Dentist

Are you looking for an opportunity to do amazing work helping others? You've come to the right place. Let's make a difference!

Primary Health Care (PHC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bery Engebretsen in Des Moines, IA. Our mission has remained unchanged since that time, to provide healthcare and supportive services to all, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay.

Based on the needs of the communities we serve, PHC offers a spectrum of medical and dental services including family practice, behavioral health, HIV care and services, and pharmacy.

PHC’s Homeless Support Services is the entry point for serving people experiencing homelessness in Polk County. Enabling services are available to help patients with benefits enrollment, case management, transportation, translation, and patient education.

We currently have locations in Ames, Des Moines, & Marshalltown.

Reporting to the Dental Director, the Dentist provides comprehensive and emergency oral care to patients of Primary Health Care, Inc.

to enhance the holistic approach to patient care. The dentist works cooperatively with the physicians and other health care team members, providing leadership within the health center in the area of oral health.

What You Will Be Doing

• Assesses patients presenting to the dental clinics and orders necessary procedures for the diagnosis of oral-related diseases, and considering the patient’s age-related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs.
• Plans and sequences oral / dental treatment based on the patient’s oral diagnosis and the patient’s age-related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs.
• Develops treatment modalities to enable patients with compromising age-related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs to receive oral care.
• Provides comprehensive and emergency oral care in the dental clinics and the operating room based on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan and considering the patient’s age-related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs.
• Provides education to the patient and family regarding the oral diagnosis, treatment plan, pre and postoperative instructions and prevention of disease, considering the patient / family’s learning considerations, barriers to learning and readiness to learn.
• Completes dental x-rays pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 20 Section 650.
• Adheres to organizational policies and procedures to minimize risk of radiation exposure to employees and patients.
• Advises medical staff on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with oral-related conditions via written consultations, face-to-face interaction and participation in medical staff activities.
• Provides after-hours call coverage and follow-up care for patients.
• Assists the Dental Director in the development of clinical protocols for the department.
• Assists the Dental Director in the training and supervision of students participating in the dental clinic educational programs.
• Supports and assists with the department’s community outreach program, as requested.
• Participates in department and medical staff meetings.
• Participates in continuing education courses and in service programs, as required by the department, health center and regulatory agencies.
• Participates in the department and health center performance improvement activities.
• Performs duties in a professional manner, reflecting the mission of the health center, department service excellence standards, and compliant with policies, procedures and regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications You Will Be Bring

Minimum Qualifications

Education : DDS / DMD degree from an approved dental school.

Experience : No minimum experience required.

License / Certifications :

• Current license to practice dentistry in the state of Iowa.
• Current registration with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners (CSA).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers Certification recognized by the American Heart Association.
• Current Mandatory Reporter Training : Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
• Must be obtained with Introductory Period if not current.

Knowledge, Skills or Abilities :

• Proficiency in operating a computer and ability to learn and use computer applications.
• Efficient in time management skills.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the desire to work with and serve a diverse population.
• Teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
• Stress tolerance.
• Knowledge of third party payers and associated regulations.
• Adaptability.
• Resilience.

Other Job Requirements :

• Able to consistently meet departmental work schedule as designated.
• Eligible for hospital privileges.

Preferred Qualifications

Education : Completion of a hospital-based general practice residency program or experience in hospital dental protocols.

Experience :

• Community Health Center experience.
• Two years of experience as a dentist.

License / Certifications : N / A

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

Bilingual, verbal and written language proficiency.

We Take Care of Our People

Your experience and skills determine your base pay. The hiring range for this position is typically $136,000 - 170,000, though highly experienced candidates may earn up to $204,000 per year.

PHC also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including :

Generous PTO accrual (equal to 5 weeks at end of 1st year) plus paid holidays

License / certification fee reimbursement

Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement program

401k with company match

Medical insurance - PHC Pays, on average, 80% of medical premiums for all plan types (employee, employee + family, etc.)

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life & disability insurance

Flexible spending & health savings accounts

Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance

Discounts on pet insurance

Visit for a summary of PHC’s benefits.