Dentist - SCI Somerset

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Somerset Township (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DEA license coverage

Liability insurance coverage

Continuing medical education 50 hours

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections seeks a Dentist at SCI Somerset to deliver comprehensive dental care to inmates and supervise Dental Assistants and Hygienists. The role emphasizes clinical excellence, leadership, and adherence to safety standards within a correctional environment.

You will perform exams, treat conditions, oversee staff, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while coordinating with medical colleagues and enhancing service quality.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an approved school of dentistry.
• Educational requirements met within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• License to practice dentistry issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.

Responsibilities

• Perform periodontal exams, review medical histories, diagnose oral conditions, and plan treatments for inmates.
• Provide preventive and restorative dental procedures while maintaining infection control standards.
• Consult with medical providers, oral surgeons, and specialists, and support onsite specialty care.
• Lead, train, and guide Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists, and participate in hiring and performance input.
• Evaluate records, schedules, and documentation to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Manage dental supplies, equipment inventory, and security controls.

Skills

Clinical dentistry

Staff leadership

Communication

Education

Doctor of Dentistry (DDS/DMD)

Job description

Join the Department of Corrections (DOC) as a Dentist at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Somerset and use your skills to help build a healthier future for inmates. This role gives you the chance to provide essential dental care in an environment that depends on your expertise, leadership, and steady judgment. Each day offers a new opportunity to improve patient well-being through strong clinical care and positive guidance. Step into a meaningful career where your dedication and professionalism create a lasting impact.

This position provides dental care and supervises dental staff within the State Correctional Institution at Somerset. The role supports consistent, safe, and effective dental services for the inmate population. As a Dentist, you will perform the following duties:

• Clinical Examinations: Perform periodontal exams, review medical histories, diagnose oral conditions, and plan treatments for inmates
• Treatment Practices: Provide preventive and restorative dental procedures while maintaining infection control standards
• Collaboration with Specialists: Consult with medical providers, oral surgeons, and specialists, and support onsite specialty care
• Staff Leadership: Lead, train, and guide Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists, and participate in hiring and performance input
• Operational Review: Evaluate records, schedules, and documentation to ensure compliance and continuous improvement
• Supply Oversight: Manage dental supplies, equipment inventory, and security controls

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 break. You will not be required to work evenings, weekends, or on-call duties.
• Eligible for full retirement benefits as early as age 55
• DEA License renewal and liability insurance is covered by the Commonwealth
• Up to 50 hours of additional paid leave for job-related continuing medical education
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Competitive, with potential for yearly incentive payments in addition to your standard salary. (Quality Assurance Payments)
• 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:

• Graduation from an approved school of dentistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirement:

• You must possess a license to practice dentistry issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• 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.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.