Dental Assistant - SCI Coal Township

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Coal Township (PA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Corrections, seeks a Dental Assistant to support inmate dental care in a structured clinical environment. You will assist a Dentist with procedures, preparation, and patient care, with no evening or weekend commitments.

Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Starting salary is $36,831 with potential adjustments under the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a dental office or clinic.
• Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting certificate program.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Chairside support during dental procedures (retraction, suction, instruments).
• Radiographs: exposure, processing, mounting, labeling, quality checks.
• Prepare workspaces, sterilize tools, mix materials, position patients.
• Take impressions, pour/trim casts, evaluate diagnostic models.
• Maintain and file dental records per required standards.
• Schedule appointments and manage call lists for dental services.

Skills

Dental office experience

Education

Dental Assisting certificate program

Job description

Are you looking for a role where you can support essential dental care in a unique and structured environment? As a Dental Assistant with the Department of Corrections (DOC), you will play an active part in supporting inmate care. Our facilities operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, requiring no evening or weekend commitments. This role allows you to develop hands‑on experience while helping dental staff deliver high‑quality treatment. Our office is passionate about creating a positive experience for our patients.

This role supports dental services within the Department of Corrections by assisting a Dentist with procedures, preparation, and patient care. The position helps maintain organized operations and ensures that tools, materials, and documentation are properly handled. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Support: Provide retraction, suction, irrigation, drying, and assist with tools during dental procedures
• Radiograph Handling: Expose radiographs, process them, mount and label images, and assess diagnostic quality
• Procedure Preparation: Prepare workspaces, sterilize tools, mix materials, and position patients for treatment
• Impression Work: Take impressions, pour and trim casts, and evaluate the quality of diagnostic models
• Record Management: File, retrieve, and maintain dental records in compliance with required standards
• Scheduling Tasks: Arrange appointments and maintain call lists for dental services

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 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 (before taxes). However, a higher salary may be established in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• 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 Requirements:

• This position requires the successful completion of 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.

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.