Dental Hygienist

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.
• 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.
• Aids in monitoring the quality assurance program to ensure the offenders receive the best dental care possible.

Requirements

• 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.

Additional Requirements

• To be considered, please attach your resume.
• This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
• This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.