Dentist

Work Location: Lower Elwha Health & Dental Clinic

Supervised By: Dental Director

Salary Level: $96.00–$98.00 hourly (DOQ/DOE). Exempt

Estimated Annual Equivalent: $199,680.00–$203,840.00

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Paid Holidays and PTO according to Lower Elwha tribal policy.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Overview

As a Staff Dentist at the Lower Elwha Health & Dental Clinic, you will deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

You will perform comprehensive general dentistry, ensure accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), collaborate closely with assistants, hygienists, and front office staff, and contribute to continuous quality improvement.

As part of our community-focused clinic, you’ll help deliver patient-centered care to our community with respect and cultural humility. The Dental Director may delegate additional functions to this role, in alignment with clinic policy and operational needs.

This position is covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and professional liability coverage while providing dental services for the Tribe in accordance with clinic policy and within the scope of this role.

Required Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Active Washington State dental license (or eligible and able to obtain within a defined onboarding timeline).
• Active DEA registration.
• Current BLS/CPR certification.
• Ability to maintain appropriate clinical privileges and adhere to clinical policies and standards.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Excellent clinical judgment, communication, and teamwork skills; commitment to patient-centered care.
• Proficiency documenting care in the EHR according to clinic protocols.

Other Desired Qualifications

• Experience in community dentistry, public health, or serving rural/underserved populations.
• Familiarity with Indian Health Service (IHS) clinical environments and administrative processes.
• Experience with minimally invasive practices and pediatric dentistry.
• Familiarity with CBCT and other diagnostic imaging modalities.
• Basic computer skills, including keyboarding proficiency of at least 45 words per minute.
• Participation in quality improvement initiatives and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care, including examinations, diagnoses, treatment planning, and comprehensive general dentistry (operative, endodontics, prosthodontics, extractions, crowns/bridges, dentures/partials).
• Obtain and interpret diagnostic tests (including CBCT) as needed; order referrals to specialists per clinical protocols.
• Document all patient encounters promptly and accurately in the EHR (e. g., SOAP notes) in accordance with clinic standards.
• Provide clear pre‑ and post‑operative instructions; promote prevention and patient education.
• Collaborate with dental assistants, hygienists, and front office to optimize patient flow, scheduling, and patient experience.
• Participate in an on‑call emergency consultation rotation with other providers in the clinic; respond to consults/calls from hospital or community partners as needed.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement, patient safety, and evidence‑based care standards.
• Provide informal mentorship to assistants/hygienists and offer input into clinical policies and workflows, as requested by the Dental Director.
• Maintain infection control and workplace safety in accordance with OSHA/CDC and clinic protocols.
• Prescribe medications within scope and clinic policy; coordinate follow‑up care and referrals.
• Uphold professional conduct, cultural humility, and patient confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS (With or Without Reasonable Accommodation)

• Ability to stand for extended periods; frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching.
• Ability to maintain ergonomically challenging positions during clinical procedures.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–30 pounds.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Frequent use of computers, phones, printers/copiers, scanners, and standard dental/office equipment.

Other Duties and Requirements

• Must be able to comply with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe policies and procedures, including the Drug Free Workplace.
• Must maintain the confidentiality of patient information in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Must maintain current BLS/CPR certification and complete required OSHA and AAAHC trainings per clinic policy.
• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful background check and pre‑employment screening per clinic policy.
• Participate in cross‑training and collaborate with clinic teams to support efficient operations.

Immunization Requirements

• All Health Department employees must be fully immunized against vaccine‑preventable disease consistent with current IHS and CDC recommendations for health care workers.

As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe this position is Indian Preference in hiring, in accordance with P.L. 93‑638