Dental Director
Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston (HHH) Houston, Texas
Position Summary
Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston (HHH) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Dental Director provides clinical leadership and administrative oversight for the organization’s dental program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered oral healthcare services.
HHH operates a single-site dental clinic with six operatories located adjacent to the organization’s largest medical clinic in downtown Houston. This role is responsible for supervising dental providers and support staff, maintaining compliance with FQHC and regulatory requirements, and advancing integrated care for vulnerable populations. The Dental Director also oversees educational partnerships and student learning experience for dental and dental hygiene students participating in clinical rotations, ensuring high-quality training aligned with HHH’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Program Oversight
- Provide leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the dental program, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive, high-quality oral healthcare services.
- Maintain clinical standards consistent with FQHC requirements, HRSA regulations, and evidence-based dental practices.
- Deliver direct patient care, including diagnostic, preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services.
- Develop and implement clinical protocols, quality improvement initiatives, and best practices.
- Monitor clinical outcomes, patient access, and provider productivity to ensure program effectiveness and sustainability.
- Ensure compliance with infection control standards, OSHA regulations, HIPAA requirements, and other applicable laws and guidelines.
Staff Supervision & Development
- Supervise dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other dental program staff.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, mentoring, and performance evaluations of dental personnel.
- Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team environment focused on compassionate care for underserved populations.
- Provide leadership and professional development opportunities for clinical staff.
Education & Student Training Oversight
- Oversee clinical rotations for dental and dental hygiene students in partnership with local academic institutions.
- Ensure students receive appropriate supervision, mentorship, and exposure to community-based dentistry.
- Collaborate with educational partners to align learning objectives with clinical operations and community health needs.
- Maintain a structured and supportive learning environment that promotes professional development and culturally responsive care.
Quality Improvement & Compliance
- Lead dental quality improvement initiatives aligned with organizational goals and HRSA quality metrics.
- Participate in clinical leadership meetings and interdisciplinary care coordination activities.
- Support accreditation efforts, audits, and reporting requirements associated with FQHC operations.
- Ensure accurate clinical documentation and compliance with electronic health record (EHR) standards.
Community & Integrated Care
- Promote integration of oral health services with primary care, behavioral health, and social services.
- Support outreach and engagement efforts targeting individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Advocate for oral health as a critical component of overall health within the organization and broader community.
Qualifications
Education & Licensure
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school.
- Active and unrestricted license to practice dentistry in the State of Texas.
- Current DEA registration (or ability to obtain).
- Current CPR/BLS certification.
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of clinical dental experience, preferably in community health, public health, or safety-net settings.
- Previous leadership, supervisory, or program management experience required.
- Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, preferred.
- Experience teaching or supervising students is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Commitment to health equity and compassionate care for marginalized populations.
- Knowledge of FQHC regulations, HRSA guidelines, and quality improvement practices.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary healthcare environment.
- Excellent communication, mentoring, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Working Environment
Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston provides care in a community health setting that prioritizes accessibility, dignity, and respect for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Dental Director works in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment focused on delivering comprehensive, integrated care.
Mission Commitment
All employees of Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston are expected to support and advance the organization’s mission to promote health, hope, and dignity. HHH is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare services to individuals impacted by homelessness, addressing social determinants of health, and promoting long-term wellness and stability.
