Dental Hygienist

Position: Dental Hygiene Specialist – Correctional Health (Full‑time, 40 hours). Salary: $25.06 - $32.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. Ideal Candidate Provides educational, diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative oral hygiene services for patients in a correctional setting. Benefits Creativity – We are always looking for innovative ideas to help us achieve improved outcomes. Making a difference – Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of fellow South Dakotans. Professional development – Valuable training to ensure well‑trained staff that is 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. Responsibilities Removes calculus, stains, and plaque from teeth, using prescribed techniques to ensure offender’s oral hygiene needs are met. Prepares the dental operatory prior to performing any dental procedure. Consults with the Dentist/physician concerning the offender’s dental and/or health problems. Performs periodontal probing and charting. Provides oral hygiene instructions to offenders. Gives post‑op instructions to offenders. Prepares and dispenses any oral and/or hygiene materials. Provides scaling and root planning using ultrasonic and hand scaling instruments. Uses current standard procedure for infection control techniques. Cleans and sterilizes all instruments used to ensure quality dental care. Cleans and bags all instruments prior to sterilization. Uses the autoclave and/or other sterilization equipment. Runs and documents spore testing. Documents autoclave cleaning, pressure, and indicator color change on sterilized bags. Helps to keep dental hygiene instruments clean and sharpened. Takes and processes x‑rays of offender’s teeth to assist in a proper diagnosis of dental problems. Takes intraoral and extraoral dental radiographs. Develops, mounts, and labels dental x‑rays. Charts all x‑rays taken in the inmate’s chart. Helps to maintain x‑ray equipment per protocol and/or specification. Applies cavity‑preventative agents to offender’s teeth to aid in the prevention of future dental problems. Takes impressions of teeth. Designs individualized oral hygiene instructions for inmates/detainees to provide daily plaque control and education regarding oral hygiene. Charts results of dental hygiene treatments for each inmate to ensure thorough documentation and accurate records are maintained. Maintains an accurate daily and monthly count of all tools and/or sharps used to ensure offender and staff safety. Assists with monitoring the quality assurance program to ensure the offenders receive the best dental care possible. Performs other work as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Must be licensed by the SD State Board of Dentistry and maintain a current certificate of registration. Must complete required continuing education requirements per the SD State Board of Dentistry. Receive and maintain AHA BLS provider certification. 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 (UDS) 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. Carrying OC spray requires completion of a written and practical self‑defense exam and AHA CPR certification. The self‑defense exam includes physical requirements such as lifting arms above the head, controlled takedowns, delivering blows, and withstanding impact. TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire. "An Equal Opportunity Employer" #J-18808-Ljbffr