CDOC Dental Assistant - - (PUEBLO)

State of Colorado • Pueblo, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position assists the dentist in providing routine and emergency dental care, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients in a prison clinical setting. Assures daily completion of dental clinic operations to include but not limited to scheduling, tool control, chemical control, infection control practices, bio hazardous waste, hazardous materials and radiation control, and exposure control regulations.

Requirements

• Two years of full-time, professional work experience as a Dental Assistant, providing chair side assistance in General Dentistry or Oral Surgery to an adult population.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to apply infection control practices
• Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to safely control bio hazardous waste and hazardous materials
• Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to apply exposure control regulations
• Ability to select supplies and instruments based on knowledge of procedure, knowledge of patient requirements and familiarity with the preferences of the dentist
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind
• Ability to effectively work with inmate patients
• Individual must be thorough and detail oriented
• Individual must be proficient in basic computer skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Must be 21 years of age
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Have NO felony convictions
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application
• Successfully pass all modules of the 6 week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing dental assistance in a correctional environment
• Dental Assistant Certification
• Dental X-Ray Certification
• At least two years of experience providing chair side assistance in General Dentistry

Responsibilities

• Obtain digital x-rays
• Set up restorative procedures
• Educate inmates about preventive dental health care
• Sterilize instruments and equipment
• Dispose of medical contaminated waste
• Interpret and adapt radiation safety and infection control guidelines and regulations to fit individual circumstances
• Monitor and maintain intra-oral x-ray machines
• Set schedule and perform preventive maintenance on dental equipment, trouble shoot and 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 inmates to achieve maximum efficiency
• Triage urgency of dental requests for treatment, gather information, consult with dentist and schedule appropriately
• Monitor progress of prosthetic cases and determine how best to schedule these patients
• 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 Dental Service Standards
• Provide assistance with the upkeep of ACA files and presentation of Dental Clinics during ACA Audits

Benefits

• PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Short and long term disability coverage
• Paid life insurance
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• Wellness program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED