DENTAL ASSISTANT 3 - 10202026-81836

Opening Date: 10/20/2026 12:00 AM Central Time; Closing Date: 11/02/2026 11:59 PM Central Time. Full-time position located in Rogersville, TN (Hawkins County Health Department). A criminal background check is required.

About the role

Under direct supervision of a licensed Dentist, performs procedures designated under the scope of practice for a registered dental assistant, including certification for exposing and developing radiographs, coronal polishing, nitrous oxide monitoring, and sealant application. This is the highest level class in the Dental Assistant sub-series. The incumbent works as a chair-side assistant during examination and treatment of patients and can expose and develop radiographs, perform coronal polishing, sealant application, and nitrous oxide monitoring. Differs from Dental Assistant 2 in that the latter works as a chair-side assistant and exposes/develops radiographs but does not hold the additional certifications.

Qualifications

• Current registration as a dental assistant in the State of Tennessee with Dental Radiology Certification, Coronal Polishing Certification, Nitrous Oxide Certification, and Sealant Application Certification.
• No substitution of education for experience.
• Depending on location, additional certifications may be required upon employment: Restorative Certification, Prosthetic Certification.
• Valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

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

Competencies

Competencies

• Decision Quality
• Manages Complexity
• Communicates Effectively
• Manages Conflict
• Plans and Aligns

Knowledge

• Dental Practices & Procedures
• Customer and Personal Service
• Clerical Skills
• Active Learning and Listening
• Service Orientation
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Speaking
• Operation and Control

Abilities

• Deductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Control Precision
• Multilimb Coordination
• Visual Color Discrimination

Tools & Equipment

• All Office Equipment (computer, fax, copier, scanner, telephone, calculator, etc.)
• Sterilization Equipment (Autoclave)
• Dental Instrumentation
• Dental Hand Pieces and Accessories
• Standard Dental Equipment

Pay

Monthly: $2,925.00 – $3,650.00; Annually: $35,100.00 – $43,800.00.

Schedule

Full-Time.

Additional Requirements

• Must meet Tennessee Driver Standards: valid driver's license; for the past five years, no record of DUI, reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, or more than four moving violations.
• Driver's License Information must be included under the Licenses and Certifications section of the application.