Dentist

Nature of Work

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Dentist to join our Correctional Health Services team. In this role, you will evaluate, diagnose, and treat the dental needs of the inmates at the Pinellas County jail. Responsibilities include performing emergency and routine dental procedures, conducting examinations, developing individualized treatment plans, providing preventive and restorative dental care, maintaining accurate electronic health records, and ensuring compliance with correctional healthcare standards. You will also serve as a clinical resource to healthcare staff while helping maintain a comprehensive dental program that supports the health and well-being of the inmate population.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate and confident dental professional who is committed to providing high-quality care in a correctional healthcare setting. They possess excellent clinical judgement, communicate effectively with patients and healthcare staff, remain calm under pressure, and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and sound decision-making. Experience working independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team is highly valued.

This position offers a unique opportunity to practice meaningful dentistry in a secure clinical environment where you can make a lasting impact on patient health while enjoying a predictable schedule, competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. If you are looking for a rewarding career focused on patient care and public service we encourage you to apply.

Salary: $190,000/year

Schedule: Tuesday-Friday 7am-5:30pm with certain days on call

The background investigation process may take up to 6 weeks depending upon the complexity of the applicant's background and position for which they've applied.

Under the general direction of the Dental Supervisor, the main focus of the position is the evaluation and treatment of inmate dental conditions; monitoring and evaluating the dental health program and dental services provided to the inmate population, and acting as a dental consultant to the Dental Supervisor and healthcare staff. Work is reviewed through observation and results obtained.

This position provides after hours call coverage as scheduled.

SUPERVISES OTHERS: No

Performs emergency treatment and routine drilling, filling, and extraction of teeth in accordance with established dental policies, procedures, and treatment priorities

Evaluates inmates needing or requesting dental care not included under basic health care services and makes clinically appropriate recommendations; assures inmates are treated and scheduled for follow-up procedures in keeping with community indigent standards

Instructs inmates in good dental hygiene techniques; establishes individualized treatment plans for inmates requiring ongoing dental care

Utilizes the Electronic Medical Record (EMR); maintains the integrity and security of the EMR; maintains current and complete dental records and documents all care provided in the health record; maintaining patient confidentiality

Completes the equipment checklist, assists with instrument and sharps counts when necessary, and gives reports, as necessary

Assures compliance with infection control policies and procedures in the dental area; participates in quality improvement activities

Provides training to ensure that the nurses are knowledgeable in completing the dental screening and patient education related to dental hygiene, brushing techniques, etc.

Assures each inmate is offered a dental examination within one year of admission into the facility that includes x-rays when indicated, and an individualized treatment plan for inmates requiring ongoing dental care

Assures dental services are in compliance with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), American Correctional Association (ACA), Florida Model Jail Standards (FMJS) and any and all related laws, rules or directives

Provides in-service training to all health staff members on triaging dental conditions, completing dental screenings, dental hygiene, dental care, and dental emergencies

Obtains a Patient Consent to Dental Treatment Form from each inmate prior to initiating invasive procedures; obtains refusal forms for those inmates who choose to refuse a particular procedure or visit

Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position

This position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to work

Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctoral Degree (DDS or DMD)

Three (3) years’ related experience

Florida Dental License (DDS or DMD), DEA Certification

Maintain appropriate, unrestricted credentials according to the licensure, certification, and registration requirements of the jurisdiction

CPR – BLS or ACLS Certification

Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license

Consideration for this position requires a credit check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums, and related oral structures

Ability to examine inmate to determine nature of condition, utilizing x-rays, dental instruments, and other diagnostic procedures

Ability to clean, fill, and extract teeth, using rotary and hand instruments, medications and surgical procedures

Ability to provide preventive dental services to inmates

Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

Physical Abilities

The physical abilities listed below are estimates of time spent during a typical work day to perform essential functions and responsibilities. Members in this position may be required to:

Sit up to 6 hours per day

Stand up to 1 hour per day

Walk up to 1 hour per day

Continuously lift up to 10 lbs.

Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.

Continuously bend, reach and twist

Occasionally squat