Dental Director

Position Summary

Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston (HHH) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated 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. Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston operates a single-site dental clinic with six operatories located adjacent to the organization’s largest medical clinic in downtown Houston. This position is responsible for supervising dental providers and support staff, maintaining compliance with FQHC and regulatory requirements, and advancing integrated care for a vulnerable population. The Dental Director also oversees educational partnerships and student learning experiences 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 oversight for the dental program, ensuring high-quality comprehensive 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 productivity to ensure program effectiveness and sustainability.

· Ensure compliance with infection control, OSHA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.

Staff Supervision & Development

· Supervise dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other dental program staff.

· Support recruitment, training, mentoring, and performance evaluation of dental personnel.

· Foster a collaborative and mission-driven team environment focused on compassionate care for underserved populations.

· Provide guidance 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 and HRSA quality metrics.

· Participate in clinical leadership meetings and interdisciplinary care coordination.

· Support accreditation, audits, and reporting requirements associated with FQHC operations.

· Ensure proper documentation and compliance with electronic health record standards.

Community & Integrated Care

· Promote integration of oral health 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 community.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

· Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) 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 5 years of clinical dental experience, preferably in community health, public health, or safety-net settings.

· Previous leadership, supervisory, or program management experience.

· Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, preferred.

· Experience teaching or supervising students preferred.

Skills & Competencies

· Strong leadership and team management skills.

· Commitment to health equity and compassionate care for marginalized populations.

· Knowledge of FQHC regulations, HRSA guidelines, and quality improvement practices.

· Ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment.

· Excellent communication, mentoring, and organizational 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 the social determinants of health and promoting long-term wellness and stability.