DENTAL ASSISTANT 3 - 08112026-79902

Location: Cookeville, TN – Department of Health, Putnam County. One full-time position available. A Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) screening and criminal background check will be conducted prior to employment.

Qualifications

• Current registration as a dental assistant in the State of Tennessee.
• Dental Radiology Certification.
• Coronal Polishing Certification.
• Nitrous Oxide Certification.
• Sealant Application Certification.
• Depending on assignment, additional certifications in Restorative, Prosthetic, or a valid Driver’s License may be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepares patients and operatories for dental procedures; performs four-handed chair-side assisting; provides post-treatment care and education.
• Performs coronal polishing and sealant placement.
• Monitors and terminates nitrous oxide levels; detects changes in patient status during and after medication administration.
• Schedules appointments, answers telephone, and organizes daily schedule.
• Reviews medical history; records patient dental conditions and treatments; maintains charts, records, and reports.
• Maintains appropriate inventory for dental service delivery; meets infection control and safety guidelines.
• Exposes and prepares x-rays for review.
• Compiles information from patients, parents, guardians, and community resources regarding health and dental needs, including school transport programs and referrals.
• Communicates with external parties, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other entities.
• Guides dental students in the proper use of dental equipment.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and Tennessee Department of Health guidelines; inspects materials for expiration dates; maintains current dental license and certifications.

Skills

• Dental practices and procedures.
• Customer and personal service.
• Clerical skills (office equipment, record-keeping).
• Active learning and listening.
• Service orientation, judgment, and decision-making.
• Effective communication and conflict management.
• Operation and control of sterilization equipment, dental instrumentation, hand pieces, and accessories.
• Deductive reasoning, problem sensitivity, control precision, multilimb coordination, and visual color discrimination.

Pay

Monthly: $2,896.00 – $3,614.00
Annual: $34,752.00 – $43,368.00

Schedule

Full-time.

Driver Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• No DUI, reckless driving, or license suspension for moving violations in the past five years.
• No more than four moving violations in the past five years.