Dental Assistant (Per Diem)

State of Connecticut•Enfield, CT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Correction is recruiting for a Dental Assistant (Per Diem). This position involves assisting dentists with various dental procedures, preparing materials, ensuring infection control compliance, and recording medical histories. The role may require travel to different DOC facilities. The current vacancies are located at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield and Carl Robinson Correctional Institution / Willard Cybulski Correctional Institution in Enfield. This recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies at other correctional facilities across the state.

Requirements

One (1) year of experience in dental assistant work
Must have successfully completed the Infection Control Examination (ICE) administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Must have successfully completed the Dental Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Knowledge of dental assisting operative procedures
Interpersonal skills
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Dental Assisting Program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association may be substituted for the General Experience
Experience working in a correctional, forensic, or other secure/locked institutional environment, with an understanding of associated safety and security protocols
Demonstrated ability to accurately track and manage dental instruments, including sharps counts, in compliance with facility procedures
Experience providing dental support across multiple clinic sites or departments
Willingness and flexibility to travel between facilities and float as assigned
Familiarity with inventory control and chain of custody procedures within secure healthcare settings

Responsibilities

Assist with procedures involving restorative, prosthodontic, periodontic, endodontic and oral surgery
Prepare dental restorative and prosthetic materials
Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations on infection control
Record medical histories
Perform instrument exchange procedures for operative dentistry (including general dentistry, pedodontics, prosthetics, orthodontics, periodontics and oral surgery)
Assist in oral surgery as required
Prepare, develop and mount radiographs
Prepare and perform daily maintenance of major equipment
Maintain equipment and supply inventories
Schedule appointments
Prepare a variety of requests for individual diagnostic testing
Process billing and/or insurance information
Illustrate proper preventive dental hygiene to individuals
Assure completeness and accuracy of dental medical records
Prepare reports and correspondence
May send out reminder cards
May participate in dental health information program
May assist in taking radiographs
May pour molds when necessary
May act as triage and/or receptionist for incoming individual telephone calls
Perform related duties as required