be required to meet the needs at various sites of VA Texas Valley
• Coastal Bend Health Care System
• The Dentist responds to and completes consults received for the evaluation of Dentistry including but not limited to: Performs a comprehensive - detailed - targeted - initial history and physical examination in compliance with national guidelines
• Make clinical and radiographic examination of the oral cavity
• Consults other disciplines - as necessary - to complete the patient evaluation
• Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities including education and shared decision-making
• Surgical competence in dentistry procedures is desirable and documentation of procedures within the past 12 months will be requested reflective of the scope of privileges requested
• Participate in all VISN and national level efforts in dental programs
• Diagnose pathological or irregular oral conditions
• Administer local anesthesia
• Perform routine simple and complex restoration of teeth
• Perform alveoloplasty and other routine surgical procedures
• Perform prosthetic dentistry to include immediate dentures - full dentures - partial dentures - crowns and fixed bridge work
• Perform routine endodontic procedures on single or multi-canal teeth
• Perform routine and surgical periodontal procedures
• Writes Medical Orders and prescriptions for non-controlled substances and controlled substances - as necessary - for the care of the patient in accordance with Federal and State law and approval of the supervising Dentist
• Documents the detailed - targeted - initial history and physical examination required for evaluation in the electronic tool(s) required by VA
• Timely completion of dental notes within the Electronic Health Care Record - as well as assistance with VA community care referrals
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday: (8:00 a.m
• - 4:30 p.m.- Subject to change based on agency requirements)
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.