Dental Assistant: Pocahontas State Correctional Center

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Tazewell (VA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks a Dental Assistant for the Pocahontas State Correctional Center. The position supports a Mobile Dental Unit traveling to facilities to provide dental care.

Responsibilities include preparing instruments, taking X-rays, and educating patients under a dentist's supervision. Applicants must have dental assistant training, travel readiness, and four-handed dentistry experience; strong communication skills and knowledge of dental terminology are required.

Qualifications

• Academic training/experience as a dental assistant.
• Ability to travel to surrounding institutions and field units as a part of the Mobile Dental Unit, providing dental care and oral healthcare to the patients at those sites.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and schedule patients.
• Ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of dental terminology.
• Experience in four handed dentistry.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Dentist in providing dental care and education to patients.
• Be a member of the VADOC Mobile Dental Unit, traveling to facilities and field units.
• Travel to surrounding institutions to provide dental care to patients.
• Assist dentist at the chair and maintain dental records.
• Take and develop dental X-rays; clean and sterilize instruments and arrange supplies.

Skills

Travel readiness

Verbal & written communication

Four-handed dentistry

Dental terminology

Professional communication

Education

Dental assistant training

Job description

Title: Dental Assistant: Pocahontas State Correctional Center

State Role Title:Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $37,044 - $54,617

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location:Pocahontas State Corr Ctr

Agency Website: https://www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

• Under the direction of a Dentist, Dental Assistants will assist in the dental and related work of a dental office; protect and maintain the safety of persons and property; and other related work as assigned
• Will be a member of the VADOC Mobile Dental Unit, a unit that travels to other facilities and field units in the geographical area of the base facility of employment
• Must be willing to travel to surrounding institutions and field units as a part of the Mobile Dental Unit, providing dental care and oral healthcare to the patients at those sites
• Assists the Dentist in providing dental care and dental education to patients
• Adheres to DOC regulations for security, tool control, and safety
• Complies with OSHA regulations and CDC and American Dental Association recommendations for infection control
• Prioritizes workload and schedules patients
• Prepares and arranges dental instruments, equipment, and accessories
• Sterilizes and cares for dental instruments; keep a sufficient amount of dental supplies available
• Keeps dental records of patients; assists dentist at the chair; keeps the dental office and equipment neat, clean, and sanitary
• Takes and develops dental x-rays; performs dental laboratory functions; instructs patients in proper practices of preventive dental care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Academic training/experience as a dental assistant.
• Ability to travel to surrounding institutions and field units as a part of the Mobile Dental Unit, providing dental care and oral healthcare to the patients at those sites.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and schedule patients.
• Ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of dental terminology.
• Experience in four handed dentistry.

Additional Considerations

• Certification as a Dental Assistant by Dental Assisting National Board.
• Radiation Health and Safety Certification.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Certified Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers with current certification through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC).
• Ability to properly monitoring patient vital signs.

VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Expectations for Finalists

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver's License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

Contact Information

Name: Alexandra Helfrecht

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.