Registered Dental Hygienist

  • Dorchester
  • State Of South Carolina
Salary: $56,210.00 - $80,105.00 Annually
Location : Dorchester County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:
Agency: DDSN-Coastal Regional Center
Opening Date: 09/09/2024
Closing Date: 9/30/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: EB32
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Band: Band 7
Hiring Range - Min.: $54,974.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $78,343.00
Opening Date: 07/10/2024
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Online applications must besubmitted at You must include ALLcurrent and previous work history and education.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
About Coastal Regional Center
Coastal Regional Center is a residential facility of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs located in Summerville, SC serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Under limited supervision of the dentist, assesses consumer oral hygiene problems or needs, administers oral hygiene care to consumers, and educates patients and staff about oral health. Responsible for attending continuing education courses to maintain or update skills. Renders care to patients when dentist is not on campus and ensures that the patient has had an oral evaluation within a year of the time that oral treatment is rendered to patients.
1. Records and reviews patient medical histories. Examines gums for sores and signs of disease. Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments. Conducts pre-charting, takes pre-op and post-op vitals on patients. Brushes patient's teeth using Oral Rinse. Performs scaling, root planing, and prophylaxis on patients. Ensures records are updated accordingly. Renders care to patients when dentist is not on campus and ensures that the patient has had an oral evaluation within a year of the time that oral treatment is rendered to patients.
2. Inspects teeth and soft tissue. Notes gingival health of both hard & soft tissues and pathology by recording probing depths around teeth if possible. Applies Fluoride varnish or other appropriate product Takes appropriate radiographs when able to or as indicated by dentist. Flosses patients. Ensures records are updated accordingly.
3. Assists Dentist as needed with patient care to include suctioning, operation preparation and clean-up, and sterilization Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
4. Provides oral care education by demonstrating customized and proper home care techniques to consumers, caregivers, and staff, to specifically meet unique needs. Provides nutritional counseling and provides tangible teaching tools, such as models and handouts. Conducts quarterly staff in-service and individual dental in-services to new clients or clients with continuous poor oral hygiene. Participates in familiarization for each patient through organizing planned site visits to the dental clinic Renders care to patients when dentist is not on campus and ensures that the patient has had an oral evaluation within a year of the time that oral treatment is rendered to patients.
5. Participates on several campus committees. Creates, assesses, and revises special dental programs to include single plan documents; including guardian consent Presents Dental Support Plans with or without sedation to the human rights committee for their approval. Maintains the information in the computer.
6. Renders care to patients when dentist is not on campus and ensures that the patient has had an oral evaluation within a year of the time that oral treatment is rendered to patients.
7. Responsible for the maintenance of dental equipment and DHEC required records. Maintains dental equipment and sharpens and sterilizes dental instruments. Conducts autoclave testing/cleaning, evaluates radiation exposure, and any other mandatory requirements. Assists with ordering supplies and scheduling appointments.
8. Performs additional duties as assigned.
The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
  • 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
  • 15 days sick leave per year
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
  • State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Minimum and Additional Requirements
An Associate degree in Dental Hygiene. Certification as a Dental Hygienist by the South Carolina Board of Dentistry.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat symptoms and diseases related to dental hygiene to include symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. Skill in operating various dental equipment. Ability to plan and use time effectively. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
CPR Certification
Nitrous Certification
Additional Comments
About Our Agency: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and similar disability.
EEO Statement: DDSN provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex --including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening - to include a drug screening; State and Federal background criminal record checks (to include FBI fingerprinting), SC Dept. of Social Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, and CMS "List of Excluded Individuals/Entities" screening; SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind this offer in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.
Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with DDSN consumers, a (2) step PPD testing or QuantiFERON TB Gold testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.
State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DDSN employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.
Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resource for further information.
Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
Benefits for State Employees
The 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 Benefits
Eligible 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 Benefits
State 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 Benefits
State 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
Do you understand the following statement? If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offenseafter your 17th birthday, you MUST list this information under "agency-wide question #1 & #2" regardless of how longago the conviction(s) took place (unless you have taken steps to expunge your record). This includes fraudulent checks,driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. You may only omit minor traffic violations such asspeeding tickets & seatbelt violations, etc. *Please note that conviction of a criminal offense does not bar you fromemployment in all cases; each conviction is evaluated individually. However, failure to list convictions is consideredfalsification of the application and may be grounds for termination. It is your responsibility to know what is on yourcriminal record. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please inquire before you complete your application.
  • Yes
  • No

02
If yes please list charge(s), indicate where you were convicted, the date, and the disposition status of the conviction. Ifno "N/A".
03
in accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DDSN employees may be required towork in times of an emergency or disaster. Will you be able to meet this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Which of the following describes your education?
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • None of the above

05
At the time of application, are you certified as a Dental Hygienist by the State of South Carolina?
  • Yes
  • No

06
How many years of experience do you have as a Dental Hygienist? Please explain how you have gained this experience.
07
Have you obtained a Nitrous Oxide Monitoring certification?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Are you CPR Certified?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Do you possess experience working with the direct support of persons with intellectual and related disabilities?
  • Yes
  • No

10
If answered "Yes" to question 9, please explain your experience. Enter N/A for "No".
11
Are you a current/ past employee for a SCDDSN Regional Center to include Midlands, Coastal, Pee Dee, Whitten, andSaleeby Centers?
  • Yes
  • No

12
If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please list at which locations you have previously or currently work. EnterN/A for "No".
13
Do you currently or previously work for a SC State Agency?
  • Yes
  • No

14
Please list the current/previous SC State Agency you have worked for. Enter N/A for "No".
15
How did you hear about this position?
  • State Government Website (careers.sc.gov)
  • Career Fair
  • Social Media
  • SCWORKS
  • Indeed
  • DDSN Employee or Recruiter
  • College or University Instructor or Staff
  • College or University Job Portal
  • Billboard
  • Other

16
If you answered "DDSN Employee or Recruiter" or College or University Staff" please list the name of the employee orrecruiter. If you listed "Other" please list the source below.
17
I understand that ONLY a complete and accurate application will be considered. I have included ALL current andprevious work history and education and know that my resume will NOT be accepted nor reviewed to determine if I havemet the qualifications of the position; it will be passed over. Additionally, the supplemental questions are considered partof my official application. By checking "Yes" I certify that I have followed the application instructions.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question