It is NOT rare for a government entity to hire a consultant to find high profile employees (Item #6, Sub Item 4);
Health, Agreement to conduct a dental practitioner search for Falls Community Health, Jackson Physician Search
But what I find astounding is that the city will put the money down to find a dentist, but NOT a police chief, fire chief, health director, audit manager, cultural officer or IT manager. Papa Poops knows best.
Teeth are important!
It also may be (and I am ONLY speculating) that since the health department gets gobs of Federal funding there are hiring requirements and the expense may be a pass thru. Not sure.
Normally, private workers have health care but not dental. A dentist could be something cut from city employment. They should have to carry separate dental insurance and pay for teeth care not covered.
Often the dental industry backs legislation that has some teeth in it.
And, perhaps, given that soon Christmas will be here and then over with, that maybe then Hermey the elf will be available:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvf7HnXvVa0