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The ancestors of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation existed many centuries ago as a community of people…a Tribe living together, farming, hunting and fishing to survive.

Much has changed since that time. Today the Sycuan Tribe governs its Reservation, owns and operates a Casino and a Golf Resort, and owns a number of other business ventures in the San Diego Region.

One attribute that remains unchanged, however, is Sycuan's sense of community. Sycuan is more than just a business. Sycuan is a community of people working together toward a common goal. Whether you work in our state-of-the-art Casino, our beautiful Resort, or become a staff member in our Tribal Government division, you will be part of the Sycuan family.

Sycuan Health Center is seeking an experienced and passionate Dental Director to lead our dental department and ensure the highest quality of oral health care for our community. This is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven team dedicated to improving health outcomes and delivering culturally competent care.

Job Purpose:

The Dental Director serves as the clinical and administrative leader of the Tribal Dental Clinic, operating under the 638 Contract. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, culturally responsive oral health services while overseeing dental operations, provider performance, and regulatory compliance. The Dental Director collaborates with Sycuan Health Center (SHC) leadership and interdisciplinary teams to support strategic growth, patient access, and community engagement.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

(Note: Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at the sole discretion of Sycuan Management at any time)

+ Direct dental services, including protocol development, standard procedures, and patient care management.

+ Provide age-specific care across the lifespan.

+ Deliver dental treatment plans and options, including financial counseling.

+ Provide services in homes, schools, clinics, job sites, and other community locations within the Tribal service area.

+ Maintain compliance with Tribal, federal, state, county, and local reporting requirements.

+ Participate in annual review and updates of the dental policy and procedure manual.

+ Supervise dental staff and coordinate staff training and education programs.

+ Monitor assigned CQI activities and report findings as directed.

+ Remain available for local and out-of-area travel for training and reporting needs.

+ Accept additional job-related duties as assigned with professionalism and prioritization.

+ Attends assigned meetings regularly.

Leadership Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

+ Provide direct dental care in accordance with licensure and clinic needs.

+ Supervise and mentor dentists, hygienists, assistants, and support staff.

+ Lead quality improvement initiatives including peer review, chart audits, and performance evaluations.

+ Promote culturally competent oral health care aligned with Tribal values and priorities.

Administrative Oversight

+ Collaborate with the Executive Director and Operations team on strategic planning, staffing, and budget development.

+ Ensure compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, CMS, IHS Dental Standards, and Tribal regulations.

+ Develop and implement dental policies, procedures, and protocols.

+ Support phased expansion and integration of new roles (e.g., Dental Assistant Trainees, Outreach Coordinator).

Interdisciplinary Coordination

+ Coordinate with medical, behavioral health, and outreach teams to support integrated care and referrals.

+ Contribute to EHR optimization and workflow redesign to improve documentation and access.

+ Support school-based screenings and community oral health initiatives.

Reporting and Governance

+ Prepare and present dental program updates, staffing justifications, and quality reports to the Executive Director.

+ Ensure timely submission of federal reports and progress updates.

+ Serve as liaison between dental staff and Sycuan Health Center leadership.

Job Specifications:

Education and Experience:

Essential:

+ DDS or DMD from an accredited dental school

+ Active California dental license and DEA registration

+ Minimum 5 years clinical experience

+ Prior supervisory or leadership experience in dental practice

+ Current Healthcare provider CPR certification

Desirable:

+ Experience in Tribal, rural, or community health settings

+ Familiarity with 638 contracting, IHS dental programs, and Tribal governance

Skills and Knowledge:

Essential:

+ Ability to provide and perform high quality dental services

+ Ability to research and analyze data and make sound judgements

+ Ability to remain current and up-to-date in dental practices

+ Ability to communicate and interact effectively with patients and staff

+ Ability to provide leadership and guidance to staff

+ Ability to complete forms, documents and reports

+ Working knowledge of electronic dental practice management data-bases

+ Working knowledge of MS Office Suite

+ Ability to key 30 words per minute

+ Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks

+ Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions

+ Ability to maintain confidentiality

+ Excellent English written and oral communication skills

+ Ability to maintain professionalism and composure

+ Ability to accept feedback

Desirable:

+ Knowledge of DHCS, SDPI, and other relevant funding streams

+ Bi-lingual

Supervisory/Managerial Accountability:

Direct: Dentists, Endodontist, Registered Dental Assistant Extended Functions

Indirect: Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Assistant

If you enjoy being part of a community dedicated to creating a memorable guest experience, we invite you to explore career opportunities with Sycuan and join our winning team!

Job Details

Pay Type Hourly