Dental Assistant (Health Services)

Position Summary 

Provides administrative and chair-side support in a dental clinic under the supervision of a dentist. Performs patient intake, scheduling, and recordkeeping, and assists with dental procedures while maintaining clinic operations and health standards compliance. 

Pay Grade: 41 

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Three (3) years of experience as a dental assistant; and graduation from an accredited high school or GED, OR  
• Two (2) years of experience as a dental assistant and certification as a dental assistant by the American Dental Association. 
• Tennessee Dental Radiology certification and CPR certification are required. 
• PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.
   

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Practices within the full scope of a licensed dental assistant. 
• Schedules, routes, and assists patients during clinic and school visits. 
• Works in the school-based program assisting dental staff. 
• Maintains patient records, reports, and financial transactions. 
• Monitors and restocks dental and office supplies, and maintains dental equipment. 
• Performs other duties required or directed.
   

KSAs

• Knowledge of dental instruments, materials, and chair-side procedures. 
• Knowledge of dental equipment use, care, and storage. 
• Knowledge of patient scheduling, recordkeeping, and clinic operations. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships. 
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow established procedures. 
• Ability to plan, organize, and maintain an even flow of work. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and the County’s software applications.
   

Special Requirements 

• Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license or obtain one by the date of employment. 
• Must have daily access to an operable automobile and meet county requirements for automobile insurance upon date of employment. 
• Must be able to travel to other locations as required.  
• Must have or obtain certification as a Dental Assistant from the American Dental Association. 
• Must have a Tennessee Dental Radiology certification and CPR certification. 
• Must maintain all required certifications and licenses throughout the duration of employment.
   

Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to lift portable dental equipment (minimum of 40 lbs.).
   

Disclaimer 

The position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. 

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer  

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include appointed positions with the Sheriff’s Office, Division of Corrections, or the Fire Department.