Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant will provide clinical support to the Dental Officer within the Health Services Department of a federal correctional facility. This role involves assisting with various dental specialties, maintaining equipment, and performing administrative tasks within a secure environment. The successful candidate must be able to work professionally with an inmate population from diverse backgrounds.

$53,040 - $53,040 a year

Location: FCI Marion, 4500 Prison Road, Marion, IL 62959


Hours: Normally Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (excluding Federal holidays)

Key Responsibilities

- Clinical Assistance: Assist the Dental Officer in restorative, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthetics, and general examinations.

- Patient Management: Retrieve inmate records, escort patients to the dental section, and prepare them for treatment.

- Procedure Support: Pass instruments, retract tissues, irrigate oral cavities, and operate aspirators during procedures.

- Radiography: Take digital radiographs, including periapical, occlusal, and panographic views, while minimizing radiation exposure.

- Instrumentation: Clean, sharpen, and sterilize dental instruments; prepare treatment rooms for subsequent patients.

- Prosthetics & Restorations: Perform procedures related to the fabrication and repair of dentures; make primary impressions and pour casts.

- Administrative Duties: Maintain electronic and paper dental treatment records and track scheduling for patient care.

- Health Education: Provide dental health education and instructions for follow-up appointments.

Qualifications & Requirements

- Education: Specialty training from a licensed dentist or certification from an accredited Dental Assistant school.

- Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of experience providing dental assistant services.

- Certifications:

o Certification in dental radiology and radiology safety.

o Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association).

- Preferred Skills: Bilingual oral communication and experience in a clinical correctional setting are highly desirable.

Security & Compliance

- Background Investigation: Must successfully complete a background investigation, including fingerprints, credit check, and law enforcement agency checks.

- Professional Conduct: Adhere to all institutional regulations regarding safety and security. Maintain a professional relationship with Adults in Custody (AICs) at all times.