Job Responsibilities

About Whitten Regional Center
Whitten Regional Center is a residential facility of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs located in Clinton, SC serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
General supervision provided by dentist with direct supervision during dental procedures.
1. Assists the dentist in all aspects of clinical dentistry.
2. Assist in scheduling patients and confirming appointments. All necessary paperwork is completed prior to patients being seen.
3. Sterilizes instruments and keeps supplies stocked/ordered and current. Performs infection control duties and radiation monitoring duties as needed.
4. In the absence of the dentist, performs necessary screenings as needed.
5. Works with consultant dental specialty offices and hospitals to arrange treatment and provides necessary information to ensure timely treatment.
6. Instructs individuals on proper oral hygiene, consults with direct care staff and other pertinent individuals concerning patient needs. Conducts in-service training for appropriate staff in the dental clinic as well as in the residential units.

• 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 Assistance or one year of formal training in a dental assistance course accredited by the American Dental Association.

Preferred Qualifications

Required to have OSHA knowledge and willingness to maintain CPR training and certification. Requires ability to work with individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs.
Knowledge of basic dental procedures. Skill in operating various dental equipment. Ability to control the distribution of supplies, materials, and equipment. Ability to maintain accurate inventory records. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

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: SC 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.