Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00072066

Description Activated On:  7/10/2024 1:23:21 PM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

 This position supervises, oversees, and performs dental procedures for inmates at the Department of Corrections (DOC) State Corrections Institution (SCI) at Laurel Highlands.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

40% Performs periodontal examinations, evaluates medical histories and x-rays, diagnoses oral diseases and injuries, and prepares dental treatment plans for inmates. Provides restorative and preventative dental treatments while maintaining infection control standards. Ensures the safe administration of anesthetics and other oral solutions. Explains preventative care and post-procedural care instructions to patients. Consults with physicians, oral surgeons, and other specialists; and refers inmate patients for specialized care as needed. Assists specialists in the performance of all treatment and related duties while onsite.

30% Leads, oversees, and participates in the work of Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists. Provides training and instruction regarding policies, standards, and procedures. Evaluates work results of dental staff, and leads the implementation of corrective actions as necessary to meet standards. Participates in the interview and hiring process for prospective dental staff. Provides input to the supervisor regarding employee performance evaluations, leave usage, and disciplinary actions.

20% Reviews inmate patient schedules, records, and other related documentation to ensure that operational standards are met. Reviews and responds to inmate patient requests and grievances. Reviews and acknowledges laboratory, referral, and prescription documentation. Evaluates dental office operations to identify and implement methods of continuous quality improvement. Prepares and submits all required reports.

5% Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment. Approves requests for new inventory as necessary. Ensures adequate security, tool control, and toxic and Caustic Control.

5% Performs other related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Exercise therapeutic care, custody, and control over inmates
2. Supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff
3. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing
4. Review, analyze, and interpret information
5. Provide professional dental care and services to inmates
6. Operate basic office equipment
7. Manipulate small objects
8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships
9. Maintain an active license to practice dentistry issued by the PA State Board of Dentistry
10. Be mobile over all types of physical surfaces and levels
11. Visually observe inmates’ activities
12. Hear and identify sounds (voices, whistle, alarms, lock release, scuffling, sudden quiet)
13. Attend and participate in all mandatory training and/or testing
14. Work overtime as required
15. Travel as required

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Independently leads and performs dental procedures in accordance with all relevant policies, procedures, standards, and legislation. Determines work priorities and assignments in the dental office. Determines the need for corrective actions to obtain optimal work results, and leads the implementation of such actions.

Performs work under the general supervision of a Dentist Supervisor, Corrections Health Care Administrator (CHCA), or other higher-level medical or administrative superior. General guidance is received from the Bureau of Health Care Services (BHCS) and the Chief of Dentistry. Work is evaluated based on outcomes and consistency through observation and reports.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:



Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Dentist
 
2.   N/A
 
3.   N/A
 
4.   N/A
 
5.   N/A
 
6.   N/A

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
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