Dental Assistant - SCI Somerset

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Somerset (Somerset County); On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Dental Assistant to support the dental care team at SCI Somerset. The role involves direct chairside assistance, instrument preparation, and ensuring accurate patient records for efficient clinic flow.

The position requires a dental assisting certificate or equivalent experience, and it follows a 37.5-hour week with a daytime schedule. Competitive starting salary is provided by the Commonwealth and includes non-telework expectations.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Chairside support: Assist the dentist with procedures, chart findings, and manage tools and materials.
• Workspace preparation: Prepare and sterilize tools, mix solutions, and set up areas for dental procedures.
• Radiograph processing: Expose, label, and evaluate patient radiographs for diagnostic use.
• Impression work: Take impressions, pour casts, trim models, and evaluate final results.
• Record management: File, retrieve, and maintain dental records and reports according to policy.
• Patient guidance: Explain preventative care and post-procedural instructions clearly and respectfully.

Skills

Dental experience

Radiography safety

Education

Dental assisting certificate program

Job description

Salary

$36,831.00 - $54,162.00 Annually

Location

Somerset County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-57526

Department

Department of Corrections

Division

CR SMR Med

Opening Date

09/02/2026

Closing Date

9/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

33910

Position Number

00204362

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

N1

Pay Group

ST03

Bureau / Division Code

00116630

Bureau / Division

State Correctional Institution at Somerset

Worksite Address

1590 Walters Mill Road

City

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

15510

Contact Name

Corleen Schmucker

THE POSITION

Are you excited to support quality dental care as a Dental Assistant with the Department of Corrections? This role lets you contribute to patient well-being through skilled assistance and organized clinic support. You will help create a smooth and professional environment for dental services. Apply today to join the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset and make a meaningful difference each day.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports dental care services by assisting the dentist, preparing tools and materials, and helping manage patient records and documentation. It involves hands‑on clinical support, administrative coordination, and clear communication with patients. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Support: Assist the dentist with procedures, chart findings, and manage tools and materials
• Workspace Preparation: Prepare and sterilize tools, mix solutions, and set up areas for dental procedures
• Radiograph Processing: Expose, label, and evaluate patient radiographs for diagnostic use
• Impression Work: Take impressions, pour casts, trim models, and evaluate final results
• Record Management: File, retrieve, and maintain dental records and reports according to policy
• Patient Guidance: Explain preventative care and post‑procedural 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 7:00 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). 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 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.