Dental Assistant 2 (Umatilla)

State of Oregon•Umatilla, OR

8d•$5,723 - $6,903•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Corrections is hiring a Dental Assistant 2 at Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla, Oregon. An underfill option is available: applicants who do not meet Dental Assistant 2 minimum qualifications may be hired as a Dental Assistant 1, at the lower classification’s salary range until they qualify for reclassification. The role works in a secure correctional healthcare and dental unit and is represented by AFSCME. It may qualify for Police & Fire benefits through PERS, as defined by statute. The Dental Assistant facilitates patient dental care by providing direct chairside assistance to the dentist and ensuring instruments, supplies, and equipment are maintained and available. The position performs assigned expanded-function dental assisting duties, maintains infection-control and instrument-security practices, coordinates supplies and equipment repairs, schedules patients, and maintains accurate treatment and health-record information. The work also includes coordination with security staff and responses to treatment requests and emergencies. The successful candidate must support the department’s mission, vision, and values, demonstrate dignity and respect in interactions, and acknowledge that people are capable of positive change. The position involves contact with adults in custody and responsibility for their supervision and control. Work may involve prolonged walking or standing, stairs, and exposure to chemicals, radiation, communicable diseases, or other healthcare and correctional-setting hazards. Candidates must pass and maintain eligibility for a CJIS fingerprint-based background check.

Requirements

Dental Assistant 2 qualification: one year of support experience, including at least six months of chairside dental assisting experience; or graduation from a dental assisting program, a valid CPR card, Certification for Radiologic Proficiency, and Oregon State Board of Dentistry certification for expanded functions (EFDA).
Underfill Dental Assistant 1 qualification: six months of general support experience or equivalent training and experience, plus a valid CPR card at appointment; must be able to obtain Oregon State Board of Dentistry certification for Radiologic Proficiency within four months of appointment.
Ability to follow the dentist’s directions regarding patient dental treatment and provide direct chairside assistance.
Ability to manage dental materials, instruments, and equipment; maintain supply stocks and expiration dates; and perform appropriate cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization procedures.
Ability to manage instrument inventories and security counts and coordinate equipment maintenance and repair.
Ability to respond to written and verbal treatment requests and coordinate provider responses.
Strong computer skills for maintaining and saving data in applicable software; working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to work with confidential patient-care information and adults in custody.
Ability to maintain a high standard of performance, personal integrity, and conduct.
Ability to interpret and apply statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Successful candidate must pass a CJIS fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Experience with dental appointment scheduling.
Experience with Electronic Health Records.
Experience with digital radiographs.
Preference may be given to candidates who meet the full Dental Assistant 2 qualifications.

Responsibilities

Provide direct chairside assistance to the dentist during dental procedures, adapting to the dentist’s treatment methodology and expectations while supporting patient safety and clinic productivity.
Record dental pathology and conditions on appropriate forms as assessed by the dentist.
Perform assigned expanded-function duties, including removing temporary crowns; preparing teeth for permanent crown cementation; preliminary crown fitting and adjustments outside the patient’s mouth; placing and removing matrix retainers; removing excess crown cement; fabricating and cementing temporary crowns with required dentist checks; and recementing dislodged crowns when the dentist is unavailable, with follow-up checks.
Manage dental materials, instruments, and equipment, including cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, maintaining hand pieces and burs as directed, tracking inventory and security counts, and ensuring adequate stock with valid expiration dates.
Prepare the dental operatory and arrange instruments and supplies for procedures in accordance with infection-control guidelines and the dentist’s directions.
Coordinate equipment maintenance and repair with DOC staff and contracted technicians; conduct inventories and order tools and supplies as needed.
Respond to written and verbal treatment requests or coordinate responses from the provider, and respond to requests for emergency treatment.
Maintain accurate and current treatment lists; schedule patients; and ensure Electronic Health Records and Inmate Health Plan (DOC 400) information accurately reflects patients seen and treatment provided using appropriate dental abbreviations.
Submit statistical data as directed by the provider.
Coordinate with security staff to treat patients in isolated populations.
Address questions from other DOC staff about dental treatment.
Supervise and control adults in custody as an inherent responsibility of the role.

Benefits

Family health, vision, and dental insurance
Vacation and sick leave
11 paid holidays
21 days of paid military leave for National Guard and reserve components
Optional short- and long-term disability
Term life insurance
Fully paid retirement program
Oregon Savings Growth Plan
Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
Potential eligibility for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through PERS, as defined by statute