Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Dental assistant jobs in Tennessee are concentrated in general and pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery practices, with demand running from entry-level positions in community health clinics to experienced roles in multi-specialty group practices. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville are the busiest hiring markets, where established employers such as Aspen Dental, Patterson Dental, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center maintain consistent openings. Radiology certification and expanded-function skills are among the most sought-after specialties across the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Dental Assistant
New Graduates Welcome!
Secret City Dental Care is looking for a Dental Assistant to join our team.
Why Heartland Dental?
Heartland Dental is the nation's largest dental support organization, providing non-clinical administrative support services to more than 3,000 supported doctors across 39 states and the District of Columbia in 1,900+ dental offices. Each Heartland Dental supported office is unique to the community and the patients they serve. Supported doctors are the clinical leaders of their practice, retain full clinical autonomy, and establish their own care philosophies. All Heartland Dental supported doctors are united by a common goal: delivering the highest quality dental care and patient experiences.
As a Dental Assistant, you’ll enjoy state of the art technology while being surrounded by camaraderie and support. This is where patients come first, and continuous learning is encouraged! Hard-working and motivated, the successful candidate will bring a passion for providing the best patient care to the communities they serve.
More about the role
- Greet and welcome patients from the start of their dental journey, as well as sustain patient comfort and provide appropriate education throughout treatment
- Conduct a thorough review of the patient’s health history in order to provide quality care
- Take and process x-rays and other diagnostic assessments (iTero 3D scanner, digital photography, etc.)
- Provide superior chairside assistance (i.e., four-handed dentistry) to supported dentists during a wide variety of procedures in accordance with the state dental practice act
- Utilize Dentrix for patient scheduling and record keeping
- Prepare treatment room with strict adherence to safety protocols and following OSHA & CDC recommendations
- Manage supply and inventory levels, as well as place and expedite orders as needed
- Partner with the providers and team to implement Heartland Dental systems and maximize office workflow
What You’ll Gain
- Competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement savings plans, six paid holidays, and PTO (paid time off)
- Front loaded education and training, providing you the opportunity to develop to your full potential
- Opportunity to be a part of a secure company with 20+ years of industry leading experience that provides a stable career with unlimited growth potential
About Secret City Dental Care
Secret City Dental Care, like each Heartland Dental supported office, is unique to the community and the patients they serve.
- Join an 8 person team that thrives on collaboration, communication and community
- Our office is located off of South Illinois Ave. across the street from Dollar Tree and Books-A-Million.
- Secret City Dental Care is a fun, easy-going office that provides an energetic team atmosphere.
Minimum Qualifications
- Working knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
- Experience working in a fast-paced and customer-centric environment
- If required under the state dental practice act, dental assistant certification and/or x-ray certification
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- The position will have access to minimum PHI necessary for performing job-related functions; regular HIPAA training, aligning with the specific role and responsibilities, will be required; and the individual will need to protect PHI and maintain data safeguards.
Preferred Experience
- 1+ years of experience in a dental setting
- Dentrix or other dental software experience
- Dental assisting school certification
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform essential duties satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position
- Prolonged periods sitting and standing
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 45 pounds at times
- Availability to attend virtual training sessions (or in-person) periodically throughout the year
- As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both team members and patients, a tuberculosis (TB) test is required for all new hires in dental office positions. This is a standard requirement for dental office roles and must be completed prior to starting employment. The test will be arranged during the pre-employment process, and any necessary guidance or paperwork will be provided. Not applicable in the state of FL & TN.
Who is Heartland Dental?
Heartland Dental is the nation's largest dental support organization, providing non-clinical administrative support services to more than 3,000 supported doctors across 39 states and the District of Columbia in over 1,800 dental offices. Each Heartland Dental supported office is unique to the community and the patients they serve. Supported doctors are the leaders of their practice and retain clinical autonomy. All Heartland Dental supported doctors are united by a common goal: delivering the highest quality dental care and experiences to the communities they serve.
At Heartland Dental, we’re committed to living our core values which promote diversity and inclusion. We provide all employees and applicants for employment the protections of federal, state, and local laws affording equal opportunity in employment.
Dental Assistant
New Graduates Welcome!
Secret City Dental Care is looking for a Dental Assistant to join our team.
Why Heartland Dental?
Heartland Dental is the nation's largest dental support organization, providing non-clinical administrative support services to more than 3,000 supported doctors across 39 states and the District of Columbia in 1,900+ dental offices. Each Heartland Dental supported office is unique to the community and the patients they serve. Supported doctors are the clinical leaders of their practice, retain full clinical autonomy, and establish their own care philosophies. All Heartland Dental supported doctors are united by a common goal: delivering the highest quality dental care and patient experiences.
As a Dental Assistant, you’ll enjoy state of the art technology while being surrounded by camaraderie and support. This is where patients come first, and continuous learning is encouraged! Hard-working and motivated, the successful candidate will bring a passion for providing the best patient care to the communities they serve.
More about the role
- Greet and welcome patients from the start of their dental journey, as well as sustain patient comfort and provide appropriate education throughout treatment
- Conduct a thorough review of the patient’s health history in order to provide quality care
- Take and process x-rays and other diagnostic assessments (iTero 3D scanner, digital photography, etc.)
- Provide superior chairside assistance (i.e., four-handed dentistry) to supported dentists during a wide variety of procedures in accordance with the state dental practice act
- Utilize Dentrix for patient scheduling and record keeping
- Prepare treatment room with strict adherence to safety protocols and following OSHA & CDC recommendations
- Manage supply and inventory levels, as well as place and expedite orders as needed
- Partner with the providers and team to implement Heartland Dental systems and maximize office workflow
What You’ll Gain
- Competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement savings plans, six paid holidays, and PTO (paid time off)
- Front loaded education and training, providing you the opportunity to develop to your full potential
- Opportunity to be a part of a secure company with 20+ years of industry leading experience that provides a stable career with unlimited growth potential
About Secret City Dental Care
Secret City Dental Care, like each Heartland Dental supported office, is unique to the community and the patients they serve.
- Join an 8 person team that thrives on collaboration, communication and community
- Our office is located off of South Illinois Ave. across the street from Dollar Tree and Books-A-Million.
- Secret City Dental Care is a fun, easy-going office that provides an energetic team atmosphere.
Minimum Qualifications
- Working knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
- Experience working in a fast-paced and customer-centric environment
- If required under the state dental practice act, dental assistant certification and/or x-ray certification
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- The position will have access to minimum PHI necessary for performing job-related functions; regular HIPAA training, aligning with the specific role and responsibilities, will be required; and the individual will need to protect PHI and maintain data safeguards.
Preferred Experience
- 1+ years of experience in a dental setting
- Dentrix or other dental software experience
- Dental assisting school certification
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform essential duties satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position
- Prolonged periods sitting and standing
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 45 pounds at times
- Availability to attend virtual training sessions (or in-person) periodically throughout the year
- As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both team members and patients, a tuberculosis (TB) test is required for all new hires in dental office positions. This is a standard requirement for dental office roles and must be completed prior to starting employment. The test will be arranged during the pre-employment process, and any necessary guidance or paperwork will be provided. Not applicable in the state of FL & TN.
Who is Heartland Dental?
Heartland Dental is the nation's largest dental support organization, providing non-clinical administrative support services to more than 3,000 supported doctors across 39 states and the District of Columbia in over 1,800 dental offices. Each Heartland Dental supported office is unique to the community and the patients they serve. Supported doctors are the leaders of their practice and retain clinical autonomy. All Heartland Dental supported doctors are united by a common goal: delivering the highest quality dental care and experiences to the communities they serve.
At Heartland Dental, we’re committed to living our core values which promote diversity and inclusion. We provide all employees and applicants for employment the protections of federal, state, and local laws affording equal opportunity in employment.
See All 93 Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Dental Assistant JobsDental Assistant Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Heartland Dental12
- Aspen Dental9
- PDS Health6
- CENTSTONE SERVICES3
- Zollege2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in dental assistant jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee dental assistant registration or recognized credential through the Tennessee Board of Dentistry
- Completion of an accredited dental assisting program or equivalent hands-on clinical training
- Current Dental Assisting National Board certification or willingness to obtain it
- Demonstrated proficiency in chairside assisting, infection control, and sterilization procedures
- Experience with dental practice management software such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft
- Valid radiography certification recognized in Tennessee for taking dental X-rays
Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a dental assistant in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires dental assistants who perform certain duties, including taking X-rays, to register with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Candidates typically complete an accredited dental assisting program at a Tennessee community college or vocational school, then pass the Dental Assisting National Board exam to earn the CDA credential. Radiography certification must also be obtained before assisting with X-rays. The Tennessee Board of Dentistry oversees registration and publishes the specific requirements for expanded functions.
Which companies hire dental assistants in Tennessee?
Employers hiring dental assistants in Tennessee right now include Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental, and PDS Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Tennessee's mix of large group practices, community health centers, and health system-affiliated dental clinics means openings appear across a wide range of employer sizes and settings.
Which Tennessee cities have the most dental assistant jobs?
Nashville, Knoxville, and Murfreesboro have the most dental assistant openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its large and growing population, major health systems, and high concentration of multi-specialty dental groups, while Memphis and Knoxville support strong demand through their own regional health institutions and established private practice networks.
Are there remote dental assistant jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Dental assisting is a hands-on chairside role that requires physical presence with patients and equipment, so the vast majority of positions are fully on-site. About 0% of dental assistant openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to involve administrative or patient coordination functions rather than clinical duties.
How can I get hired as a dental assistant in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an accredited dental assisting program at a Tennessee community college, such as those offered through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology system, which provides the clinical hours employers require. Large group practices and community health organizations in Nashville and Memphis regularly hire new graduates for entry-level chairside roles. Obtaining your Tennessee Board of Dentistry registration and radiography certification before applying gives you a clear edge over candidates still working toward those credentials.
Where can I find and apply to dental assistant jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to dental assistant jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level, preferred location, and specialty area, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 93 Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Dental Assistant Jobs