Exam Bulletin - Dental Assistant, Correctional Facility

California Correctional Health Care Services

Exam Code: EX-3548

Examination Plans Included:

  • DENTAL ASSISTANT, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Bulletin Updates

  • Any editable section on the Exam Bulletin has been updated.
  • Any editable section on the Exam Bulletin has been updated.
  • Any editable section on the Exam Bulletin has been updated.

Classification Details

DENTAL ASSISTANT, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY: $4,031.00 - $5,047.00 (S) per Month
DENTAL ASSISTANT, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY: $4,776.00 - $5,978.00 (T) per Month
DENTAL ASSISTANT, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY: $5,956.00 - $7,457.00 (U) per Month

View the DENTAL ASSISTANT, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY classification specification.

Application Instructions

Effective July 1, 2025, in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented. PLP 2025 requires each full-time employee in Bargaining Unit 20, and related Excluded, Exempt and Statutory Exempt employees, will have their base salary reduced by 3 percent and will receive 5 PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes. Part-time employees are subject to the same conditions as full-time employees, on a prorated basis equivalent to their time-base. Permanent intermittent employees are subject to the same condition as full-time employees, based on the number of hours worked in the pay period. 

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • DENTAL ASSISTANT, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 3 months:

Exam Code(s):

    3548

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00109296 - DENTAL ASSISTANT, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

Experience:  One year of experience as a dental assistant.  (Training in a school for dental assistants may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of three months of training being equal to six months of experience.)

Special Personal Characteristics:  Empathetic understanding of patients of a State correctional facility; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; emotional stability; patient; alertness; keenness of observation; and tact.

Special Physical Characteristics:  Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of incarcerated persons.

Assignments may include sole responsibility for the supervision of incarcerated persons and/or the protection of personal and real property.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. We are determined to attract and hire more candidates from diverse communities and empower all employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts to increase representation at all levels of the Department.

CDCR/CCHCS values all team members.  We work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population, which includes medical, dental, nursing, mental health, and pharmacy.  We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR/CCHCS mission.

CDCR and CCHCS are proud to partner on the California Model which will transform the correctional landscape for our employees and the incarcerated. The California Model is a systemwide change that leverages national and international best practices to address longstanding challenges related to incarceration and institution working conditions, creating a safe, professional, and satisfying workplace for staff as well as rehabilitation for the incarcerated. Additionally, the California Model improves success of the decarcerated through robust re-entry efforts back into the community.


Position Description

00109296 - DENTAL ASSISTANT, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

A Dental Assistant, Correctional Facility, under the supervision of a Supervising Dental Assistant, Correctional Facility and the clinical direction of a Dentist, Correctional Facility, assists dentist in dental procedures and related dental office work; makes appointments for patients; prepares and arranges dental instruments, equipment, and accessories; sterilizes and cares for dental instruments; keeps sufficient amount of dental supplies available; keeps dental records of patients; assists dentist at the chair; keeps the dental office and equipment neat, clean, and sanitary; takes and develops dental X-rays; performs dental laboratory functions; instructs patients in proper practices of preventive dental care; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; prevents escapes and injury by these persons to themselves, others, or to property; maintains security of working areas and work materials; inspects premises and searches incarcerated patients for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs; and performs other related work.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:  Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.


Positions exist statewide. 

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Online ExamContinuous100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:

  1. Principles and methods of sterilization;
  2. Uses of the more common dental instruments, equipment, and materials;
  3. Dental hygiene and prophylaxis;
  4. Dental office procedure and principles of modern dental record keeping;
  5. Techniques used in dental X-ray;
  6. Names of the teeth and various surfaces of the crown of the tooth.

Ability to:

  1. Communicate effectively at a level required for successful job performance;
  2. Identify the more common dental instruments, equipment, and materials;
  3. Mix dental material and prepare dental accessories;
  4. Stand for long periods of time;
  5. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action;
  6. Follow directions;
  7. Maintain effective working relationships with health care professionals and others.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the DENTAL ASSISTANT, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY Classification will be established for:

  • California Correctional Health Care Services

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Preview the Dental Assistant, Correctional Facility Exam

It is important that you read the instructions and definitions carefully. This is not a timed process. Using the rating scales provided, you will be asked to rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks. You will be asked your knowledge related to performing the action, and then, your level of skill in performing the action. Respond to the statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every statement by marking one option for both of the two scales provided in order to receive credit for your response. You may refer to your WORK EXPERIENCE, whether paid or volunteer, your EDUCATION, and/or FORMAL TRAINING COURSES you have completed.


  1. Assist the dentist at chair side utilizing principles of four-handed dentistry to ensure proper delivery of dental care to patients.
  2. Attend continuing education courses (e.g., literature review, scientific sessions, online courses, hands-on training, webinars) to maintain current licensure.
  3. Check dental supplies in the dental office to ensure proper operation and compliance with various rules and regulations (e.g., California Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA), American Dental Association (ADA), Center Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) Dental Practice Act).
  4. Disinfect and sanitize all dental laboratory equipment, instruments, and work surfaces between each patient to ensure the cleanliness and health and safety of dental personnel and patients.
  5. Dispose of hazardous and biohazardous dental waste materials (e.g., amalgam scraps, waste and empty amalgam capsules, used sharps, pharmaceutical waste) utilizing licensed hazardous waste disposal companies to ensure safe disposal and handling of hazardous materials.
  6. Expose dental digital intraoral and panoramic radiographs to produce patient X-rays.
  7. Inspect labels on all X-rays for the date taken, patient’s name, number, date of birth, and facility name to ensure compliance with dental radiographic capturing and processing mandates and regulations.
  8. Instruct patients in preventive dental and post-operative treatment care to promote optimal oral health.
  9. Mix dental materials (e.g., composites, amalgams, cements, impression materials) to produce a mold/cast of the patient’s teeth, jaw, etc. to prepare for a patient’s dental procedure.
  10. Monitor/update patient’s dental records (e.g., dental waiting list, appointment list, dental forms) to ensure the dentist provides timely and appropriate dental care.
  11. Perform all pre-op and post-op clinical duties (e.g., tray set-ups, retrieve patient’s dental records, disinfect instruments and equipment) to assist the dentist with dental care.
  12. Perform daily preventive maintenance on dental instruments, equipment, and accessories (e.g., oil hand pieces, flush lines) to ensure proper functioning during dental procedures.
  13. Perform dental laboratory functions (e.g., pour and trim diagnostic models) for patient cases utilizing dental laboratory instruments and equipment (e.g., spatula, mixing bowl, alginate trays) to prepare the cases for transport to the dental lab for dental prosthetic fabrication or repair.
  14. Prepare all dental instruments, equipment, and accessories (e.g., turn on compressor, vacuum system, X-ray units, X-ray processors, computers/monitors associated with digital radiography, sterilizers, ultrasonic, cleaners, fill all water systems, flush out water lines, lubricate hand pieces) using proper infection control techniques to prepare the dental clinic for patient care.
  15. Protect a patient’s reproductive system from radiation for all dental X-ray exams using a lead apron to ensure the patient’s safety during exam.
  16. Record vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration) to inform the dentist/dental hygienist of vital signs.
  17. Review incoming patients’ dental records to ensure the dental treatment priorities are completed within required time frames.
  18. Update patients' dental records to document proposed dental treatment, patient non-compliance with proposed treatment, record all services provided, etc.
  19. Utilize standard infection control protocols for dental instruments, equipment, and accessories (e.g., gloves, surgical mask, protective eye wear, face shields, protective clothing, gowns jackets) to maintain a sanitary working environment.
  20. Verify complete instrument scribing to ensure tool identification and accountability prior to usage in the dental clinic.

Testing Departments

  • California Correctional Health Care Services

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Correctional Health Care Services
Examination Services Section
PO Box 588500, Personnel D-1
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Phone: (916) 691-5894
CPHCSSelectionServices@cdcr.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

California Correctional Health Care Services reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)