Dental Director

Dental Director

Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Expected Schedule: 25 hours of patient care and 15 hours of administrative time per week

Location: Muskegon, MI

Lead with Purpose. Make a Lasting Impact. Enjoy Life Along the Lake.

Hackley Community Care, located in beautiful Muskegon, MI, along the shores of Lake Michigan, is seeking an experienced and passionate Dental Director to lead our dental program. This is an exciting opportunity to combine clinical leadership, team development, and strategic vision while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the communities we serve. Join a mission-driven, integrated healthcare organization where quality care, collaboration, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. Enjoy the opportunity to lead a dedicated dental team while living and working near beautiful beaches, outdoor recreation, and all that West Michigan has to offer!

Under the direction of the Chief Medical Operations Officer, the Dental Director is responsible for the coordination and oversight of all dental care and services administered within Hackley Community Care (HCC) in accordance with licensing, state and federal funding sources, and the policies and procedures established by HCC. The Dental Director is also responsible for providing clinical leadership, fostering superior quality patient care, developing clinical strategic plans, strategic goals, and help provide direction and support for the recruitment and retention of the dental staff at HCC. The Dental Director will participate in providing direct clinical care to patients during required clinical time in compliance with established clinical protocols.

Perks & Benefits Include:

• A rewarding and meaningful practice setting
• Supportive, team-based work culture
• Competitive compensation
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Retirement plan with company contribution
• Continuing education support (time & funding)
• Company-paid license renewal
• Potential for loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
• Vendor discounts

What We''re Looking For:

• Graduate from an accredited dental school program with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
• Current, unrestricted license to practice dentistry in the State of Michigan.
• Eligible for professional liability coverage as required by HCC.
• Demonstrates ongoing professional development through continuing education consistent with Michigan licensure requirements.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Minimum of three years of leadership or supervisory experience, preferably in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), community health center, or community dentistry setting.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including coaching, team development, conflict resolution, performance management, and goal setting.
• Working knowledge of integrated and collaborative care models and the ability to promote coordination between dental and primary care services.
• Thorough understanding of community dental health needs, particularly those affecting underserved and vulnerable populations, and the ability to identify and effectively utilize available resources.
• Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills, including the ability to evaluate information, identify alternatives, and make timely, well-informed decisions.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships, lead teams, and work effectively with providers, staff, patients, and community partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and concisely, actively listen, and consider differing perspectives.
• Proficiency with computer applications and healthcare technology, including electronic health records, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other applicable software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and other applicable privacy requirements.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to essential functions of a Dentist

QUALITY

• Provide leadership in identifying, implementing, and evaluating processes to improve the quality of dental care and services. Monitor dental quality indicators and clinical performance measures, identify opportunities for improvement, and collaborate with appropriate leaders and staff to implement corrective actions. Prepare and present quality-related reports to internal and external committees and regulatory entities, as required.
• Provide leadership in understanding, communicating, implementing, and maintaining applicable quality standards and requirements, including HRSA, NCQA, Uniform Data System (UDS), and Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) initiatives.
• Participate in and provide clinical leadership for initiatives involving patient safety, quality improvement, infection prevention and control, risk management, patient complaints and grievances, and patient services, particularly those involving dental providers or direct patient care.
• Provide oversight and support for a comprehensive dental peer review and credentialing process. Ensure dental provider concerns involving quality, patient safety, service, or professional conduct are addressed fairly, consistently, and in a timely manner in accordance with HCC policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with HCC''s Compliance/Risk Management Officer regarding dental provider concerns, clinical issues, and matters involving regulatory or policy compliance.

STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Identify, evaluate, and recommend strategic business development opportunities, service expansions, and community partnerships that support the growth and sustainability of HCC''s dental services.
• Utilize internal financial, operational, and patient service data, along with market and industry trends, to evaluate opportunities and make recommendations. Consider the potential impact of proposed initiatives on patient access, quality of care, staffing, resources, technology, and financial performance.
• Analyze statistical and operational reports to identify trends, evaluate departmental performance, support strategic planning, and address quality, compliance, and risk management opportunities.
• Collaborate with organizational leadership to develop, plan, implement, and evaluate new dental initiatives and services, including the structures, staffing, resources, and processes necessary to support successful implementation.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen relationships with community organizations, dental schools, healthcare providers, and other partners to improve access to dental care for underserved populations.

LEADERSHIP

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight of the dental department, including direct supervision of dental providers, the Dental Quality Lead, and the Dental Program & Staffing Manager.
• Develop the leadership and professional skills of direct reports through coaching, mentoring, feedback, performance management, and accountability.
• Foster teamwork, collaboration, employee engagement, and professional development while recognizing individual contributions and promoting HCC''s core values of Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Compassion.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of direct reports to ensure departmental goals, organizational expectations, and HCC policies and procedures are consistently followed.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships among dental providers, dental staff, the senior management team, and other HCC departments.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and accountable work environment by addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and supporting effective communication among dental team members.
• Provide leadership and clinical oversight of dental services, ensuring providers deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with established clinical standards and HCC policies.
• Work collaboratively with the Dental Program & Staffing Manager and applicable HCC leadership to oversee dental provider assignments, staffing, scheduling, coverage arrangements, productivity, time-off requests, and patient access.
• Establish, review, and recommend updates to dental clinical policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care in accordance with current professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other organizational leaders in developing departmental budgets, evaluating resource needs, and recommending equipment, technology, and other purchases necessary to support dental services.
• Oversee and participate in the credentialing and privileging process for dental providers in accordance with HCC policies and procedures.
• Conduct or oversee dentist performance evaluations, including 30-day, 90-day, and annual reviews, as applicable.
• Collaborate with the Chief Human Resources Officer on short- and long-term recruitment, retention, workforce planning, and staffing strategies for dental providers.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, orientation, training, and professional development of dental providers and staff. Support opportunities for dental students and interns.
• Attend and participate in internal and external meetings, committees, and professional activities related to dental services, clinical quality, and organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities for professional development, remain current with dental industry trends and practices, and implement appropriate improvements within the department.
• Represent HCC in community and professional activities and develop relationships with dental schools, local dental organizations, community providers, and other partners to support dental services and improve access to care.

Other Responsibilities:

1.Administrative and Program Management

• Collaborate with HCC leadership to identify opportunities to maximize dental revenue streams and support the financial sustainability of dental services.
• Ensure dental program policies, procedures, protocols, and other documentation are complete, accurate, current, and maintained in accordance with HCC requirements.

2. Employee Supervision and Development

• Provide effective supervision and direction to assigned dental providers and leadership personnel.
• Participate in hiring, directing, coordinating, coaching, and developing assigned employees.
• Provide regular constructive feedback and conduct timely, accurate performance evaluations.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of job descriptions, competency checklists, and performance evaluation tools for dental employees.
• Identify staff training and professional development needs and facilitate appropriate learning opportunities.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and alignment with HCC''s organizational priorities and expectations.

3. Clinical Practice Responsibilities

• Provide direct dental patient care as needed and as assigned, consistent with the needs of the department and the Dental Director''s administrative responsibilities.
• Meet established clinical peer review and quality performance expectations.
• Maintain timely and accurate patient documentation in the applicable electronic health record and dental record systems.
• Meet established patient satisfaction, team collaboration, and clinical performance expectations.
• Maintain all required professional licenses, certifications, and continuing education requirements.

4. Integrated Dental Services and Program Development

• Provide leadership and support in developing, implementing, and continuously improving HCC''s integrated dental services and programs.
• Collaborate effectively with organizational leadership, clinical staff, and primary care teams to promote coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Work with site and school leadership to coordinate the delivery of dental services and support community-based programs.
• Promote education and training opportunities that strengthen integrated care practices and clinical competencies among dental providers and staff.

Special Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated strong clinical knowledge and skills in the practice of dentistry.
• Thorough knowledge of dental infection prevention and control practices, sterilization techniques, and patient safety standards.
• Knowledge of continuous quality improvement (CQI) principles and the ability to apply quality improvement practices within a dental setting.
• Knowledge of appropriate specialty referral practices and the ability to coordinate referrals when clinically indicated.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while effectively balancing administrative, leadership, and clinical responsibilities.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and build professional relationships with dental providers, clinical staff, organizational leadership, patients, and community partners.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, presentation, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to understand and evaluate the financial, operational, and patient-care implications of dental clinical decisions.
• Demonstrated organizational, management, and leadership skills, including the ability to direct, develop, and motivate dental providers and staff.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support organizational and departmental needs.
• Ability to travel to attend meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, and other professional activities on behalf of HCC.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership to advance HCC''s mission, vision, and core values of Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Compassion.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous growth in clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and management practices.