Job Description

Posting number: 2026-05677

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: DENTIST

Posting type: Open

Categories: Health Services, Public Health, Medical/Dental

As a dentist, you understand that providing oral health care to patients with a developmental disability requires you to adapt the skills that you typically use every day. You strive for successful visits with an awareness of any special approaches needed for each patient as an individual.

The Developmental Disabilities Administration is seeking a full-time Dentist to become a part of our dedicated medical team at Lakeland Village located in Medical Lake, Washington. This position is a 4 day, 10 hours shift schedule. Consideration may be given to part- time applicants working a minimum of 2 shifts a week.

Aligning with Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) mission, the work that you do would contribute to providing a holistic approach to care for our 180 residents. As our facility Dentist, your role restores or maintains oral health for our residents by promoting healthy oral care and hygiene as well as ongoing dental care.

Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Advantages this job brings

• The rapport that you build with our residents is long-term, impactful and meaningful. You will quickly appreciate the sense of community and the interaction you have with staff, residents, and family members; and they with you.
• Our residents are individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who present unique dental challenges where you will have a high impact in improving dental hygiene.
• The collaboration amongs various professional interdisciplinary team members creates an environment for continuous growth and professional development.
• You will supervise the Dental Clinic; your team goes above and beyond in ensuring residents are getting the best dental care possible. The dental team supporting the dental needs of residents includes a dental hygienist, dental assistant and an RN assisting with dental care and sedation administration, monitoring and recovery.
• The retirement plan options and benefits are ideal for a long-term career. Additionally, all overhead, billing, and equipment falls under DSHS's responsibility.

Some of what you will be doing

• Perform dental evaluations, treatment and preventive care as well as emergency treatment when needed.
• Provide restorations, endodontics, extraction of teeth and roots (non-surgical), prosthetics, and periodontal treatment.
• Prescribe/recommend medications for treatment; perform minor lab work for denture care.
• Refer patients to medical and dental specialists when necessary.

What we are looking for

• Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS)
• A valid Washington State license to practice dentistry
• Two years of experience in the practice of dentistry
• Continuing Education in practical oral care for people with developmental disabilities is a plus!

See why people choose DSHS:
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The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 05617.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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