Dental Hygienist

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a dedicated dental hygienist to provide essential dental care to youth in state facilities. This role includes providing screenings, education, and assisting in dental procedures while ensuring compliance with health regulations. Applicants must have a degree in dental hygiene and relevant certifications, with an emphasis on effective communication and administrative coordination.

Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health, dental, and life insurance

15 days annual (vacation) leave per year

15 days of sick leave per year

13 paid holidays

State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs

Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

Qualifications

• Knowledge of dental equipment and radio graphic techniques.
• Experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
• Formal training in dental hygiene and ability to update policies.

Responsibilities

• Provides dental hygiene care including screenings and education.
• Coordinates dental care for youth, managing schedules and referrals.
• Maintains dental clinic's inventory and ensures compliance with health standards.

Skills

Effective communication

Knowledge of dental hygiene practices

Ability to coordinate administrative functions

Education

Associate degree in Dental Hygiene

Certification as a Dental Hygienist by the SC Board of Dentistry

Job description

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of South Carolina's youth, consider joining the dedicated people ofthe South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

MISSION:
It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

JOB PURPOSE:

Providing and coordinating evidence based dental care within their scope (i.e., polishing, sealants, education, etc.) to youth housed in SCDJJ secured facilities. Provides chair side assistance to the dentist and ensures the dental clinic is operating in alignment with agency, state and federal licensure mandates (i.e., maintaining infection control protocols).

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of a licensed SC dentist, provides evidenced-based dental hygiene within their scope including screenings, application of topical fluoride, performs dental prophylaxis, takes diagnostic radiographs of the oral cavity, records findings and maintains patient records, provides education to youth and staff regrading proper care of teeth and recommends measures for the prevention of dental diseases.

Coordinates dental care for the youth to include transportation, schedules dental exams and treatments, referrals to external dental providers (i.e. endodontics, periodontics, etc.).

Prepares patients for treatment and provides chairside assistance for all dental procedures.

Provides chair side assistance for the dentist, including dental histories, charting teeth and providing and maintaining adequate illumination.

Provides oral hygiene instruction and post-procedure instruction to youth.

Maintains dental equipment by cleaning and lubricating dental hand pieces, suction lines, etc., cleans working areas and sterilizes instruments and equipment, prepares and mixes various fillings and impression materials.

Maintains the inventory of the clinic's dental supplies, request additional supplies as needed.

Keeps statistical reports on clinical activities and performs administrative/clerical duties as necessary.

Reviews and assists with updating SCDJJ dental policies and procedures per agency protocol.

Ensures the dental clinic is operating in alignment with state and federal licensure mandates.

Attends all required meetings and trainings and performs other related duties as assigned to support the agency and its mission including responding to medical emergencies as needed.

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

An associate degree in Dental Hygiene. Certification as a Dental Hygienist by the South Carolina Board of Dentistry.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated knowledge in the application of the techniques and practices of dental hygiene, utilization of dental equipment, instrumentation and radio graphic techniques.

Considerable experience working with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and knowledge of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to coordinate administrative functions within in a dental clinic and collaborate with other staff within the agency.

Ability to review and update agency and department dental policies and procedures.

Primary work location will be in Columbia, SC at the Willow Lane Dental Clinic.

Occasional travel to the other SCDJJ secured facilities may be required (Union and Ridgeville).

Work is conducted within secured correctional facilities, subject to the possibility of physical assault, property destruction and communicable infection.

This position performs jobs relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

An associate or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. Licensed to practice as a dental hygienist in South Carolina. At least one year of formal dental hygiene, dental assistant and dental x-ray training.

TheSouth Carolina Department of Juvenile Justiceoffers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days of sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs
• Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

Applications are incomplete if you fail to answer all supplemental questions, education, and work history. Incomplete applications are not referred to hiring managers. Applications are accepted until 5:00 p.m.on the stated closing date.

You will be asked to provide a certified transcript if selected for a position requiring a degree. A background investigation will be conducted that may include but is not limited to, criminal records, driver's license, and child abuse registry prior to an offer of employment. Additionally, a medical examination and drug testing may be required. Please provide an explanation for any gaps in employment.A resume may be attached to your application but not substituted for completing the work history section of the application.