Former prison dentist denied old job

A California dentist who has been trying to regain the state prison job he lost three years ago has lost his case before the State Personnel Board.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation didn't violate civil service rules when staff "mistakenly promised" James Ward, DDS, a full-time permanent position then changed his status to temporary, according to a Sacramento Bee story. He also signed papers acknowledging the change in employment terms after being told the job would eventually become permanent.

The personnel board's decision last month was rare because it overturned an administrative law judge's proposed ruling; usually the board goes along with its judges' decisions, the Bee noted.

Dr. Ward sold his San Diego practice to take the dentist job at Ironwood State Prison in Blythe and hasn't worked since his release in 2009. Dr. Ward wants to continue the fight in civil court and will seek back pay with interest well in excess of $1 million in addition to being restored to his former job, according to his attorney.