Clinical Dental Assistant-Operatory (Part-Time, Kingsport, TN)
University of Tennessee at Martin
Salary undisclosed
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Description
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assists operator at the dental chair using 4-handed dentistry; arrange instruments, materials, and medications on prepared tray and hand them to dental operator (dental student/faculty). Also, may provide chairside assistance to the dental hygienist.
- Clears operating area during procedures by use of suction devices, water sprays, cotton rolls and holders, and by retraction of cheek/tongue.
- Prepares and/or mixes impression materials.
- Takes impressions of patient’s teeth for study casts; creates and trims provisional restorations; cleans excess cement following clinical luting procedures.
- Assists with clinical photographic procedures.
- Instructs student doctors on new technology such as CEREC, milling, and digital radiography.
- Counsels with patients following clinical procedures; explains instructions and directions outlined for treatment by the doctor; teaches oral hygiene strategies.
- Ensures working area, instruments, and equipment meet OSHA sterilization regulations.
- Performs preventive equipment maintenance and routine maintenance.
- Performs routine and non-routine orders as needed for dispensaries for clinic areas; orders nitrous oxide, maintains CEREC and other essential supplies; maintains CEREC computers and milling machines twice weekly.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
EXPERIENCE: One (1) year experience working chairside in a dental practice. 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:
- Ability to work efficiently in a clinical setting.
- Ability to work as a team promoting quality oral health care.
- Understanding of health and safety regulations.
- Ability to interact with patients, doctors, and staff in an effective manner.
- Must have strong communication skills and exceptional hand skills.
WORK SCHEDULE: This position may occasionally be required to work weekends
About this role
University of Tennessee at Martin's dental clinic in Kingsport is seeking a registered dental assistant for part-time chairside work in an academic dental setting. You'll support dental students and faculty across a range of clinical procedures—from instrument and material preparation to suctioning and retraction during treatment. Beyond chairside duties, you'll take impressions, mix materials, trim provisional restorations, and assist with digital imaging and photography. Patient education is part of the role, as is explaining post-treatment care and oral hygiene strategies.
The position also involves significant equipment and supply management, including maintaining CEREC milling machines and computers twice weekly, ordering nitrous oxide and other clinic supplies, and ensuring all instruments and areas meet OSHA sterilization standards. You may be called on to instruct dental students on newer technologies like digital radiography and CEREC systems. The role requires you to be comfortable in a teaching environment and able to work flexibly, including occasional weekends.
You'll need an active Tennessee RDA license with radiology and nitrous oxide monitoring certifications, plus at least one year of chairside experience in a dental practice. DANB certification and graduation from a CODA-accredited program are preferred. Strong communication and manual dexterity are essential, along with the ability to work efficiently as part of a clinical team.
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