OPT Dentist Jobs
Dentist jobs on OPT are available but require careful planning around work authorization. Most roles involve direct patient care, which means full-time employment is standard and aligns well with OPT's authorized work requirement. STEM OPT extension is not available for dentistry, so timing your job search around your 12-month window matters.
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As a dentist, you understand that providing oral health care to patients with a developmental disability requires you to adapt the skills that you typically use every day. You strive for successful visits with an awareness of any special approaches needed for each patient as an individual.
The Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (formerly the Developmental Disabilities Administration) program is seeking a full-time Dentist to become a part of our dedicated medical team at Lakeland Village located in Medical Lake, Washington. This position is a 4 day, 10 hours shift schedule. Consideration may be given to part-time applicants working a minimum of 2 shifts a week.
Aligning with Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) mission, the work that you do would contribute to providing a holistic approach to care for our 180 residents. As our facility Dentist, your role restores or maintains oral health for our residents by promoting healthy oral care and hygiene as well as ongoing dental care.
Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Advantages this job brings
- The rapport that you build with our residents is long-term, impactful and meaningful. You will quickly appreciate the sense of community and the interaction you have with staff, residents, and family members; and they with you.
- Our residents are individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who present unique dental challenges where you will have a high impact in improving dental hygiene.
- The collaboration among various professional interdisciplinary team members creates an environment for continuous growth and professional development.
- You will supervise the Dental Clinic; your team goes above and beyond in ensuring residents are getting the best dental care possible. The dental team supporting the dental needs of residents includes a dental hygienist, dental assistant and an RN assisting with dental care and sedation administration, monitoring and recovery.
- The retirement plan options and benefits are ideal for a long-term career. Additionally, all overhead, billing, and equipment falls under DSHS's responsibility.
Some of what you will be doing
- Perform dental evaluations, treatment and preventive care as well as emergency treatment when needed.
- Provide restorations, endodontics, extraction of teeth and roots (non-surgical), prosthetics, and periodontal treatment.
- Prescribe/recommend medications for treatment; perform minor lab work for denture care.
- Refer patients to medical and dental specialists when necessary.
What we are looking for
- Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS)
- A valid Washington State license to practice dentistry
- Two years of experience in the practice of dentistry
- Continuing Education in practical oral care for people with developmental disabilities is a plus!
See why people choose DSHS:
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 03759.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
As a dentist, you understand that providing oral health care to patients with a developmental disability requires you to adapt the skills that you typically use every day. You strive for successful visits with an awareness of any special approaches needed for each patient as an individual.
The Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (formerly the Developmental Disabilities Administration) program is seeking a full-time Dentist to become a part of our dedicated medical team at Lakeland Village located in Medical Lake, Washington. This position is a 4 day, 10 hours shift schedule. Consideration may be given to part-time applicants working a minimum of 2 shifts a week.
Aligning with Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) mission, the work that you do would contribute to providing a holistic approach to care for our 180 residents. As our facility Dentist, your role restores or maintains oral health for our residents by promoting healthy oral care and hygiene as well as ongoing dental care.
Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Advantages this job brings
- The rapport that you build with our residents is long-term, impactful and meaningful. You will quickly appreciate the sense of community and the interaction you have with staff, residents, and family members; and they with you.
- Our residents are individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who present unique dental challenges where you will have a high impact in improving dental hygiene.
- The collaboration among various professional interdisciplinary team members creates an environment for continuous growth and professional development.
- You will supervise the Dental Clinic; your team goes above and beyond in ensuring residents are getting the best dental care possible. The dental team supporting the dental needs of residents includes a dental hygienist, dental assistant and an RN assisting with dental care and sedation administration, monitoring and recovery.
- The retirement plan options and benefits are ideal for a long-term career. Additionally, all overhead, billing, and equipment falls under DSHS's responsibility.
Some of what you will be doing
- Perform dental evaluations, treatment and preventive care as well as emergency treatment when needed.
- Provide restorations, endodontics, extraction of teeth and roots (non-surgical), prosthetics, and periodontal treatment.
- Prescribe/recommend medications for treatment; perform minor lab work for denture care.
- Refer patients to medical and dental specialists when necessary.
What we are looking for
- Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS)
- A valid Washington State license to practice dentistry
- Two years of experience in the practice of dentistry
- Continuing Education in practical oral care for people with developmental disabilities is a plus!
See why people choose DSHS:
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 03759.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Dentist
Start your search before OPT begins
Dental licensing timelines vary by state and can take several months after graduation. Begin your job search early so your employment start date aligns with both your OPT authorization date and your state dental license approval.
Target group practices and DSOs
Dental service organizations and large group practices are more likely to have HR infrastructure for OPT sponsorship than solo practitioners. They hire regularly, understand work authorization paperwork, and are accustomed to onboarding new graduates with varying documentation needs.
Be upfront about your OPT status
Disclose your OPT status early in conversations with employers. Dental employers unfamiliar with OPT often confuse it with H-1B visa sponsorship. Clarifying that OPT requires no employer petition and no cost to them removes a common objection before it becomes a barrier.
Confirm your state license before accepting offers
OPT work authorization alone is not enough to practice dentistry. You must hold a valid state dental license for the state where you'll work. Accepting a job offer before licensure is finalized can create legal and logistical complications for both you and your employer.
Understand your OPT reporting obligations
Any changes to your employer, work address, or employment status must be reported to your DSO within 10 days. Dental roles sometimes involve working across multiple clinic locations, which may require updates to your SEVIS record each time your primary worksite changes.
Use your dental school network strategically
Alumni who graduated on F-1 status and navigated OPT in dentistry are a practical resource. They can recommend OPT-friendly employers from direct experience, connect you with hiring managers, and share how they handled the transition from graduation to licensed employment.
Dentist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a dentist on OPT?
Yes, but only if you hold a valid state dental license in the state where you'll practice. OPT authorizes you to work in a role directly related to your dental degree, but the license is a separate legal requirement enforced by your state's dental board. You cannot legally treat patients without it, regardless of your OPT status.
Is dentistry eligible for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Dentistry programs are classified under CIP code 51.0401, which does not appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. This means OPT for dental graduates is limited to 12 months. You'll need to secure H-1B sponsorship or another visa pathway before your OPT expires if you want to continue working in the U.S.
Do dental employers typically understand OPT work authorization?
Solo and small private practices often have limited experience with OPT because they rarely hire internationally. Group practices and dental service organizations are a better starting point. When explaining OPT, emphasize that no employer petition, no filing fee, and no USCIS involvement is required from them. That distinction removes the most common employer hesitation.
Where can I find dentist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Browsing Migrate Mate for dentist roles lets you focus on employers already open to OPT candidates, saving time you'd otherwise spend screening out positions that require immediate H-1B sponsorship or permanent residency.
What happens to my OPT if I work across multiple dental clinic locations?
Working at multiple locations under the same employer generally does not require separate OPT authorization, but any change to your primary work address must be reported to your DSO within 10 days so they can update your SEVIS record. If you work for different employers simultaneously, each must be reported separately and the work must still be related to your dental degree.