Dental Consultant I, Department of Health Services
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under direction either (1) in a region or district office, to review and approve dental treatment prior authorization requests for services; to perform prescreening and post-check clinical examinations; to assist dental societies, providers, and community organizations on dental aspects of Medi-Cal; or (2) in headquarters, to assist in the development of policies and standards relative to the dental aspects of the California Medical Assistance Program; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
In a region or district office, reviews and approves dental treatment authorization requests; advises on dental aspects of the program; interprets dental criteria related to prior authorization and dental care benefits to dental and other groups in the community; works closely with review committees of local dental societies; advises and consults with other agencies on scope of benefits, utilization controls, and payment for services covered by the California Medical Assistance Program; establishes and maintains effective working rela- tionships with individual dentists, dental societies, county health and welfare agencies, and other organizations concerned with health care; provides guidance and direction to local dentist screeners; provides consultation in support of the medical-social review team; gathers information on dental manpower, facilities and dental treatment needs; assists in special studies and projects; makes recommendations for modifications of dental services and for more effective utilization of community dental resources; addresses professional and lay groups; prepares reports. In headquarters, assists in developing policies, standards, and guides on administration of the dental aspects of the Medi-Cal Program to assure compliance with State and Federal regulations; assists in analyses and preparation of reports concerning proposed legislation affecting California Medical Assistance Program; provides technical advice to advisory committees; consults with statewide professional organizations, community groups, public officials, Department staff, and others on the dental phases of the California Medical Assistance Program; assists in establishing and maintaining liaison and cooperative relationships with the dental profession and allied groups, provider organizations, advisory committees and other public and private agencies engaged in dental services; assists in evaluating reports on dental aspects of locally administered programs, and suggests courses of action; assists in investigations of providers and recommends disciplinary action when appropriate; conducts studies and prepares reports; addresses professional and lay groups.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of the legal requirements for the practice of dentistry in California as determined by the California Board of Dental Examiners. (Applicants may be admitted to the examination prior to meeting these requirements, but the Board of Dental Examiners must determine that all legal requirements have been met before candidates will be eligible for appointment.) and One year of experience in the practice of dentistry.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Modern methods and principles of general dentistry and dental surgery including preventive aspects and skill in application; oral hygiene and prevention and treatment of diseases of the mouth; interrelationships of Federal, State, and local professional and voluntary public health and welfare agencies and of the programs and services of such agencies; principles of community organization and skill in their application.
Ability to: Analyze situations accurately and take effective action; keep records and prepare reports; interpret and apply the dental policies and standards of the Department's program; establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the work; write effectively; speak effectively before professional and lay groups.
Special Personal Characteristic
Willingness to travel.
