Salary: $163,872.00 - $220,440.00 Annually
Location : Mason County - Shelton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: HS - WCC
Opening Date: 05/24/2026
Closing Date: 6/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionDentistFull Time, PermanentYearly Salary: $163,872.00 - 220,440.00The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual as a full-time, permanent
Dentist to join the Health Services team at Washington Corrections Center (WCC) located in Shelton, WA.
This dentist position functions as a member of the Health Services Division and is responsible for performing dental procedures on incarcerated individuals at WCC. This dentist is also responsible for ensuring that the services provided are adhering to and consistent with the Department's policies, the WA State DOC Health Plan, and the DOC Dental Services' protocols and guidelines. In doing so, this position contributes to improvement in patient health, which contributes to a reduction in criminal recidivism.
A COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKET WILL INCLUDE:- A detailed resume
- A cover letter
- Three professional references
Application assessment will be ongoing, the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It's the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions.
Duties Under the administrative supervision of the facility's Health Services Manager and clinical supervision of the department's Chief of Dentistry, DOC dentists provide medically necessary dental care to incarcerated patients. Dentists provide clinical supervision to dental assistants and dental hygienists consistent with the Washington State Laws (RCW, WAC) and department policies, protocols and health plan:
Duties:- Diagnostic
- Preventive
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Oral Surgery
- Prosthetics
- Operative Procedures
- Perform duties as authorized by the WA State DOH, in accordance with the WA State Laws(related WAC & RCW).
- Delegates clinical duties to dental assistants and dental hygienists in accordance with the WA State Laws (related WAC & RCW).
Qualifications Required Qualifications:- Must be a licensed Dentist in State of Washington. A valid unencumbered Washington State license to practice as a Dentist.
- A valid and current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification.
- Possession of unrestricted Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registration to prescribe controlled substances.
- Must comply with health screening requirements by undergoing tuberculosis testing and other appropriate related procedures unless exempt by State.
Preferred Qualifications:- Two years clinical experience in the practice of dentistry.
- Skilled in performing surgical extractions within the practice scope of a general dentist.
- Knowledge in the areas of scheduling routine/complex and specialty dental procedures.
- Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications and related technologies.
- Experience providing dental services in a correctional environment or community/public health clinic.
- Experience working within the constraints of a limited health plan and/or pharmaceutical formulary restrictions.
Supplemental Information- Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
- A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
- We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date ofhire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
- This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
- Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
- Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.
- Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
- Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
- Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step L in your permanent salary range.
What We Offer: As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
- Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
- 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
- 12 paid holidays a year
- Generous retirement plan
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Deferred Compensation and so much more!
