Dental Assistant 1

Dental Assistant 1

Stafford Creek Corrections Center

Aberdeen, WA.

Hourly Salary: $29.25-$39.29

Monthly Salary: $5,089.00-$6,836.00

Schedule: 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday (Saturday/Sunday off)

The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Dental Assistant 1 for the Stafford Creek Corrections Center located in Aberdeen, WA.

This positions supports the mission of the Department of Corrections and Health Services by providing relief coverage as a Dental Assistant to ensure patient access to quality, medically appropriate dental services with appropriate electronic and hard copy documentation in accordance with DOC policies and procedures, and the clinician's license and job class.

This position is an integral part of ensuring quality, safe health services and continuity of care for patients serviced by DOC Health Services. This position is expected to adhere to the standards for quality care defined with professional guidelines, the Offender Health Plan, the DOC formulary, and other applicable statewide publications and algorithms. This position is a critical element of the facility security due to the highly complex and sensitive correlation between dental health status, pain management, service provision, and behavior outcomes.

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to 'improve public safety by positively changing lives. For additional information visit our website at

Application assessment will be ongoing; the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It's the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.

Direct chair-side assisting with the following dental procedures:

• Diagnostic
• Preventative
• Periodontics
• Endodontic
• Oral Surgery
• Prosthetics
• Operative Procedures
• May be required to perform reversible procedures; (for example, apply and remove matrix bands and wedges; remove cement around restorations; apply fluoride varnish, etc.)
• Film: expose and accurately labeled digital radiographs (periapical, bitewing, panoramic, occlusal, etc.)
• Apply and remove rubber dams.
• Maintain the field of operations by skillful use of high-volume evacuator and three-way air water syringe.
• Clean and disinfect the operatory.
• Count the instruments at the beginning and the end of each procedure before dismissing the patient.
• Perform duties as specified by the operating dentist.
• Set up the treatment area for the planned procedure, consult with the dentist, hygienist or dentist concerning what is needed, ensure that all needed instruments, medications, and supplies are available on hand.
• Be consistent and punctual in meeting appointment commitments.
• Be aware of and meet targeted patient treatment volume.

Provide patient customer service:

• Meet the patient and seat the patient in the dental unit in a timely manner.
• Explain the planned treatment to the patient. Take radiographs as prescribed by the dentist.
• Maximize patient comfort to the extent possible.

Educate and instruct the patient:

• Educate the patient in health behaviors including oral hygiene.
• Inform the patient of the necessary treatment, the right to decline, and the consequences of declining to have a condition treated.
• Inform the patient of the DOC policy regarding access to dental services and Offender Health Plan.
• Counsel the patient on self-care measures. Gives patients "procedure specific" instructions.

Establish therapeutic relationships that preserve professional boundaries with patients:

• Direct Incarcerated Individuals to exhibit appropriate, respectful behavior at all times.
• Write infractions as appropriate.
• Provide accurate, authoritative information to groups or communities.

Maintain Patient Records and all documentation (hardcopy and electronic) as mandates by statute, DOH and DOC policy:

• Provide proper documentation in the charts.
• Research and respond to Kites in a timely manner. Ensure that the Kite is referred to and signed by the appropriate dentist.
• Record planned and completed treatment in patient's records at the direction of the appointing dentist.
• Count and record hazardous supplies (syringes, knives, needles, sutures, forceps, scalps, spatulas.) in the count book, initialed by the assistant and the witness (task requires two people).
• Monitor and maintains the integrity of all dental clinic log records.
• Accurately inputs data in OMNI-HS including waiting lists.
• Maintain the integrity of the dental record and patient health record as a whole.

Facilitate the functions of the dental clinic:

• Maintain patient scheduling and treatment lists. Coordinate with assigned PSRs to accurately schedule patient and maintain treatment rosters.

Monitor and maintains dental equipment, dental supplies, inventory and logs:

• Maintain air compressor, vacuum machines, suction lines, suction traps, dental hand pieces (slow speeds and high speeds), and dental units according to the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines.

Other duties as assigned:

• Attend required staff meetings.
• Write incident reports IAW policy requirements and upon direction of leadership including Shift Lieutenant.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Unblemished/unrestricted registration to practice dental assisting with WA State Department of Health.
• Must ensure that registration is renewed in accordance with regulations and that proof of current registration is provided by anniversary date each year to facility clinical leadership.
• Maintain current CPR certification and ensure that proof of current status is provided annually to facility clinical leadership.

Desired Qualifications:

• Two years' experience as a dental assistant.
• A graduate of a recognized dental assisting program.
• Expierence and/or education in working with medical/dental documents and using medical/dental terminology.
• Expierence providing dental services in a correctional environment or full-service community health clinic.
• Knowledge in the areas of scheduling routine/special dental procedures and patient visits.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications and related technologies.

Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values:

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
• People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
• Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date ofhire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.

• Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC to learn more.

• Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step L in your permanent salary range.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form.
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit .

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:

Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.

• Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
• Promote inclusiveness.
• Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more

Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at:

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email or call at

For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or