Position Overview:

James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine (JBECDM) & MUSC Children’s Health at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) seeks to hire a hospital-based pediatric dentist who will lead comprehensive dental care for children and adolescents, especially those with complex medical needs and special health care needs. The Director is expected to collaborate closely with various medical specialties within MUSC Children’s Health as a faculty member of JBECDM to ensure seamless care and information exchange. 

The position is a full-time, tenure track faculty appointment in the Division of Applied Craniofacial Sciences, Pediatric Dentistry Section in the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine.  The position will have a secondary appointment in the College of Medicine in a Department that aligns with both the position’s roles and unique qualifications of the candidate.

The Director will primarily serve as a pediatric proceduralist to meet the growing needs of MUSC Children’s Health. This clinically focused position includes delivering patient care at the state-of-the-art Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, South Carolina’s premier children’s hospital and a nationally ranked facility by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Children’s Hospitals. The proceduralist will also provide care at MUSC Children’s R. Keith Summey Medical Pavilion – which offers comprehensive specialty clinics, outpatient surgery, diagnostic imaging, infusion procedures, and full support services.

Key responsibilities:

• Specialized procedures: Diagnose and treat various dental problems including cavities, gum disease, dental injuries, and address oral health issues related to cleft lip/palate and craniofacial deformities.
• Dental rehabilitation: Perform complex procedures in an operating room setting for children unable to receive care in an office due to medical complexity or anxiety.
• Routine care for children admitted to inpatient care: Provide general checkups, cleanings, preventative care and treatment to patients who have extended inpatient admissions at SJCH.
• Collaborate with medical and dental specialists: Provide consultations with pediatric medical specialties at SJCH on oral health issues related to medical complexities.  Examples include consultations with ENT, cardiology, anesthesia and immunology. Work with oral surgeons for jaw or facial surgery and orthodontics for conventional and Invisalign orthodontic treatments.
• Patient and family education: Guide families on oral hygiene, nutrition, preventative measures, and treatment options.
• Patient record management: Maintain accurate and thorough patient records.
• Evidence-based practice: Keep abreast of advancements in pediatric dental care through continuing education and professional development.
• Managing dental anxiety: Utilize specialized techniques and equipment to create a supportive and comforting environment for children during visits, particularly those experiencing anxiety or fear. 

Skills and qualifications:

• DDS or DMD degree: Possessing a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
• Pediatric Dentistry residency: Completion of a CODA accredited residency program specialized in pediatric dentistry.
• State Licensure: Eligibility for licensure or faculty dental license in South Carolina.
• Board Certification: Obtaining board certification from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is highly desirable.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience working with children and managing their specific dental needs and behavioral aspects with preference to experiences in a hospital-based setting.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for building trust and rapport with children and their families.
• Fine Motor Skills: Providing oral health care requires exceptional fine motor skills for intricate procedures in smaller mouths.
• Patience and Empathy: Working with children requires patience, understanding, and empathy to address their concerns and anxieties.
• Teamwork: The ability to collaborate effectively with other dental professionals and medical specialists. 

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and three professional references with their application.

The academic rank and salary will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and commensurate with their experience level.