This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is professional dental work in directing and participating in a complete program of dental care and treatment in a large institution or assisting in the development and implementation of a state-wide public health dental program.
An employee of this class serves as chief institutional dentist, involving the planning of a program of dental services and the supervision of professional and technical staff in providing dental care and treatment. Work includes surveying institutional needs, scheduling regular examinations, and providing for the hygienic instruction of residents or inmates. In the Division of Health, an employee of this class assists in the planning, promotion and implementation of the state-wide dental health program and is normally assigned responsibility for a major phase of the program. Technical and/or administrative supervision may be exercised over professional, technical or clerical personnel. Work is subject to general administrative review; however, the employee is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in the execution of the assigned duties.
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Graduation from a recognized school of dentistry; and four years of experience in the practice of dentistry including two years in an institution, clinic, public health dental program or comparable military dental program.
OR
Graduation from a recognized school of dentistry; and six years of private practice in dentistry.
Ability to secure a license to practice dentistry in the State of Missouri.
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Plans, directs, and participates in providing dental care and treatment in a large institution.
Plans, directs, and supervises training programs for dental students and participates in research programs.
Assists in planning, developing, and directing a comprehensive state-wide dental health program; develops and supervises a major phase of the program; provides consultation and technical supervision to district and local health unit's personnel, interpreting prescribed policies, techniques and procedures to be used in developing and implementing dental health programs.
Surveys the institution to determine extent of need for treatment; schedules periodic examinations.
Examines teeth and gums for all infections and diseases; prepares charts of mouth and teeth; x-rays and diagnoses diseases and lesions; prepares cavities and fills them with appropriate materials; extracts teeth and roots; treats infections and diseases of mouth and teeth; administers local and general anesthesia; and prepares, fits, adjusts and finishes dentures, crowns and bridgework.
Determines need for supplies and equipment and recommends their purchase.
Gives instruction in oral hygiene and prophylaxis to ward personnel; provides for program of dental hygiene for residents or inmates.
Cleans and sterilizes instruments and supervises dental assistants in routine care of equipment and quarters; keeps records and makes reports.
Supervises a small staff of dentists and dental assistants; may also be required to supervise dental students, research grants and demonstration projects.
Assists in the maintenance of effective liaison with other agencies, organizations and the public; meets with professional and lay groups in the promotion of dental health programs; gives lectures and demonstrations; writes articles and prepares educational material; participates in workshops and teacher training programs to encourage dental health education in school.
Assists in recruiting personnel for the dental health program; plans and participates in their orientation and training; conducts studies and surveys; prepares reports and correspondence, supervises maintenance records and program activities.
Performs other related work as assigned
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of preventive and corrective dentistry and oral hygiene, and skill in their application on a volume basis.
Skill in all operative techniques in making dentures.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees, patients and the general public.
Ability to plan and supervise dental services of considerable scope.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.