General Dentist

As a General Dentist at the Iowa Primary Care Association, you will be responsible for performing various dental procedures that include hygiene checks, extractions, root canals, and denture fittings. You will see an average of 14 patients a day and work alongside a dedicated team to provide comprehensive care, often for patients unfamiliar with dental services. An important aspect of this role is your commitment to community health, integrating dental services with medical and behavioral health to help those in need.

To qualify for the General Dentist position at the Iowa Primary Care Association, you must hold a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school. New graduates are welcome to apply, provided they exhibit a passion for community health and a commitment to patient care. Additionally, an understanding of dental technology and experience with electronic health records like Epic Wisdom is advantageous but not required.

At the Iowa Primary Care Association, we prioritize your work-life balance. The General Dentist position entails a Monday-to-Friday schedule from 8 AM to 5 PM, with no evenings or weekends required. This structure allows you to enjoy your personal life while contributing to community health, making it an ideal setting for those looking for both professional fulfillment and a happy lifestyle.

The Iowa Primary Care Association provides a comprehensive benefits package for General Dentists that includes a competitive salary ranging from $180,000 to $230,000 annually, a $20,000 sign-on bonus, and eligibility for up to $50,000 in student loan repayment for a two-year commitment. Additional benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan options with employer matching, paid time off, and continuing education support.

As a General Dentist at the Iowa Primary Care Association, you will encounter a diverse patient population, many of whom have not received dental care in years. You'll provide necessary treatments including hygiene checks, extractions, root canals, and denture fittings, while building relationships with patients who value your accessible care. This role offers you the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of those within the community.

This question allows you to share your personal journey and passion for dentistry. Discuss specific experiences, whether they are related to academic studies or early patient interactions, that fueled your desire to help others through dental care.

When answering this, consider sharing a specific example of a past experience where you successfully managed a difficult patient. Highlight your communication skills and empathy, emphasizing the importance of making patients comfortable.

Detail your hands-on experience with these procedures while discussing specific cases or techniques you’ve learned. Being able to communicate your proficiency confidently is critical for this role.

Express your commitment to professional growth by mentioning how you read dental journals, attend workshops or webinars, and engage with professional networks. Highlighting continuing education is especially relevant to the role of a General Dentist.

Discuss your approach to patient education, which could include using visual aids or tailoring your explanations to different comprehension levels. Emphasize how you seek to empower patients.

Highlight your seriousness about infection control protocols and how you ensure that all staff adhere to safety standards. This question allows you to demonstrate responsibility and leadership.

Share an anecdote where teamwork benefited a patient's health. Explain your role in this collaboration and how it reflects the community-centered mission of the Iowa Primary Care Association.

Reflect on the satisfaction you derive from improving patients' health and quality of life. Sharing specific heartwarming moments can make your answer resonate.

Provide an insightful perspective on current challenges, such as patient access to care or the implementation of new technologies, and suggest potential solutions or initiatives that could address these issues.

Discuss the importance of patient autonomy while also emphasizing your role to inform and guide them. Provide an example of how you would approach the conversation and support the patient's needs.