Chief Dental Officer JN

We are looking for a Chief Dental Officer for a full‑time role with one of the largest dental practices in the state of Connecticut. This is an executive level role for a visionary leader with experience directing a multi‑site dental practice.

The Chief Dental Officer (CDO) is the clinical, administrative, and visionary leader of one of the largest dental practices in the State of Connecticut, situated within a fully integrated primary care practice and focused on delivering comprehensive dental care from newborns through elders. With a 50‑year history, our client has grown to a staff of more than 30 dentists and dental hygienists.

Dental services span preventive, restorative, acute, and prosthetic care, including diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and adjacent structures with impact on overall health. Services range from routine cleanings and fillings to complex treatments such as root canals, extractions, and cosmetic dentistry.

Provides dental services from state‑of‑the‑art facilities licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and accredited by the Joint Commission under ambulatory care standards. The practice also offers mobile units and school‑based services to reach underserved areas. The CDO plays a key leadership role alongside other Chiefs and participates in research, education, and training activities.

• Acts as a member of the senior leadership team along with the Chiefs of each clinical service and senior executive team
• Develops and guides strategic development and expansion of dental practices, including consideration of new sites, services, and treatment modalities
• Assumes primary responsibility for ensuring dental department alignment with organizational strategies for success in achieving service, quality, satisfaction, revenue and expense targets
• Develops own clinical practice on a limited basis within one of our sites
• Collaborates with other leaders in establishing and reaching targets for clinical capacity and utilization and ensuring financial success of the department
• Leads the oral health/dentistry component of our Joint Commission accredited, NCQA designated Patient‑Centered Medical Home, focusing on population health management, integration of all health care services and patient engagement
• Engages and directs peer review activity to ensure that standards of care are met and evidence‑based treatment is provided
• Provides clinical mentoring and support to staff in complex cases and treatment plans for all dental staff
• Develops and mentors a team of “on‑site dental directors” in their local site leadership activities and provides development opportunities for new and emerging dental leaders
• Creates “grand rounds” dental program for ongoing education and training of dental staff
• Contributes thought leadership in key committees (e.g., Dental QI, Performance Improvement, Infection Control)
• Recruit, engage and retain a committed staff of dental providers and support staff
• Collaborates with centralized finance and administrative departments to optimize purchasing power and quality in securing dental equipment and dental laboratory services and supplies
• Represents at state and national forums and public‑facing activities that support the credibility and brand of the agency
• Provides leadership in ongoing development of fully integrated electronic health record and new technologies as they emerge and seeks opportunities for optimum practice
• Serves as PI/co‑PI on private and public research and/or programmatic grants as appropriate

• Required Skills and Education
  • DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school is required
  • MPH or MBA is a plus
  • Completed GPR or AEG
• Preferred Skills
  • Expert clinical dentistry skills with a minimum of five years of dentistry experience
  • Demonstrated management and leadership expertise with experience in conducting effective coaching on dental procedures and sterilization techniques
  • Commitment to caring for a diverse patient population
• Required Licenses/Certifications
  • Active State of Connecticut Dental license
  • NERB or Regional Dental Boards
  • DEA (Federal and State) Active Licensure

Salary: $250,000 - $275,000