Dentist II

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Dentist II Job Title: Dentist II Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Dental Clinical Svs Posting Number: 21766 Closing Date: 12/22/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Salary Range: $10,271.00 - $17,370.75 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-31 Shift: Day Additional Shift:  Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Part time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Vernon State Hospital Job Location City: VERNON Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR Other Locations: Vernon MOS Codes: 220X,47BX,47DX,47EX,47GX,47HX,47KX,47PX,47SX,63A,63B,63D,63E,63F,63H,63K,63M,63N,63P,63R, SEI12    Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Dentist is responsible for providing dental services for individuals living at the State Hospital and certain identified individuals living in community-based settings, including advanced dental care and treatment to elevate the oral hygiene of all individuals. The Dentist is responsible to implement best practices in treatment. The Dentist is an integral part of Medical Services working to elevate overall health for individuals residing at the State Hospital. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Oversees other dentist(s), dental assistant(s) and dental Hygienists as assigned by the Dental Director

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Provides dental services directly to multiple individuals with challenging mental health issues and multiple medical system issues, including individuals with unique dental malformations, at the State Hospital, and certain identified individuals living in community-based settings.

• Oversees other dentist and dental hygienists with non-routine dental care and cleanings.
• Evaluates dental care and makes recommendations to improve oral function, oral hygiene, and appearance.

Develops and implements desensitization practices and ensures other dental personnel follow the plan of care, to include evaluation of current medications and possible interactions with dental sedation methods.

Documents provision of dental services and communicates with individuals, family members, guardians, community members. Contacts include discussion of dental needs with individuals, family members and guardians, to explain dental services provided and needed and to address complex situations.

Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of and experience performing dental services including use of dental equipment.
• Knowledge of best practices related to oral hygiene and health care.
• Knowledge of and experience diagnosing dental problems and documenting examinations and courses of treatment.

Knowledge of, or ability to learn, The Joint Commission standards, certification requirements for the Council on Quality and Leadership, and HHSC policies and procedures.

• Skill in using basic computer software and electronic medical/dental record systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health issues.
• Ability to lead or direct the work of others effectively.
• Ability to maintain required continuing education hours.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Must be licensed as a dentist by the State of Texas.
• Must have current registration certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
• Must possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI#).

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited college of dentistry with a doctor of dentistry degree
• Two (2) years of experience in dentistry work

Additional Information

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures. Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.