CDOC Dental Hygienist - Part-Time - (STERLING)

Dental Hygienist

This part-time position provides routine dental assessment and hygiene services to offenders incarcerated in the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC). This position completes clinical duties which include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assess patient dental condition and screen for problems
• Determine severity of complaint and triage for further dental care
• Complete dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits, accretions and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums by scaling and/or root planning
• Develop and provide instructions, written materials and advice on dental hygiene and oral healthcare
• Schedule patient visits and services
• Review, evaluate & prioritize offender's request for dental services to determine scheduling needs
• Schedule facility visits to ensure all requests for services are met
• Disinfect operatory, clean and sterilize instruments
• Perform tool count as required by facility, appropriate Administrative Regulations, and dental service policy
• Interpret and adapt radiation safety and infection control guidelines and regulations to fit individual circumstances
• Dispose of medical contaminated waste, deciding which disposable items and waste require special treatment and determine what recognized procedures to use
• Monitor supply usage and expiration dates
• Maintain inventory for dental hygiene supplies
• Operate supply system
• Perform user maintenance on dental equipment used
• May be required to travel to other facilities as needed to provide dental hygienists services.
• May be required to participate in restraining an offender primarily for medical reasons

Minimum Qualifications:

• Licensure: Current, valid licensure as a dental hygienist from the Colorado Dental Board.
• Ensure that the 'Work Experience' section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that you are applying for. This information will be used to help determine compensation for the position. "See resume" statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the 'work experience' section of the application. Additional work experience will not be accepted after the job announcement close date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years experience as a dental hygienist
• Experience providing hygienist services to any of the following populations: indigent, under-served, community based and institutional
• Experience providing hygienist services as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be 21 years of age;
• Possess a valid driver's license; Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED;
• Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609.
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.
• Successfully pass all modules of the 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;
• Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and may be exposed while on assignment;
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
• 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;
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders;
• 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) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;
• Willing and able to travel;
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees (see exception below) may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.

Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.