Dental Assistant - SCI Somerset

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

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institution Somerset is seeking a Dental Assistant to work with a Dentist, providing chairside support, preparing materials, and handling dental records. You’ll gain hands-on clinical experience while contributing to inmate health and facility safety.

This full‑time role emphasizes patient care, tool handling, and documentation in a corrections setting. Position requires RHS exam, one year of dental office experience or an accredited certificate,

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide chairside assistance during dental procedures with suction, irrigation, and drying techniques.
• Prepare tools and sterilize equipment; set up the workspace for procedures.
• Expose, process, mount, and evaluate patient radiographs for diagnosis.
• Take dental impressions and prepare casts for study models or appliances.
• Schedule appointments and maintain dental records according to policy.
• Explain preventive care steps and post-procedural instructions to patients.

Skills

Chairside assistance

Workspace prep

Radiograph processing

Impression handling

Record management

Patient education

Education

Accredited Dental Assisting certificate program

Tools

X-ray equipment

Job description

Bring your dental assisting skills to the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset, where your care directly supports the well‑being of the inmate population. Working closely alongside a Dentist, you will gain valuable hands‑on clinical experience while providing critical patient care. Your attention to detail will directly contribute to a healthier facility environment. Step into a purpose‑driven role where your skills can grow and your daily work makes a real impact!

This position supports dental operations by assisting a Dentist, preparing materials, and helping maintain accurate records. The role focuses on patient care, workspace preparation, and proper handling of dental tools and documentation. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Assistance: Provide support during dental procedures using suction, irrigation, retraction, and drying techniques
• Workspace Preparation: Prepare tools, sterilize equipment, mix solutions, and set up the dental workspace for procedures
• Radiograph Processing: Expose, process, mount, and evaluate patient radiographs for diagnostic purposes
• Impression Handling: Take dental impressions and prepare casts for study models, diagnostics, and appliance creation
• Record Management: Schedule appointments, maintain call lists, and manage dental records according to policy
• Patient Instruction: Explain preventative care steps and post‑procedural instructions 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 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). However, 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 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.