About this job
About the PositionLane County Community Health Centers is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Dental Director to launch and lead our new dental program in Cottage Grove, Oregon. This is a unique opportunity to establish a high-quality, sustainable dental service while expanding access to care in a rural community.
This is a practicing clinical leadership role. The Dental Director will see patients and provide direct dental care for a portion of each work week; this is not an administrative-only position.
The Dental Director will provide clinical, operational, and strategic leadership for the program while continuing to treat patients for a portion of each work week. This role will oversee the delivery of comprehensive dental services, establish clinical standards and protocols, supervise and develop dental professionals and support staff, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Working closely with Community Health Centers leadership, the Dental Director will guide program priorities, performance improvement, budgeting, workforce planning, and short- and long-term growth. The position will use patient and program data to identify emerging needs, strengthen service delivery, and ensure resources are aligned with organizational goals.
The Dental Director will also build relationships with community partners, governmental agencies, and healthcare organizations to promote oral health, address barriers to care, and increase awareness of available services. As a clinical leader, this position will oversee peer review and quality improvement activities, respond to complex patient or operational concerns, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and compassionate care.
Our Federally Qualified Health Centers serve more than 20,000 adults and children each year, with a focus on eliminating barriers for people who are uninsured or underinsured. We are looking for a collaborative dental leader who can build effective systems, develop a strong team, and translate a vision for accessible oral healthcare into a successful and lasting program.
If you are ready to combine clinical practice with meaningful leadership—and build a dental program that will serve the community for years to come—we invite you to bring your expertise and vision to Lane County.
About the DivisionThe Community Health Centers have been providing quality primary care and behavioral health services to the citizens of Lane County since 2004. We provide a broad array of services to over 20,000 adults and children annually in an outpatient setting. The CHC is the primary source for outpatient primary care of the uninsured and under-insured. Our clinics are Federally Qualified Health Centers whose mission is to serve the community by offering excellent care and eliminating barriers to healthcare. Our staff must show dedication to providing care with compassion and willingness to work with a diverse population.
*Lane County employees may be eligible for student loan repayment: Public Service Loan Forgiveness
National Health Service Corps
Check out this video of the South Lane Clinic which will house the NEW Dental Program!
Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm.
*This is a non-represented position*
Training and Experience:Graduation from an accredited dental school.
Five years of total experience, including:Five years of experience in a clinical dental setting, including three years of progressive leadership experience in a dental setting, such as providing oversight and leadership for dental team members OR
Five years of experience in a clinical dental setting plus an additional three years supervising staff or serving as a team leader in any setting.
Licensing RequirementsUnrestricted license to practice dentistry in the State of Oregon.
Current Oregon DEA registration and Controlled Substance License.
Special Requirements:Current BLS certification.
- Diploma from an accredited dental school
- NPI provider number
- CV or resumeNote DOB and SSN when submitting credentialing documents
Preferred Requirements:Experience in a community health setting.
Familiarity with unionized work environment.
Notes:Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing the DHS ORCHARDS background check.
Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test.
Please note that as part of the screening process, Lane County will verify license and certification status.
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Medical Director - Dental
Selection Process
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
Strategic Plan
In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.
The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.
Veteran Preference Information
Trauma Informed Care Statement
Lane County is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently, or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other.