Dental Assistant - SCI Somerset

THE POSITION

Bring your dental assisting skills to the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset, where your care directly supports the well-being of the inmate population. Working closely alongside a Dentist, you will gain valuable hands-on clinical experience while providing critical patient care. Your attention to detail will directly contribute to a healthier facility environment. Step into a purpose-driven role where your skills can grow and your daily work makes a real impact!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports dental operations by assisting a Dentist, preparing materials, and helping maintain accurate records. The role focuses on patient care, workspace preparation, and proper handling of dental tools and documentation. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Assistance: Provide support during dental procedures using suction, irrigation, retraction, and drying techniques
• Workspace Preparation: Prepare tools, sterilize equipment, mix solutions, and set up the dental workspace for procedures
• Radiograph Processing: Expose, process, mount, and evaluate patient radiographs for diagnostic purposes
• Impression Handling: Take dental impressions and prepare casts for study models, diagnostics, and appliance creation
• Record Management: Schedule appointments, maintain call lists, and manage dental records according to policy
• Patient Instruction: Explain preventative care steps and post-procedural instructions to patients

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $36,831.00 (before taxes). However, a higher salary may be established in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience in a dental office or clinic; or
• Successful completion of an accredited Dental Assisting certificate program; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirement:

• You must have successfully completed the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam as required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date . Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator . Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box. *Eligibility rules apply.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania