CDOC Dental Assistant -PART-TIME - (TRINIDAD, CO)

Department Information The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to providing high‑quality services to the state of Colorado and its citizens. Our mission is to support the state government and build higher public confidence in good governance through effective customer service and continuous improvement of service delivery. Benefits Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system; Strong, secure, and flexible retirement benefits, including the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans; Medical and dental health plans; Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage; Paid life insurance; 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave; Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more; Position Details Type of Position: Part time Location: Trinidad, Colorado (position may be used to fill future vacancies at this location) Description of Job This part‑time position assists the dentist in providing routine and emergency dental care, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients in a prison clinical setting. The role ensures daily completion of dental clinic operations, including scheduling, tool control, chemical control, infection control practices, hazardous waste management, radiation control, and exposure control regulations. Responsibilities Obtain digital x‑rays; Set up restorative procedures; Educate inmates about preventive dental health care; Sterilize instruments and equipment; Dispose of contaminated medical 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, troubleshoot and initiate work orders; Maintain inventory levels of supplies and chemicals, prioritizing usage based on expiration dates and re‑ordering as needed; Ensure safety and security by maintaining a controlled environment for tools, chemicals, and supplies; Maintain cleanliness of the 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 the 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 a 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; Minimum Qualifications 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. Substitutions Successful completion of an accredited dental assisting program may substitute for one year of the required experience. Proof of completion must include the name of the college/program and the completion date. Required Competencies 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 procedural knowledge, patient requirements, and dentist preferences; 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 following plain‑language guidelines with accessibility in mind; Ability to work effectively with inmate patients; Attention to detail and thoroughness; Basic computer proficiency; Strong problem‑solving skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience providing dental assistance in a correctional environment; Dental Assistant Certification (attach certification); Dental X‑Ray Certification (attach certification); At least two years of experience providing chair‑side assistance in General Dentistry. Conditions of Employment Age 21 years or older; Valid driver’s license (Colorado, non‑restricted, within 30 days of employment); High school diploma or GED; No felony convictions; Valid U.S. work authorization (H‑1B sponsorship not offered); Successful completion of all modules of the 6‑week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics; Physical ability to complete Defensive Tactics training and job duties, including: Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist; Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take‑down; Use arms, palms, shins, and feet to deliver blows; Withstand impact from strikes/blows (slow speed or with safety bag); Swing a baton in a striking technique; Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking; Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions; Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment; Ability to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential safety and security breaches; Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury; Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs, and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently; Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations; Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner; Communicate by talking, listening, and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments; Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold), including working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings; Willing and able to travel; Willing and able to work various shifts, including days, afternoons, graveyards (nights), and rotating shift schedule; Undergo TB (tuberculosis) screening upon hire; Successfully pass a drug test upon hire, with random drug screening thereafter. Contact for Questions If you have any questions regarding this job announcement, contact Stacey Hibpshman at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success and encourages candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status. The State strives for a Colorado for All by creating and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all citizens and by hiring and promoting based on merit and fitness. #J-18808-Ljbffr Colorado Department of Corrections