Dental Assistant - SCI Phoenix

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Collegeville (PA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Dental Assistant to support the Department of Corrections at the SCI Phoenix dental clinic. You will assist dentists, prepare instruments, manage radiographs, and maintain patient records in a fast-paced, clinical setting that serves inmates.

The role emphasizes compliance with safety standards, accurate documentation, and teamwork within a state government environment. The position offers a stable schedule, full-time hours, and benefits.

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 procedures and record findings as directed.
• Prepare tools, materials, and workspaces; sterilize equipment.
• Expose, process, mount, and label dental radiographs.
• Take impressions and prepare diagnostic casts for evaluation.
• Maintain, file, and retrieve dental records as per policy.
• Explain preventive care and post-procedure guidance to patients.

Skills

Dental assisting

Radiographs

Record keeping

Patient instruction

Education

Dental Assisting certificate program

Experience in dental office

Job description

As a Dental Assistant with the Department of Corrections you are given the chance to help deliver quality oral care to inmates at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Phoenix. This role allows you to build strong clinical skills while supporting daily dental operations. Your work will contribute to safe, well-organized procedures that help maintain overall inmate health.

This position supports dental care services by assisting with procedures, preparing tools and materials, and maintaining accurate records. The role ensures that dental operations are organized, safe, and consistent with all required standards.

As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Support: Assist dentists during procedures and record findings as directed
• Procedure Setup: Prepare tools, materials, and workspaces, and sterilize equipment
• Radiograph Processing: Expose, process, mount, and label dental radiographs
• Impression Work: Take impressions and prepare diagnostic casts for evaluation
• Record Handling: Maintain, file, and retrieve dental records according to policy
• Patient Instruction: Explain preventive care and post-procedure guidance 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 8:00 AM to 4:00 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 $38,338.00 (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:

• 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 the training academy in Elizabethtown, PA.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• 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.