CDOC Dental Assistant CANON

CDOC Dental Assistant – Canon City

Location: Canon City, Colorado

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Health Care Provider;
Industries:
Government Administration

Job Description: Assist the dentist in providing routine and emergency dental care, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of prison inmates in a dental clinic setting. Oversee daily dental clinic operations including scheduling, tool and chemical control, infection control, biohazard waste, hazardous materials and radiation control, and compliance with exposure control regulations.

• Obtain digital x-rays
• Set up restorative procedures
• Educate inmates about preventive dental health care
• Sterilize instruments and equipment
• Dispose of medical contaminated waste
• Interpret and adapt radiation safety and infection control guidelines and regulations to fit individual circumstances
• Monitor and maintain intra‑oral x‑ray machines; set schedule and perform preventive maintenance on dental equipment, troubleshoot and initiate work orders
• Maintain inventory levels of supplies & chemicals, prioritizing usage based on expiration dates and re‑ordering as needed
• Ensure safety & security by maintaining a controlled environment for tools, chemicals & supplies
• Maintain cleanliness of dental clinic
• Under direction from the dentist, plan the workload and appointment schedule of inmates to achieve maximum efficiency
• Triage urgency of dental requests for treatment, gather information, consult with dentist and schedule appropriately
• Arrange transport of inmates for appointments if indicated
• Monitor progress of prosthetic cases and determine how best to schedule these patients
• Obtain signatures and track co‑pay charges and submit them for approval
• Maintain suitable filing system, supply usage, expiration dates and stock levels
• Perform and log autoclave spore strip testing per Dental Service Standards
• Responsible for monthly reports on all dental activities to Chief of Dental Services
• May be required to travel to other facilities as needed to perform Dental Assistant services
• May be required to participate in restraining an inmate primarily for medical reasons

• Two years of full‑time, professional work experience as a Dental Assistant providing chair‑side assistance in General Dentistry or Oral Surgery to an adult population.

• Completion of an accredited dental assisting program may substitute for one year of the required experience. Proof of completion must be attached, including program name and completion date.

• Self‑control and ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations
• Remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high‑stakes interaction
• Comprehensive knowledge of infection control practices, biohazard waste, hazardous materials, exposure control regulations
• Ability to select supplies and instruments based on procedure knowledge and patient requirements
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills
• Ability to read and comprehend English; communicate fluently in English verbally and in writing
• Proficiency in basic computer skills
• Strong problem‑solving skills
• Attention to detail, thoroughness, and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively with inmate patients
• Ability to work various shifts, including evenings, nights, and rotating schedules
• Physical ability to meet the demands of defensive tactics and security requirements as described under Conditions of Employment

• Experience working in a correctional dental environment
• Dental Assistant Certification
• Dental X‑Ray Certification
• At least two years of chair‑side assistance experience in General Dentistry

• Must be 21 years of age
• Possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Have no felony convictions
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States (no sponsorship)
• Successfully complete the six‑week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training program and physical defensive tactics assessments
• Pass a TB screening and baseline drug test

For information regarding this job announcement, contact Stacey Hibpshman at or 719‑723‑3973.

Colorado Department of Corrections is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative workplaces. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The Agency will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.