Dental Assistant - SCI Albion

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Albion (Erie County); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Dental Assistant for the State Correctional Institution at Albion. You will support chairside procedures, prepare workspaces, and maintain records to ensure efficient dental care for inmates and staff.

The role emphasizes professionalism, learning, and service in a correctional setting. Requirements include one year of dental office experience or an accredited certificate, plus RHS exam completion and a background check.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Chairside Support: Assist the Dentist during procedures and prepare needed tools and materials
• Radiograph Tasks: Expose, process, and evaluate dental radiographs for diagnostic use
• Procedure Preparation: Set up workspaces, sterilize equipment, and mix required dental solutions
• Impression Work: Take impressions and create diagnostic casts for various dental needs
• Record Handling: Manage dental files, schedule appointments, and maintain accurate documentation
• Patient Guidance: Explain preventative and post-procedural care instructions clearly and respectfully

Education

Accredited Dental Assisting certificate program

Job description

Start a meaningful career as a Dental Assistant with the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Albion. This role allows you to support dental care that improves the health and comfort of inmates. You will help create a smooth and efficient dental environment for staff and patients. Join a team that values professionalism, learning, and service!

This position supports dental care by assisting with procedures, preparing workspaces, and maintaining accurate records. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Support: Assist the Dentist during procedures and prepare needed tools and materials
• Radiograph Tasks: Expose, process, and evaluate dental radiographs for diagnostic use
• Procedure Preparation: Set up workspaces, sterilize equipment, and mix required dental solutions
• Impression Work: Take impressions and create diagnostic casts for various dental needs
• Record Handling: Manage dental files, schedule appointments, and maintain accurate documentation
• Patient Guidance: Explain preventative and post-procedural care instructions clearly and respectfully

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 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• 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). 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.

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

• This position requires successful completion of the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam as required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.
  • Currently, since December 12, 2009, the Board’s approved examination is the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Examination administered by The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Prior to adopting the DANB RHS examination, the Board’s radiologic procedures examination was administered by Experior Assessments/Thompson Prometric/Prometric.

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.

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 www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html 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.