DENTAL ASSISTANT 3 - 08112026-79902

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time08/11/2026 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/Time08/17/2026 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$2,896.00 - $3,614.00Salary (Annually)$34,752.00 - $43,368.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationCookeville, TNDepartmentHealth

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, PUTNAM COUNTY

A Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) screening will be conducted prior to employment.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Possession of 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.

Substitution of Education for Experience: None.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Depending upon where the position is located, additional certifications in the following areas may be required upon employment:

• Restorative Certification
• Prosthetic Certification
• Valid Driver's License

Overview

Under direct supervision of a licensed Dentist, performs procedures designated under the scope of practice for a registered dental assistant to include certification for exposing and developing radiographs, certification for coronal polishing, certification for nitrous oxide monitoring, and certification for sealant application. This is the highest level class in the Dental Assistant sub-series. An employee in this class 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. This class differs from that of the Dental Assistant 2 in that incumbents of the latter works as a chair side assistant during examination and treatment and expose and develop radiographs.

Responsibilities

• Prepares patients and operatories for dental procedures; performs four handed chair side assisting; and 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; and 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 in regards to 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; and maintains current dental license and certification.

Competencies (KSA's)

• 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

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.