Dental Assistant

Provide comprehensive clinical, operational, and administrative support to dentists, faculty, and dental students to ensure efficient clinic workflow and high-quality patient care

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities):

Setting up dental instruments and equipment in accordance with infection control standards, assisting dentists and students during clinical examinations, diagnostic procedures, and clinical treatments.

Operate dental radiography equipment to take and process X-rays while following radiation safety protocols and ensure images are properly uploaded and documented in the imaging system.

Maintain organized and fully equipped treatment areas by monitoring, tracking, and restocking clinical supplies and instruments throughout the clinic.

Responsible for ordering supplies, maintaining inventory records, and distributing materials and instruments to students, faculty, and exam rooms as needed to support daily clinical operations.

Assist students with clinical needs during patient care sessions, ensuring they have the appropriate instruments, materials, and equipment required for procedures.

Perform laboratory-related tasks such as preparing impressions, models, and diagnostic materials when needed.

Maintain accurate documentation and assist with clinic records management, ensuring patient charts, radiographs, and other clinical documentation are properly recorded and maintained.

Support overall clinic operations by coordinating with faculty, staff, and students to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient clinical environment, resetting exam rooms between patients, troubleshooting basic equipment issues when possible, and ensuring compliance with clinic policies, infection control standards, and safety regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Must be a registered dental assistant in the State of Tennessee

Must be CPR certified

Must have radiation and dental radiographic training approve by the State of Tennessee

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

Take dental FMX and bitewing radiographs

Able to teach students in the clinic

Operate the CBCT machine

Display a professional attitude

Communicate well with patients, staff, students, and faculty members

Maintain patient and student confidentiality

Demonstrate polite and professional phone etiquette

Be proficient with MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel

Education and Experience Required:

High school education required with associate or bachelor’s degree preferred

CPR certified

Must be a registered dental assistant in the state of Tennessee

Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:

Dental assisting license for the State of Tennessee

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Meharry Medical College complies with Title IX and is an affirmative action employer. Candidates will be considered for employment without discrimination for an non-merit reason such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, handicap or veteran status.