Dental Assistant II

Your Texas Benefits; Wichita Falls (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance for employee

Pension plan

Generous time off

Job summary

The Dental Assistant II at Texas Health and Human Services Commission is based at Wichita Falls State Hospital. The role supports dental procedures, manages supplies, and maintains records while upholding infection control standards.

You will obtain and position dental x-rays, educate patients on oral health, and assist with scheduling and coordination of in-house and referral visits. This position requires registration with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners and a valid x-ray certification.

Qualifications

• Must be registered with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners and have an x-ray certification.
• Complete a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course and pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment, or hold a national DANB CDA certification.
• Graduation from an accredited dental assistant program is preferred.
• Experience as dental assistant is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attends to dentist at chair side and oversees dental supplies and operatory setup.
• Obtains dental x-rays and positions patient for imaging.
• Maintains infection control and sterilization procedures.
• Records findings in the patient’s dental chart and appointment scheduling data.
• Provides dental health education to patients and teaches staff on oral hygiene.

Skills

Knowledge of dental anatomy

Infection control procedures

Dental x-ray techniques

Effective communication

Education

TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration

DANB CDA certification (preferred)

Job description

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Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Job Details

• Functional Title: Dental Assistant II
• Job Title: Dental Assistant II
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Dental Clinical Svs
• Posting Number: 20124
• Closing Date: 11/30/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
• Salary Range: $3,095.33-$4,594.50
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First)
• Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 15%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Nonexempt
• Facility Location: Wichita Falls State Hospital
• Job Location City: WICHITA FALLS
• Job Location Address: 6515 KEMP BLVD
• Other Locations: Wichita Falls
• MOS Codes: 4Y0X1, 4Y0X2, 68E, 68Z, HM, HN, HS

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Dental Assistant will work Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Assists dentist at chair side during dental procedures and oversees inventory of dental supplies, set up of dental operatories in preparation of dental procedures. Cleans up after procedures in accordance with standards and policies including infection control.

Using appropriate safety protocols, assists with obtaining dental x-rays as ordered by the dentist by accurately positioning patient/bite wings to obtain optimum pictures and limit number of retakes.

Practices proper infection control techniques for preop and postop for dental procedures and for dental instrument processing and sterilization.

Accurately records findings/results of dental examinations on dental forms as indicated by the dentist and documents in the patient’s electronic record (progress notes TX/Consultation appointment scheduling) data that reflects the patient’s visit and/or reason for lack of attending appointments.

Provides dental health education for patients. This includes instructing direct care staff on how to teach patients good oral hygiene. Instructs patients on brushing, flossing and encourages them to seek dental care to maintain good dental health.

Schedules dental appointments in-house as well as outside consulting dentist visits or dental specialist as ordered by the dentist and by following the agencies referral consultation process (administrative policy and procedure 2.33).

Attains high policy and procedure compliance regarding dental examinations and assessments.

Order and maintain inventory of dental supplies needed for treatment of patients.

Maintains all agency’s required competencies/trainings such as, but not limited to TIPS and CPR.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of oral and dental anatomy. Knowledge of fundamentals of physiology.

Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, and materials and their uses; of sterilization methods; of dental x-ray equipment techniques, procedures; of dental terminology; hygiene and prophylaxis.

Skilled in the use of dental tools and equipment; sterilization of equipment; obtaining dental x-rays.

Ability to assist dentist and other dental staff in performing dental procedures; communicate effectively; train others; document accurately and collect accurate dental data.

Ability to communicate in a professional manner all members and levels of staff and patients from all backgrounds?

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Must be registered with the State of Texas Board of Dental examiners and obtained an x-ray certification.

Initial Screening Criteria

Must have completed a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course, and pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment, or hold a national DANB CDA certification.

Graduation from a recognized and accredited school or dental assistant approved by the Texas Board of Dental examiners is generally preferred.

Experience as Dental Assistant preferred.

Working with special needs patients is preferred.

Additional Information

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.