Dental Hygienist, Correctional Facility
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: TH35
Class Code: 9298
Established: 06/15/1993
Revised: 03/25/2008
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under the clinical direction and clinical supervision of a licensed dentist, in a State correctional facility in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, to assist dentists in providing oral health care to patients; to develop and conduct an educational preventive oral health program for patients; to take and process dental x-rays; to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates; to protect and maintain the safety of persons and property; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Removes all supragingival and subgingival traces of tartar, plaque, and calculus deposits, accretions, and stains from the teeth with hand and mechanized instruments; conducts instrumental examination of teeth and surrounding tissues for carious lesions, periodontal pockets, and other abnormal conditions; exposes and processes dental roentgenograms (radiographs); administers topical application of fluoride solutions to the teeth; administers prescribed medicaments to the gingiva; applies prescribed desensitizing agents; instructs patients in oral hygiene and toothbrush techniques; motivates patients to accept and follow professional dental advice; may provide bedside prophylaxis; conducts classes in oral hygiene for Dental Assistants and nursing service personnel and others responsible for personal oral hygiene; obtains and records basic medical and dental histories and information; records evaluation of mouth and oral health conditions on dental chart; conducts preliminary examination, including, but not limited to, periodontal charting, intra-and extra-oral examination of soft tissue, classification of occlusion, mouth mirror examination of oral cavity, including charting of obvious lesions, existing restoration, and missing teeth; removes sutures; removes orthodontic bands; maintains dental records; cleans, sharpens, and sterilizes instruments; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; prevents escapes and injury by these persons to themselves, others, or to property; maintains security of working areas and work materials; and inspects premises and searches inmates, wards, residents, or patients for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Dental Hygienist as determined by the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries (COMDA) of the Dental Board of California. (Applicants who are in the process of securing approval of their qualifications by COMDA will be admitted to the examination, but they must possess all legal requirements as determined by COMDA before they will be eligible for appointment.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Methods and principles of dental hygiene and skill in their application; dental histology; dental radiography; anatomy; physiology; microbiology; pharmacology; anesthesia; and principles of oral hygiene.
Ability to: Tactfully obtain cooperation of patients; instruct patients in oral hygiene techniques; motivate patients to accept and follow professional dental advice; identify pathological conditions; and maintain effective working relationships with health care professionals and others.
Special Personal Characteristics
Empathetic understanding of patients of a State correctional facility; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; emotional stability; patience; tact; alertness; and keenness of observation.
Special Physical Characteristics
Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of inmates.
Assignments may include sole responsibility for the supervision of inmates and/or the protection of personal and real property.
