Dental Assistant - SCI Smithfield

THE POSITION

Are you an energetic and enthusiastic individual eager to begin a rewarding public service career in dentistry? The Dental Assistant position with the Department of Corrections offers an exciting chance to support quality dental care in a unique setting at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Smithfield. This role allows you to build your skills while helping patients maintain good oral health. You will play an important part in keeping the dental clinic running smoothly. Each day brings meaningful work that helps support the well-being of the facility community.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports dental care services by assisting with procedures, preparing materials, and maintaining accurate records. The work helps ensure that patients receive timely and professional dental treatment in a well-organized clinic setting. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Assistance: Support dental procedures by preparing tools, charting findings, and assisting during treatments
• Procedure Preparation: Set up materials, sterilize equipment, and prepare patients for care
• Radiograph Processing: Take, process, and evaluate dental radiographs for diagnostic accuracy
• Impression Work: Take impressions and create diagnostic casts used for treatment planning
• Record Management: Maintain dental files, organize documentation, and ensure proper handling of records
• Patient Guidance: Explain preventative care steps and provide clear post-procedure instructions
  
  

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.
• 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 $36,108.00 (before taxes).
• 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 clinic; or
• Successful completion of an accredited Dental Assisting certificate program; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
  
  

Special Requirements:

• This position requires the successful completion of 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 Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
  
  

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date . Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
  
  

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.