Dental Hygienist

State of Montana; Deer Lodge (MT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

The Montana Department of Corrections seeks a Dental Hygienist to deliver preventive dental care to inmates at Montana State Prison. You will assess, educate, and support oral health while upholding safety and infection-control standards.

You will sterilize instruments, prepare materials, document histories, assist the dentist, and provide periodontal care and fluoride applications. A Montana license and preventive-care experience are required.

Qualifications

• Montana Dental Hygienist License required.
• Minimum 2 years of dental hygiene experience.
• Criminal history check and reference checks will be conducted.

Responsibilities

• Preparing patients for dental examinations and treatment.
• Sterilizing and disinfecting dental instruments, setting up trays.
• Obtaining and recording complete medical and dental histories.
• Assisting the dentist during procedures and emergencies.
• Providing periodontal care, including prophylaxis and root planing.
• Cleaning deposits and examining gums for signs of disease.
• Applying fluoride and preventive treatments.
• Delivering oral‑hygiene instruction to support long‑term health.
• Ensuring proper sterilization of dental equipment.

Skills

Dental hygiene

Infection control

Education

Montana Dental Hygienist License

Job description

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in your community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

The Rehabilitation and Programs Division promotes the physical and mental well‑being of inmates, provides educational and vocational opportunities within prison facilities, and supports community‑based reintegration programs across the state. The division also delivers trauma‑informed services to victims within the correctional system. Join the team responsible for building better tomorrows today!

The Dental Services Unit provides essential oral‑health care to the incarcerated population, supporting overall wellness and preventive care at the Montana State Prison. Dental Hygienist plays a key role in preparing patients for treatment, assisting with clinical procedures, and promoting long‑term oral health through assessment, prevention, and patient education.

Primary Duties Include:

Preparing patients for dental examinations and treatment.

Sterilizing and disinfecting dental instruments, setting up trays, and preparing dental materials.

Obtaining and recording complete medical and dental histories.

Assisting the dentist during procedures and supporting management of dental or medical emergencies.

Providing periodontal care, including prophylaxis, root planning, and curettage.

Cleaning deposits and stains from teeth and examining gums for signs of disease.

Applying fluoride and other preventive treatments.

Delivering oral‑hygiene instruction and patient education to support long‑term health.

Ensuring proper sterilization of medical and surgical dental equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

The knowledge, skills and abilities for this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

A State of Montana Dental Hygienist License

2 years of dental hygiene experience

Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Successful applicants will be subject to:

Criminal history check

Reference checks

The Department of Corrections participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ .

NOTICES

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) - Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; 2) been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or 3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free - The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is prohibited.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $ 44.12 - 44.12 Hourly

Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type : Standard

Shift : Day Job

Travel : Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location : Deer Lodge Agency : Department of Corrections Union : 000 - None

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.