Public Health Dentist

Position Details

• Job Status: Permanent Part-Time
• Hours of Work: 7-21 hours per week
• Location: CK Public Health Dental Clinic, 519 King Street W, Chatham
• Closing Date: 2026-11-26
• Department: Public Health

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has openings for permanent part-time Public Health Dentists with the Public Health Unit.

Recognizing that candidates may maintain private practice commitments, this position offers flexibility in scheduling. Applicants are encouraged to indicate their availability, from one to three days per week. The Municipality may appoint one or more qualified candidates to meet the overall service requirements.

Job Description

Working as a member of an interdisciplinary team, the Public Health Dentist will perform a broad range of dental services using a comprehensive health promotion approach. Dental services will be provided for those who are eligible to participate in Ontario government funded dental programs.

The Public Health Dentist will provide service that is consistent with the mission, vision, values, objectives, policies, and standards of CK Public Health. This individual must be able to assess clients in a holistic manner, utilizing a broad understanding of priority groups and the social determinants of health to identify additional supports that can contribute to clients achieving optimal health.

Essential responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
• Obtain comprehensive client medical history and verify/apply medical history prior to treatment.
• Perform complete oral examinations, establish diagnosis, provide client education and formulate comprehensive treatment plans, and obtain informed consent.
• Perform recall exams and work with the dental team to ensure comprehensive oral health of clients on a regular basis.
• Responsible for fabrication of dental prosthetic appliance process and working in conjunction with lab.
• Ensure proper x-ray quality assurance and disposal of biohazardous waste as per legislation.
• Perform routine practices and additional precautions according to current infection control guidelines as per RCDSO guidelines and IPAC.
• Provide client education related to oral health.
• Oral health promotion, presentation, advocacy, and community outreach efforts including collaborations with partnering agencies to promote access to oral health and better serve the community.
• Work in a manner that incorporates health promotion recognizing the social determinants of health.
• Complete all documentation in accordance with CK Public Health’s clinical dental documentation policies and current professional standards set by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
• Provide a broad range of clinically indicated routine and emergency dental services including examination and diagnosis, radiographs, emergency services, prescribing antibiotics and administering local anesthetic as clinically indicated, test/analysis, histopathological technical procedures, extractions, alveoloplasty, surgical incision and drainage, replantation and repositioning of traumatically displaced/avulsed teeth, implant removal, restorative services, oral surgery services, anesthesia and sedation, endodontic services, periodontal services, prosthodontic services.
• Receive referrals from private dental and medical providers, and refer clients for medical testing or further assessment and treatment if warranted.
• Maintain client records in accordance with Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) Record Keeping Guidelines and CK Public Health policies and procedures.
• Utilize best practices and enhanced precautions according to current infection control guidelines as per RCDSO, PHO guidelines and IPAC.
• Maintain professional and clinical competence through participation in the RCDSO Quality Assurance Program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from a university recognized by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and eligible to practice clinical dentistry in Ontario.
• Current CPR certification.
• Three (3) to five (5) years experience working in a community health facility or public health setting is an asset.
• Knowledge and competence in current clinical techniques and procedures, including interpretation of client medical histories, diagnosis through visual examination and radiographs, preventive and restorative services, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and infection control measures.
• Understanding of Federal, Provincial and Municipal legislation and regulations such as the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario Practice Standards and Code of Ethics, Child and Family Services Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Establish and maintain respectful and collaborative professional and ethically sound relationships with all clients, colleagues, and partner organizations.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills with a strong ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent computer skills for electronic record systems including web-based case management tools and creation of outcome reports.
• Ability to set priorities, complete work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide compassionate, respectful, non-judgemental and culturally competent care to vulnerable populations.