As a Director General - Dentistry, you will provide strategic leadership and executive direction for dental health services and programs within the Department of National Defence. In this senior management role, you are responsible for developing policies, establishing clinical standards, and overseeing the delivery of comprehensive dental care to Canadian Armed Forces members and eligible dependents. You will lead a team of dental professionals and support staff, manage significant budgetary resources, and represent the dental specialty at the highest levels of the organization. This role requires you to balance clinical excellence with operational efficiency while responding to the evolving health needs of the military population. You will work collaboratively with other health care leaders, senior military commanders, and external dental organizations to advance best practices and ensure the sustainability of dental health services across multiple locations. The work environment is dynamic and demands strong decision-making skills, as you will navigate complex personnel, budgetary, and clinical challenges while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and professional conduct.
Key Responsibilities
Provide dentistry services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this position, you must hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school, along with a current license to practice dentistry in Canada. Most candidates will have completed specialty training in a dental discipline such as orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, or another recognized dental specialty, though this is not always mandatory. You should possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Health Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or have substantial demonstrated experience in health care management and leadership. Professional certifications such as Membership in the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC) or Fellowship status are highly valued. Candidates are expected to have completed or be willing to complete Government of Canada leadership and management training programs. Ongoing professional development through continuing education, executive leadership programs, and participation in professional dental and health care organizations is essential to maintain clinical knowledge and develop advanced management competencies.
Entry Plans
Entry into this executive position typically occurs through a competitive selection process advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Most candidates will have progressed through lower-level dental management positions within DND, such as Senior Dentist or Chief Dentist roles, demonstrating a successful track record in clinical leadership and administrative responsibility. External candidates with equivalent senior dental management experience in the private sector, provincial health systems, or other federal organizations may also be considered. Lateral transfers from other health care executive roles within the Public Service may be possible for those with demonstrated health care leadership capability. The selection process includes a formal competition with panels of senior health care leaders and may include interviews, presentations, and assessment of management competencies. Candidates should ensure they meet Treasury Board Secretariat qualification standards for executive positions and maintain active registration with their provincial dental regulatory body. Networking with current DND health care leaders and maintaining visibility through professional associations can enhance awareness of opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles that require continuous presence and availability for strategic decision-making, personnel management, and executive engagement. However, depending on organizational needs and individual circumstances, some flexibility may be available for compressed work weeks or flexible scheduling arrangements negotiated with senior management. Telework options may be available for specific administrative tasks and meetings, though the role requires regular in-person presence at DND facilities for clinical oversight, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements at this executive level are rare in the federal Public Service and would require exceptional circumstances and approval from senior leadership. Personnel in this role should be prepared to work extended hours during periods of operational demands or organizational change. If you require specific work arrangement accommodations due to personal circumstances, these should be discussed early in the recruitment process and with the hiring manager to determine feasibility within the constraints of executive-level responsibilities.
