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State of South Carolina

Dental Hygienist

State of South Carolina, Westminster

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Salary: $52,800.00 - $89,800.00 AnnuallyLocation : Richland County, SCJob Type: FTE - Full-TimeJob Number: 177343Agency: Department of Juvenile JusticeDivision: Facility Rehabilitation & Health Services Opening Date: 08/13/2025Closing Date: ContinuousClass Code:: EB32Position Number:: 60032327 (177343)Normal Work Schedule:: OtherPay Grade: CLN08Hiring Range - Min.: $72,985.00Opening Date: 08/13/2025EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity EmployerAgency Specific Application Procedures:: You must apply online at and follow the status of your application online.Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. Job ResponsibilitiesIf 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 of the 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. Minimum and Additional RequirementsSTATE 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 QualificationsPREFERRED 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. Additional CommentsThe South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:Public Service Loan Forgiveness ProgramEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Health, dental, and life insurance15 days annual (vacation) leave per year15 days of sick leave per year13 paid holidaysState retirement plans and deferred compensation programsDiscount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSaveApplications 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.Benefits for State EmployeesThe state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance BenefitsEligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement BenefitsState employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace BenefitsState employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.01 I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is an equal opportunity employer. SCDJJ does not discriminate in hiring, promotions, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, or other employment aspects based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin. Any acts you feel are in violation, please get in touch with the Office of Human Resources, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC (803) 896-9749. Yes No 02 I understand that the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice's School District also does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. The following offices have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the school district's nondiscrimination policies: Title IX - Inspector General's Office - 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29210-5427 - Ph: 803-896-9595; Special Education Office, 220 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC I have read and fully understand DJJ's position concerning the law. Yes No 03 I understand that SCDJJ will not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with residents and shall not enlist the services of any contractor who may have contact with residents who have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility juvenile facility, or other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997); has been convicted of engaging 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 has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above. Yes No 04 Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes No 05 Are you at least 21 years of age? Yes No 06 Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the U.S.? Yes No 07 How did you hear about this position? SC State Government Website Career Fair SC Works Social Media DJJ Employee Indeed.com Other 08 If you answered "DJJ Employee" for the previous question, please share their name. 09 If you answered "Other" for the previous question, please specify. 10 Do you have an associate's or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program? Yes No 11 Do you possess certification as a Dental Hygienist by the South Carolina Board of Dentistry? Yes No Required Question