Description

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for a full-time, Dental Assistant to join the Health Services team located at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton, WA.

The Washington Corrections Center (WCC) is a state prison for men, with an operating capacity of 1,268 incarcerated individuals. WCC includes the Reception Center in which all individuals entering the Washington State Prison System must pass through to be permanently assigned to their long-term care facility.

A COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKET WILL INCLUDE:

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter
• Three professional references

*The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. *

Duties

• Direct chair-side assisting with the following Dental procedures: Diagnostic, Preventive, Periodontics, Endodontic, Oral Surgery, Prosthetics, and Operative Procedures.
• May be required to perform reversible procedures; (for example: apply and remove matrix bands and wedges; remove cement around restorations; apply fluoride varnish etc.)
• Film: expose and accurately labeled digital radiographs (periapical, bitewing, panoramic, occlusal, etc.)
• Apply and removes rubber dams.
• Maintain the field of operation by skillful use of high-volume evacuator and three-way air water syringe.
• Clean and disinfect the operatory.
• Count the instruments at the beginning and the end of each procedure before dismissing the patient Perform duties as specified by the operating dentist.
• Set up the treatment area for the planned procedure, consult with the dentist, hygienist or denturist concerning what is needed, ensure that all needed instruments, medications, and supplies are available on hand.
• Be consistent and punctual in meeting appointment commitments.
• Be aware of and meet targeted patient treatment volume.
• Provide patient customer service.
• Meet the patient and seat the patient in the dental unit in a timely manner.
• Explain the planned treatment to the patient. Take radiographs as prescribed by the dentist.
• Maximize patient comfort to the extent possible.
• Educate and instruct the patient.
• Educate the patient in health behaviors including oral hygiene.
• Inform the patient of the necessary treatment, the right to decline, and the consequences of declining to have a condition treated.
• Inform the patient of the DOC policy regarding access to dental services and offender health plan.
• Counsel the patient on self-care measures. Gives patient “procedure specific” instructions.
• Establish therapeutic relationships that preserve professional boundaries with patients.
• Direct incarcerated individuals to exhibit appropriate, respectful behavior at all times.
• Write infractions as appropriate.
• Provide accurate, authoritative information to groups or communities.
• Maintain Patient Records and all documentation (hardcopy and electronic) as mandated by statute, DOH and DOC policy.
• Provide proper documentation in the charts.
• Record planned and completed treatment in patient’s records at the direction of the appointing dentist.
• Count and record hazardous supplies (syringes, knives, needles, sutures, forceps, scalps, spatulas.) in the count book, initialed by the assistant and the witness (task requires two people).
• Monitor and maintains the integrity of all dental clinic log records.
• Accurately inputs data in OMNI-HS including waiting lists.
• Maintain the integrity of the dental record and patient health record as a whole.
• Facilitate the functions of the Dental clinic.
• Monitor and maintain Dental equipment, Dental supplies, inventory, and logs
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 
  Must be a graduate of a recognized dental assisting program.
• Must have an unblemished/unrestricted registration to practice dental assisting with WA State Department of Health.
• Must ensure that registration is renewed in accordance with regulations and that proof of current registration is provided by anniversary date each year to facility clinical leadership.
• Maintain current CPR certification and ensure that proof of current status is provided annually to facility clinical leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years’ experience as a dental assistant.
• Experience and/or education in working with medical/dental documents and using medical/dental terminology.
• Experience providing dental services in a correctional environment or full-service community health clinic.
• Knowledge in the areas of scheduling routine/special dental procedures and patient visits.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications and related technologies.

Supplemental Information

COVID 19 Vaccination Requirement:

• 
  Employees of the WA State Department of Corrections (DOC) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet this requirement due to a medical or religious necessity.

References:

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application.
• A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
• Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

Additional Information:

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. 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 position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
• Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.

What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email nicholas.epps@doc1.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.