Dental Assistant

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 31419
Agency: Department of Corrections - Inmate Services
Location:Springfield, SDSalary: $23.20 to $27.84 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: F
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Part-Time position with the Department of Corrections - Inmate Services team. For more information on the DOC, please visit https://doc.sd.gov .

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiring! Join the DOC - view DOC Recruitment video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI3Hwg99jTg&t=9s .

This position assists the dentist in providing routine and emergency dental care, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients in a correctional setting.

Why the Department of Corrections?

At the Department of Corrections (DOC), we have an opportunity to make a difference. As a Department of Corrections employee, you will have a chance to experience:

• Creativity - We are always looking for innovative ideas to help us achieve improved outcomes.
• Making a difference - You will have an opportunity to make a difference in the life of fellow South Dakotans.
• Professional development - We provide valuable trainings to ensure well-trained staff that are competent, accountable, and empowered and will assist you in reaching your career goals.
• Teamwork - In a team-oriented approach, you will have the ability to work cooperatively with others in a friendly work environment to achieve shared goals.
• Public safety - your contributions will help keep the state of South Dakota and fellow South Dakotans safe.

License and Certifications:

• Applicant must have two years of full-time, professional work experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Must be eligible to obtain or possess a South Dakota Dental Radiographer registration and/or Advanced Dental Assistant license.
• Receive and Maintain an AHA BLS provider certification.

Substitutions:

• Successful completion of an accredited dental assisting program and/or completion of DANB exam may substitute for one year of the required experience. You must attach proof of completion that includes your name, name of college/program and date program was completed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The ideal candidate will have Knowledge of:

• Dental Procedures & Terminology - Understanding of routine and emergency dental procedures, restorative techniques, and specialized treatments.
• Radiography & Imaging - Familiarity with exposing and interpreting digital x-rays (periapicals, bitewings, panoramic radiographs) while adhering to safety protocols.
• Infection Control & Sterilization - Expertise in maintaining proper sanitation, sterilization techniques, and handling biohazardous waste.
• Pharmacology & Medication Handling - Awareness of dental medications, anesthetics, and proper administration practices.
• Basic Dental Clinic Operations Management - Understanding of scheduling, inventory control, tool safety, and preventive maintenance on dental equipment.
• Health & Safety Regulations - Familiarity with OSHA, CDC guidelines, and radiation safety protocols.

The ideal candidate will have the following Skills:

• Dental Assisting & Patient Care - Ability to effectively assist dentists with procedures and educate offenders on oral hygiene practices.
• Communication & Teamwork - Strong ability to collaborate with dentists, nurses, and correctional staff while maintaining professionalism.
• Organizational & Time Management - Skill in handling scheduling, records, and ensuring efficient clinic operations.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability - Ability to respond to emergencies, navigate security concerns, and adapt to a dynamic correctional environment.
• Technical Proficiency - Competency in handling dental instruments, intra-oral x-ray machines, sterilization equipment, and maintaining digital records.
• Independent Accountability - Capacity to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and maintain compliance without direct supervision.
• Physical & Mental Resilience - Ability to manage the demands of the role, including participation in self-defense training and emergency protocols.

The ideal candidate will have the Ability to:

• Multitasking in a High-Stakes Environment - Ability to balance clinical operations, security concerns, and patient care simultaneously.
• Maintaining Confidentiality & Professionalism - Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and uphold ethical standards.
• Adhering to Security Procedures - Capability to maintain strict control over tools, chemicals, and clinic activities in a correctional setting.
• Critical Thinking Under Pressure - Ability to assess urgency, schedule offender appointments effectively, and make informed decisions in challenging situations.
• Physical Stamina & Dexterity - Ability to perform clinical duties and pass required self-defense tests.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensure daily completion of dental clinic operations to include, but not limited to,
• scheduling, tool control, chemical control, infection control practices, biohazardous waste,
• hazardous materials and radiation control, and exposure control regulations;
• Expose digital x-rays which include periapicals, bitewings, and panoramic radiographs;
• Set up trays for restorative procedures;
• Educate offenders about oral hygiene;
• Sterilize instruments and equipment using an autoclave;
• Dispose of medical contaminated waste;
• Adapt to radiation safety and infection control guidelines and regulations to fit individual circumstances;
• Troubleshoot, monitor, and maintain intra-oral x-ray machines;
• Set a regular schedule to perform preventive maintenance on dental equipment and to initiate work orders;
• Maintain inventory levels of supplies & chemicals, prioritizing usage based on expiration dates and re-ordering as needed;
• Ensure safety & security by maintaining a controlled environment for tools, chemicals & supplies;
• Maintain cleanliness of dental clinic;
• Under direction from the dentist, plan the workload and appointment schedule of offenders to achieve maximum efficiency;
• Triage urgency of dental requests for treatment, gather information, consult with dentist and schedule appropriately;
• Arrange transport of offenders for appointments if indicated;
• Monitor progress of prosthetic cases and determine how to schedule these patients in accordance to their sentencing duration;
• Obtain signatures and track co-pay charges and submit them for approval;
• Maintain suitable filing system, supply usage, expiration dates and stock levels;
• Perform and log autoclave spore strip testing per CDC and OHSA guidelines;
• May be required to travel to other facilities as needed to perform Dental Assistant services.
• May be required to participate in restraining an offender primarily for medical reasons

Conditions of Employment:

The SD DOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, urine drug screen and the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Individuals selected for the position will have the opportunity to carry Oleoresin Capsicum (OC/pepper spray) if desired. If OC spray is carried, the staff carrying OC spay will be required to have direct (level 1) exposure during the training program. Individuals selected for the position must successfully complete a written and practical self-defense exam and successfully complete CPR to AHA guidelines - this includes successful completion of the practical/hands on portion as well as the written exam. Selected individuals must possess the physical ability to successfully complete the practical self-defense exam, which involves the following:

• lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
• stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
• use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
• withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
• rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
• get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions.

Additionally, TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and three professional references.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation, and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1N0
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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