Clinical Dental Assistant-Operatory ( 2 Openings)

UT Health Sciences; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Health Sciences in Memphis, TN seeks a Clinical Dental Assistant to provide chairside surgical dental assistance for faculty, residents and DDS students within the College of Dentistry.

The role includes taking x-rays, maintaining sterility per OSHA standards, supporting scheduling and patient outreach, and ensuring safety in nitrous oxide use. Requires TN RDA license and radiology certification.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Evidence of TN RDA licensure and radiology certification required.
• Nitrous oxide monitoring certification required.
• 1 year experience in a dental office or dental laboratory preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists the operator at the chair; prepares tray with instruments, materials, and meds.
• Provides chairside support throughout the procedure.
• Takes x-rays and processes images (film or digital).
• Ensures OSHA-compliant sterilization of area, instruments, and equipment.
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Updates the emergency crash kit.
• Monitors nitrous oxide usage for safety.
• Assists with scheduling, reminders, and patient outreach.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Chairside support

Communication skills

EHR computer skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

TN RDA license

Radiology Certification

Nitrous Oxide Monitoring

DANB CDA preferred

Job description

Job Summary/Essential Functions

The Clinical Dental Assistant provides chairside surgical dental assistance for faculty, residents, and DDS students in the College of Dentistry.

Market Range: 05

Hiring Salary: $19.10/Hourly

Responsibilities

• Assists the operator at the dental chair; arranges instruments, materials, and medications on the prepared tray and aids the dental operator (dental student/faculty).
• Provides chairside support throughout the procedure
• Takes x-rays; exposes and processes x-ray film or processes digital images
• Ensures working area, instruments, and equipment meet OSHA sterilization regulations.
• Performs preventive equipment maintenance and routine maintenance.
• Updates and upgrades the emergency crash kit.
• Monitors and maintains the safety of nitrous oxide usage.
• Assists with scheduling of patients, appointment reminders, or patient outreach.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education

High School Diploma or GED. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

Experience

One (1) year of experience working in a dental office or dental laboratory. Must maintain registration as a licensed dental assistant in the State of Tennessee. Nitrous Oxide Monitoring and Radiology Certification required. (PROOF OF LICENSURE IS REQUIRED). (Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) with the Dental Assistant National Board Certification (DANB) is preferred. Graduate of CODA accredited school preferred.)

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in the State of Tennessee, with certification in radiology and nitrous oxide monitoring is required. CDA (DANB) certification preferred. (PROOF OF LICENSURE IS REQUIRED)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of oral surgery processes.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong computer skills (experience with an electronic health record).
• Ability to work with a team of clinicians in an efficiently and positively.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position may occasionally be required to work weekends.