Dental Assistant - SCI Smithfield

Are you eager to begin a meaningful public service career where your energy and enthusiasm support quality dental care? As a Dental Assistant with the Department of Corrections at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Smithfield, you will help create a positive and efficient clinic environment. This role allows you to learn valuable skills while supporting safe and effective dental procedures. Your efforts will contribute to the health and well-being of the inmate population.

This position supports dental services by assisting with procedures, preparing materials, and maintaining accurate records within the clinic. As a Dental Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Chairside Assistance: Support the dentist during procedures by preparing tools, charting findings, and managing suction and retraction
• Procedure Preparation: Set up workspaces, sterilize tools, mix materials, and position patients for treatment
• Radiograph Tasks: Expose, process, and evaluate dental radiographs for diagnostic use
• Model Preparation: Take impressions and create diagnostic casts by pouring, trimming, and evaluating quality
• Record Management: Schedule appointments and maintain accurate dental records and reports
• Documentation Support: Prepare laboratory forms, invoices, and referral paperwork and explain basic care 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 $36,108.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

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:

• 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.