Dentist, General

Job Description

Job Description

General Dentist

???? Hilo, Hawaiʻi (East)
???? Full-Time | Exempt

Department: Dental
Reports To: Dental Director

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Dental Director, the General Dentist provides comprehensive dental care in support of Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center’s mission, goals, and objectives. This role delivers high-quality diagnostic, preventive, restorative, and therapeutic services to patients in both scheduled and unscheduled settings.

The General Dentist also contributes to patient education, supervises dental support staff, participates in community outreach, and supports clinical and administrative operations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and restorative dental services
• Perform comprehensive exams, review medical histories, and develop treatment plans
• Diagnose oral diseases and ensure all conditions are properly documented and communicated
• Conduct informed consent discussions prior to treatment and document accordingly
• Perform procedures including fillings, extractions, root canals, prosthodontics, and periodontal/oral surgeries
• Administer anesthetics and prescribe medications as appropriate
• Apply preventive agents (fluoride, sealants) and reinforce oral health education
• Educate patients and families on oral hygiene, diet, and disease prevention
• Refer patients to specialists when necessary and coordinate care
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic health records
• Supervise and support dental assistants, hygienists, and residents
• Participate in dental program planning and community health initiatives
• Promote and support the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model
• Assist with administrative tasks including documentation, claims, and clinic workflows
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD)
• Active, unrestricted license to practice dentistry in the State of Hawaiʻi
• Strong clinical skills across general dentistry procedures
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based, patient-centered environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a community health center or public health setting
• Experience working with children, adolescents, and underserved populations
• Interest in health education and prevention-focused care

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of dental diagnosis, treatment techniques, and preventive care
• Strong communication skills with culturally diverse populations
• Ability to build trust and maintain effective relationships with patients and staff
• Proficiency in electronic dental records systems
• Commitment to patient-centered care and quality improvement

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Dental clinic environment with potential exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens
• Requires use of dental instruments, equipment, and standard office technology
• Moderate noise level; may involve high-paced and high-demand clinical setting
• Ability to manage stressful situations with professionalism and sound judgment

Schedule

• 40 hours per week; schedule may vary based on operational needs
• May include rotating shifts, on-call, or extended hours

Why Join HICHC

• Mission-driven organization serving Hawaiʻi Island communities
• Collaborative, team-based care model
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in underserved populations
• Supportive and culturally diverse work environment