Community Dental Health Coordinator

SUMMARY

The New York State Dental Foundation is seeking Registered Dental Hygienists or Dental Assistants for grant-funded, flexible-schedule contract hours in four regions of New York State; Capital Region, Central NY, Long Island and the North Country.

The Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) will work within underserved communities, ensuring that resources reach those who benefit the most. Acting as a “dental navigator”, the CDHC conducts patient-centered work with a focus on addressing oral health disparities and enhancing access to dental care for marginalized populations. Core activities include community engagement, culturally sensitive patient navigation, data tracking, and contributing to dental disease prevention efforts.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help the community navigate the complexities of the health care system. Conduct phone calls, telehealth appointments, screenings, and face-to-face visits as needed. Help patients access services, schedule and find transportation to appointments, and ultimately secure a dental home.
• Build a network within the community. This includes facilitating conversations about the community’s oral health needs and promoting cultural competence among providers, case managers, and agencies that serve diverse populations. Maintain knowledge of community resources.
• Conduct community outreach efforts. Provide culturally appropriate oral health education on topics related to disease prevention. Collaborate with organizations that serve marginalized populations to raise awareness about the My Healthy Smile NY app and oral health care events.
• Collect data to help document progress toward addressing community needs. Document activities, service plans, and results in an effective manner in an appropriate health records system while strictly adhering to the policies and procedures in place and maintaining confidentiality.
• Coordinate access to care events within the community. Organize details of events that provide screenings or care for targeted populations. Coordinate with mobile care units, venues, and volunteers to execute organized and successful events that bring care to the community.
• Promote the dental professions in the community. Facilitate opportunities for young individuals to explore careers within the dental professions. Conduct workshops, presentations, and informational sessions about oral health professions at community gatherings, schools, and events.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated understanding, appreciation, and awareness of cultural, social, and economic diversity in the community being served.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, organized, able to work independently, and excellent with time management.
• Capable of critical thinking and problem-solving; maintains professionalism under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to give presentations and speak in public forums.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Successful candidates will complete CDHC training within 12 months of contract start date.

If you are passionate about promoting health equity and empowering communities to lead healthier lives, we encourage you to apply for the role of Community Dental Health Coordinator.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 5 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Paid training

Healthcare setting:

• Dental office
• Telehealth

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Albany, NY 12211: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Albany, NY 12211