As a Manager - Dentistry with the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage dental operations and clinical teams within military health services. You will oversee the delivery of comprehensive dental care to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families, ensuring quality clinical outcomes and operational readiness. In this role, you combine clinical dentistry expertise with management responsibilities, supervising dental professionals, managing budgets, coordinating schedules, and ensuring compliance with health care standards and military regulations.
Your responsibilities include strategic planning for dental services, staff recruitment and performance management, quality assurance and clinical governance, and liaison with other military health care providers. You will work in dynamic military health care environments, including field hospitals, bases, and dedicated dental clinics across Canada and potentially overseas. This position requires balancing clinical excellence with efficient resource management while supporting the health and readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces.
You will be part of a dedicated team committed to providing essential health services to military personnel. The role offers opportunities to influence health policy, mentor dental professionals, and contribute directly to force readiness and personnel well-being.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of dentistry services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the dentistry team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this position, you must hold a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from a recognized dental school. You must be licensed to practice dentistry in Canada, with current registration with a provincial dental regulatory body. Many candidates hold or are working towards a Master's degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, or a related field, which supports advancement into management roles.
Professional certifications and ongoing education are essential. You should maintain current certifications in dental practice, patient safety, and infection control. The Canadian Armed Forces supports professional development through continuing education programs, leadership training, and management courses. Internal training programs cover military health services operations, defence policies, and leadership in the CAF context. You will have access to professional development opportunities including advanced management training, executive education programs, and conferences related to health care administration and military medicine.
Entry Plans
Entry to this career in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through public service staffing competitions. These competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the DND Civilian Careers website. Candidates must apply and compete against other qualified applicants through a competitive process that may include written assessments, interviews, and evaluation of qualifications and experience.
Lateral movement is common for this role. Many managers in dentistry progress from clinical dentistry positions within DND or move from provincial health systems, private practice, or other federal health agencies. Some candidates enter through recruitment pools established by the Public Service Commission for management-level positions in health care. The DND also occasionally offers bridging programs for experienced dental professionals transitioning to federal service and management roles.
Once hired, you may participate in the DND's management development programs and orientation to military health services. Prior military service or experience working in military environments is valued but not required. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate progressive responsibility in clinical and administrative roles, along with evidence of leadership capability and management experience.
Part-Time Options
Part-time opportunities for Manager - Dentistry positions are limited due to the leadership and oversight responsibilities inherent in the role. However, the DND is committed to providing flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Some managers may negotiate compressed work weeks or adjusted schedules, particularly in larger dental facilities where coverage can be maintained.
Remote work options are minimal for this position, as the role requires on-site presence to supervise teams, conduct clinical oversight, manage operations, and respond to urgent health care matters. However, administrative and planning components may be completed remotely in some cases. Work arrangement requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific location, operational requirements, and management structure.
The DND supports work-life balance initiatives including flexible hours where possible, leave provisions, and family-friendly policies. Managers typically work full-time, standard business hours with on-call responsibilities for urgent dental emergencies. The specific flexibility available will depend on your posting location, facility size, and operational demands. Discussions about individual work arrangements should occur during the hiring process and with your direct supervisor.
