BOP Program Statement 6400.03 § 4

If inmates are used as chair-side dental assistants, they must be enrolled in, or have completed,

the Department of Labor Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program, or a similar certification

program in the local community approved by the institution’s education department. Other

inmate workers (orderlies, those processing instruments, etc.) do not have to be enrolled in a

program.

The Inmate Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program is an educational job skills program to

assist in reentry initiatives. This program is not intended to replace the need for dental assistant

employees.

P6400.03 6/10/2016 7

Limitations are as follows:

■ Inmates will not perform direct patient care, including taking x-rays, impressions, or vital

signs. Inmates are not involved in the scheduling process or in determinin another inmate’s

access to dental care.

■ No inmate may have access to the Health Record. During an examination, inmates working

in the clinic are allowed to do charting on a blank A&O Dental Examination (Initial Clinical

Dental Findings) form (BP-A0618), under the direct supervision of a dentist.

■ Inmates do not handle prescribed medications or needles. Inmate assistants and workers only

handle dental instruments under the supervision of a dental staff member.

■ Inmate workers only operate dental equipment (amalgamators, curing lights, autoclaves, etc.)

under the supervision of dental staff.

■ Inmates who are healthcare professionals in any capacity, with or without an active license

and regardless of whether they received a degree, license, or certification, are not allowed to

work in the dental clinic in any capacity.

■ Inmate workers are screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV infection. Those testing positive may

be allowed to work in the dental clinic as a dental assistant with approval of the Clincial

Director.

■ Testing for bloodborne pathogen infections is done for any clinically suspected new

infection.

■ Any workplace exposure to bloodborne pathogens will be referred to Health Services clinical

medical staff for post-exposure management.

■ Inmate dental workers are offered the hepatitis B vaccine per OSHA regulations. See the

current Program Statement Infectious Disease Management.

■ Inmate supervision in the Dental Clinic will be consistent with local Correctional Services

policies.