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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You are unique, and so are we—it’s time you worked with an organization that appreciates you, challenges you, and helps your professional growth with a team of people dedicated to quality, patient care, and leading the industry with innovation.
We are searching for talented people who want to provide excellent customer service for the patient, provide precise support to the doctor, and possess an amiable chair-side manner. Flexibility, analytical skills, collaboration, and follow-up are all needed in our dynamic state-of-the-art practice environment. So how about it?—Are you passionate about an opportunity like this?
- Provide exceptional customer service, with excellent chair-side manner, by making the patient the#1 priority.
- Be present, engaged and ready to work at all assigned shift times.
- Take direction from the doctor and/or hygienist(s), assist them with all dental procedures, and anticipate their needs.
- Take, develop and mount accurate, high-quality radiographs.
- Review patient charts prior to doctor arrival, log appropriate patient data and health history during the exam and treatment, as well as transcribe the doctor’s notes.
- Clean, sterilize and prepare the equipment and operatory, per the organization’s procedures and guidelines, prior to a patient’s appointment.
- Perform efficient and accurate procedures to help maintain the schedule and patient flow.
- Educate the patients and address their questions and/or concerns.
- Demonstrate good teamwork to deliver an extraordinary experience for every patient.
- Partner with the doctors, hygienists, Operations Leaders and support staff to maintain excellent patient service and integrity within the organization.
- Assist the front office staff in scheduling patients’ follow up visits, as well as tracking the incoming and outgoing lab cases, to ensure quality and timely products.
- When assigned by the Operations Leader, monitor the level of dental supplies and order using approved formulary.
- Promote and market DentalWorks supported practices services and retail products.
- Complete checklists as assigned and participate in daily huddles to ensure that every single day flows smoothly.
- Maintain patient confidentiality through HIPAA compliance.
- Follow the organization’s safety policies and procedures through OSHA compliance and BBP (Blood-borne Pathogens) federal regulations.
- Complete all Learning Management System requirements.
- Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required
- Current radiography certification required
- Dental Assistant certification, as required by state, or ability to become certified
- Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) preferred
- Current certification to monitor Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia preferred
- Maintain annual OSHA, HIPAA and Infection Control training
Skills and Abilities:
- Experience in a professional environment with direct patient contact preferred
- Excellent positive attitude and customer service skills
- Professionalism and integrity in all aspects of the job, including image and both verbal and written communication skills
- Possess exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills, including conflict resolution skills
- Strong organization, planning and analytical skills
- Ability to multi-task and remain calm in a rapidly changing environment
- Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs as required
Work Environment and Conditions:
- Overtime required as approved by Operations Leader
- Travel as needed for training and to perform job functions
- Safety procedures and personal protective equipment required to minimize the risks from radiographs and blood-borne pathogens
- Potential of prolonged sitting and standing
You are unique, and so are we—it’s time you worked with an organization that appreciates you, challenges you, and helps your professional growth with a team of people dedicated to quality, patient care, and leading the industry with innovation.
We are searching for talented people who want to provide excellent customer service for the patient, provide precise support to the doctor, and possess an amiable chair-side manner. Flexibility, analytical skills, collaboration, and follow-up are all needed in our dynamic state-of-the-art practice environment. So how about it?—Are you passionate about an opportunity like this?
- Provide exceptional customer service, with excellent chair-side manner, by making the patient the#1 priority.
- Be present, engaged and ready to work at all assigned shift times.
- Take direction from the doctor and/or hygienist(s), assist them with all dental procedures, and anticipate their needs.
- Take, develop and mount accurate, high-quality radiographs.
- Review patient charts prior to doctor arrival, log appropriate patient data and health history during the exam and treatment, as well as transcribe the doctor’s notes.
- Clean, sterilize and prepare the equipment and operatory, per the organization’s procedures and guidelines, prior to a patient’s appointment.
- Perform efficient and accurate procedures to help maintain the schedule and patient flow.
- Educate the patients and address their questions and/or concerns.
- Demonstrate good teamwork to deliver an extraordinary experience for every patient.
- Partner with the doctors, hygienists, Operations Leaders and support staff to maintain excellent patient service and integrity within the organization.
- Assist the front office staff in scheduling patients’ follow up visits, as well as tracking the incoming and outgoing lab cases, to ensure quality and timely products.
- When assigned by the Operations Leader, monitor the level of dental supplies and order using approved formulary.
- Promote and market DentalWorks supported practices services and retail products.
- Complete checklists as assigned and participate in daily huddles to ensure that every single day flows smoothly.
- Maintain patient confidentiality through HIPAA compliance.
- Follow the organization’s safety policies and procedures through OSHA compliance and BBP (Blood-borne Pathogens) federal regulations.
- Complete all Learning Management System requirements.
- Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required
- Current radiography certification required
- Dental Assistant certification, as required by state, or ability to become certified
- Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) preferred
- Current certification to monitor Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia preferred
- Maintain annual OSHA, HIPAA and Infection Control training
Skills and Abilities:
- Experience in a professional environment with direct patient contact preferred
- Excellent positive attitude and customer service skills
- Professionalism and integrity in all aspects of the job, including image and both verbal and written communication skills
- Possess exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills, including conflict resolution skills
- Strong organization, planning and analytical skills
- Ability to multi-task and remain calm in a rapidly changing environment
- Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs as required
Work Environment and Conditions:
- Overtime required as approved by Operations Leader
- Travel as needed for training and to perform job functions
- Safety procedures and personal protective equipment required to minimize the risks from radiographs and blood-borne pathogens
- Potential of prolonged sitting and standing
See All 64 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
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
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 Smile Brands, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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?
Memphis, Murfreesboro, and Brentwood 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 8% of dental assistant openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 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 64 Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Dental Assistant Jobs