Dental Social Worker

Details

Posted: 11-May-24

Location: Greenville, North Carolina

Salary: Open

Internal Number: 70986

Job Duties:

As a Dental Social Worker (Social Work Practitioner), this position will play a crucial role in addressing the psychosocial needs of our patients, particularly those facing complex dental issues or undergoing significant treatments. This role will involve providing support, advocacy, and resources to help patients navigate the emotional, financial, and social challenges associated with dental care.
Key Responsibilities:

Patient Assessment and Counseling:

• Conduct psychosocial assessments of patients to identify underlying issues impacting their dental health and overall well-being.
• Incorporate an understanding of social determinants of health into patient assessments and treatment plans, recognizing the impact of socioeconomic factors such as housing stability, access to nutritious food, and social support networks on oral health outcomes.
• Provide individual and family counseling to address emotional concerns, anxiety, and fear related to dental treatment.
• Offer guidance and support to patients dealing with dental phobias, trauma, or chronic conditions affecting oral health.

Advocacy and Support Services:

• Serve as an advocate for patients, assisting them in accessing necessary resources and navigating complex healthcare systems.
• Collaborate with dental care teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address patients' social and emotional needs.
• Connect patients with community resources, such as financial assistance programs, mental health services, and support groups, to promote overall wellness.

Crisis Intervention:

• Respond promptly to patients experiencing dental emergencies or acute psychological distress during treatment.
• Implement crisis intervention strategies to de-escalate tense situations and provide immediate support and comfort to patients and their families.

Education and Prevention:

• Offer education and guidance on oral hygiene practices, preventive dental care, and lifestyle modifications to promote optimal oral health and prevent future dental issues.
• Develop and facilitate educational workshops or support groups on topics relevant to dental health and well-being within the community.

Documentation and Collaboration:

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, interventions, and progress in electronic health records systems.
• Collaborate closely with dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, and administrative staff, to coordinate patient care and ensure a holistic approach to treatment.

Working Conditions:
The role of Dental Social Worker (Social Work Practitioner) primarily operates within a dental practice or healthcare facility. The position may involve occasional evening or weekend hours to accommodate patient needs or participate in community outreach events. The work environment may include direct interaction with patients experiencing emotional distress or discomfort during dental procedures.

Special Instructions To Application:

• Please ensure your full range of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and education are listed on your application. Do not write 'see resume' on your application when completing the job duties section.
• If you answer the questions at the end of the application, please ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences to support your answers (see job duties section of previous employment).
• Failure to answer the questions at the end of the application will not preclude your application from being considered but may result in your application not receiving full consideration of your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Minimum Education/Experience:

Bachelor's degree in a Human Services discipline with coursework related to the area of assignment. Some positions may require certification to practice as a certified or licensed Clinical Social Worker as required by the North Carolina Social Work Certification Board. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Full time or Part time: Full Time

Position Location (city): Greenville

Position Number: 400418

Organizational Unit Overview:

The School of Dental Medicine is composed of ten administrative offices and four academic departments. The Administrative units include the Offices of the Dean, Vice Dean, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Associate Dean for Research, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Associate Dean for Extramural Clinical Practices, Assistant Dean for Dental Education and Informatics, Assistant Dean for Educational Support and Faculty Development, Assistant Dean for Academic Success and the Assistant Dean for Business Operations and Financial Affairs. The four academic departments are Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, General Dentistry and Foundational Sciences.
Included in the mission of the School of Dental Medicine is to educate dental care providers (both dental students and dental residents) and to address the oral health care needs of the underserved population of North Carolina. The School of Dental Medicine meets these missions by operating dental clinics that provide both educational experiences for the dental students and residents and provides dental care to the residents of North Carolina. These clinics occur in both Ross Hall in
Greenville, North Carolina, as well as Community Service-Learning Centers located throughout North Carolina. In order to operate these clinics, appropriate dental auxiliaries and clinical staff are needed.

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About East Carolina University
To be a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation, East Carolina University uses innovative learning strategies and delivery methods to maximize access; prepares students with the knowledge, skills and values to succeed in a global, multicultural society; develops tomorrow's leaders to serve and inspire positive change; discovers new knowledge and innovations to support a thriving future for eastern North Carolina and beyond; transforms health care, promotes wellness, and reduces health disparities; and improves qualify of life through cultural enrichment, academics, the arts, and athletics. We accomplish our mission through education, research, creative activities, and service while being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. East Carolina University delivers on the promise of opportunity. We open doors. We improve lives. We transform the present, and we discover the future. In these ways and more, we serve our community, our state, our nation and our world as together we reach toward our greatest potential. Tomorrow starts here.
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