Dental Assistant - SCI Phoenix

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections is seeking a Dental Assistant to support clinical procedures and maintain dental records for inmates. The role emphasizes professional patient care, teamwork, and accurate documentation in a state environment.

Typical duties include chairside support, procedure preparation, radiograph processing, impression work, record management, and scheduling.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a dental office.
• Successful completion of an accredited Dental Assisting certificate program.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Completion of the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam as required by the PA State Board of Dentistry.
• Basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• Must pass background check and CJIS requirements.

Responsibilities

• Chairside support: assist the Dentist during procedures, prepare tools, manage suction, and ensure smooth workflow.
• Procedure preparation: set up workspaces, sterilize equipment, mix materials, and prepare patients for treatment.
• Radiograph processing: expose, process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality.
• Impression work: take impressions, pour and trim casts, and evaluate the quality of diagnostic models.
• Record management: file, retrieve, and maintain dental records per policies and procedures.
• Scheduling tasks: manage appointment schedules and call lists.

Skills

Dental assisting

Recordkeeping

Education

Dental assisting certificate

Tools

Radiography equipment

Job description

THE POSITION

Join the Department of Corrections (DOC) as a Dental Assistant and bring your skills to a team that is committed to exceptional patient care. This position gives you the chance to grow your abilities while supporting the health and well‑being of inmates who rely on your expertise. You will work in an environment that values professionalism, learning, and service, and you will be surrounded by teammates who want you to succeed. Step into a role where your dedication truly matters and where every day offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports dental operations by assisting with clinical procedures and essential recordkeeping. It plays a key role in ensuring that the dental unit runs efficiently. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Support: Assist the Dentist during procedures, preparing tools, managing suction, and ensuring smooth workflow
• Procedure Preparation: Set up workspaces, sterilize equipment, mix materials, and prepare patients for treatment
• Radiograph Processing: Expose, process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality
• Impression Work: Take impressions, pour and trim casts, and evaluate the quality of diagnostic models
• Record Management: File, retrieve, and maintain dental records in accordance with policies and procedures
• Scheduling Tasks: Manage appointment schedules and maintain accurate call lists

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

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

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

Special Requirements:

• You must have successfully completed 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 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.