Dental Assistant

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

This position provides relief coverage as a dental assistant to ensure patient access to quality, medically appropriate dental services with appropriate electronic and hard copy documentation in accordance with DOC policies and procedures, and the clinician’s license and job class. This position is an integral part of ensuring quality, safe health services and continuity of care for patients served by DOC Health Services. The position is expected to adhere to the standards for quality care defined with professional guidelines, the Incarcerated Health Plan, the DOC formulary, and other applicable statewide publications and algorithms. This position is a critical element of the facility security due to the highly complex and sensitive correlation between dental health status, pain management, service provision, and behavior outcomes.

A completed application packet will include:

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

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. 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.

• 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 incarcerated individual 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.
  • Attend required staff meetings.
  • Write incident reports IAW policy requirements and upon direction of leadership including Shift Lieutenant.

Required Qualifications:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent 
• 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 of experience as a Dental Assistant.
• A graduate of a recognized Dental Assisting program.
• 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.

Please include a minimum of three professional references with your application:

• The Department of Corrections defines a professional reference 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.
• Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

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 vacations 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!

Additional Information:

• The mission of DOC is to improve public safety. For additional information about the agency, please visit doc.wa.gov.
• 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 in close proximity to 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.
• 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 of the date of hire.  When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment may also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• If this position is included in a Union Shop, employees will be required to become members within thirty (30) days of employment.
• 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.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step L in your permanent salary range.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.
• The DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Our Mission: To improve public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
Our Core Values:

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
• People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
• Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess the following core diversity competencies:

• Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.
• Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
• Promote inclusiveness.
• Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.

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 zenon.mateyka@doc1.wa.gov or call at 509.290.7123. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1.800.833.6388.

Salary : $4,806 - $6,456