Dental Hygienist Jobs in Tennessee
Dental Hygienist jobs in Tennessee are steadily active, with demand concentrated in private dental practices, community health centers, and multi-specialty dental groups, covering roles from entry-level new graduates through experienced lead hygienists. The busiest hiring metros are Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where large employers such as Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center maintain ongoing dental hygienist needs. The most in-demand specialties include periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and public health dental hygiene. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Dental Hygienist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 92+ Dental Hygienist jobs
Dental Hygienist
We’re looking for a hygienist who wants to be part of something bigger than a hygiene schedule.
We believe great hygiene isn't just about getting patients cleaned and getting them out the door. It's about knowing your patients, understanding their needs, recognizing opportunities for better health, and working closely with the doctor to provide the best care possible.
We're looking for a Dental Hygienist who brings energy to the team, thinks ahead, and genuinely enjoys taking care of people.
Someone who doesn't just look at what is happening today, but is thinking about what this patient will need six months, two years, or ten years from now.
What you'll do
You'll play an important role in both the patient experience and the overall care our patients receive.
- Provide thorough, high-quality preventive hygiene care
- Build genuine relationships with patients and get to know their individual needs
- Partner closely with the doctor on patient care and treatment planning
- Recognize and communicate changes in a patient's oral health
- Help patients understand their oral health and why recommended treatment matters
- Think beyond the routine cleaning and look for opportunities to improve long-term patient outcomes
- Communicate clearly with the doctor and the rest of the team
- Stay organized and keep your schedule moving while still giving patients the attention they deserve
- Take ownership of your role and contribute to the success of the entire practice
The kind of hygienist who will thrive here
We're looking for someone who brings energy to the room.
You don't have to be the loudest person in the office, but we want someone who is engaged, positive, and excited about what they do.
You should be comfortable talking with doctors about your patients. We want you to ask questions, share what you're seeing, and think critically about treatment—not simply wait for the doctor to tell you what to do.
We're looking for a hygienist who is forward-thinking.
When you see something, you say something.
When you notice a patient is starting to decline, you don't wait until it becomes a bigger problem.
When you see an opportunity to improve a patient's health, you help the patient understand it.
And when you aren't sure about something, you collaborate with the doctor rather than making assumptions.
We believe hygiene and the doctor should work together.
The best patient care happens when the hygienist and doctor are on the same page.
We want our hygienists to have a voice in patient care and to feel comfortable bringing their observations and ideas to the doctor. We don't believe in a "that's not my job" mentality.
Your role doesn't end when the patient leaves your chair.
You're part of the bigger picture.
What we're looking for
- Dental Hygiene license in good standing
- Someone who genuinely enjoys patient relationships
- Strong communication skills
- A collaborative mindset with doctors and the entire team
- Someone who is confident discussing patient needs and recommended treatment
- Forward-thinking and proactive about patient care
- High clinical standards and attention to detail
- Positive energy and a great attitude
- Someone who takes ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do
- A desire to continue learning and growing
- Someone who wants to be part of a team, not simply work alongside one
If this sounds like you...
You may be exactly who we're looking for.
We want our patients to feel the difference when they sit in your chair. We want our doctors to know they have a hygienist they can trust. And we want our team to look forward to working with you every day.
If you're a hygienist who cares deeply about your patients, thinks beyond today's appointment, enjoys collaborating with doctors, and brings positive energy to the people around you, we'd love to meet you.
Come meet the team and see if we're the right fit for you.
Pay: $38.38 - $42.24 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
Dental Hygienist
We’re looking for a hygienist who wants to be part of something bigger than a hygiene schedule.
We believe great hygiene isn't just about getting patients cleaned and getting them out the door. It's about knowing your patients, understanding their needs, recognizing opportunities for better health, and working closely with the doctor to provide the best care possible.
We're looking for a Dental Hygienist who brings energy to the team, thinks ahead, and genuinely enjoys taking care of people.
Someone who doesn't just look at what is happening today, but is thinking about what this patient will need six months, two years, or ten years from now.
What you'll do
You'll play an important role in both the patient experience and the overall care our patients receive.
- Provide thorough, high-quality preventive hygiene care
- Build genuine relationships with patients and get to know their individual needs
- Partner closely with the doctor on patient care and treatment planning
- Recognize and communicate changes in a patient's oral health
- Help patients understand their oral health and why recommended treatment matters
- Think beyond the routine cleaning and look for opportunities to improve long-term patient outcomes
- Communicate clearly with the doctor and the rest of the team
- Stay organized and keep your schedule moving while still giving patients the attention they deserve
- Take ownership of your role and contribute to the success of the entire practice
The kind of hygienist who will thrive here
We're looking for someone who brings energy to the room.
You don't have to be the loudest person in the office, but we want someone who is engaged, positive, and excited about what they do.
You should be comfortable talking with doctors about your patients. We want you to ask questions, share what you're seeing, and think critically about treatment—not simply wait for the doctor to tell you what to do.
We're looking for a hygienist who is forward-thinking.
When you see something, you say something.
When you notice a patient is starting to decline, you don't wait until it becomes a bigger problem.
When you see an opportunity to improve a patient's health, you help the patient understand it.
And when you aren't sure about something, you collaborate with the doctor rather than making assumptions.
We believe hygiene and the doctor should work together.
The best patient care happens when the hygienist and doctor are on the same page.
We want our hygienists to have a voice in patient care and to feel comfortable bringing their observations and ideas to the doctor. We don't believe in a "that's not my job" mentality.
Your role doesn't end when the patient leaves your chair.
You're part of the bigger picture.
What we're looking for
- Dental Hygiene license in good standing
- Someone who genuinely enjoys patient relationships
- Strong communication skills
- A collaborative mindset with doctors and the entire team
- Someone who is confident discussing patient needs and recommended treatment
- Forward-thinking and proactive about patient care
- High clinical standards and attention to detail
- Positive energy and a great attitude
- Someone who takes ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do
- A desire to continue learning and growing
- Someone who wants to be part of a team, not simply work alongside one
If this sounds like you...
You may be exactly who we're looking for.
We want our patients to feel the difference when they sit in your chair. We want our doctors to know they have a hygienist they can trust. And we want our team to look forward to working with you every day.
If you're a hygienist who cares deeply about your patients, thinks beyond today's appointment, enjoys collaborating with doctors, and brings positive energy to the people around you, we'd love to meet you.
Come meet the team and see if we're the right fit for you.
Pay: $38.38 - $42.24 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
See All 92 Dental Hygienist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Dental Hygienist JobsDental Hygienist Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in dental hygienist jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee dental hygienist license issued by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry
- Associate or bachelor's degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
- Current certification in CPR and basic life support for healthcare providers
- Proficiency with digital radiography and electronic dental records software
- Experience with patient assessment, scaling, root planing, and preventive care
- Strong interpersonal and patient communication skills for diverse clinical settings
Dental Hygienist Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a dental hygienist in Tennessee?
You must earn a degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and then obtain a license from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Licensure requires passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a clinical board examination accepted by Tennessee. After passing both, you apply directly to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry for your license before practicing in the state.
How much do dental hygienists make in Tennessee?
Dental hygienists in Tennessee earn a median of about $84,640 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $76,190 for the lowest 10% to over $98,300 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire dental hygienists in Tennessee?
Employers hiring dental hygienists in Tennessee right now include PDS Health, Heartland Dental, and Aspen Dental, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Tennessee's mix of large corporate dental groups and independent practices means openings appear in both high-volume group settings and smaller community clinics across the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most dental hygienist jobs?
Chattanooga, Nashville, and Murfreesboro account for the most dental hygienist openings in Tennessee. Nashville drives the largest share as the state's population and healthcare hub, while Memphis supports consistent demand through its established medical corridor and surrounding suburban practices, and Knoxville reflects steady growth tied to its university-affiliated health system and regional patient base.
Are there remote dental hygienist jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Dental hygiene is a hands-on clinical role that requires direct patient contact, so the vast majority of positions are on-site. About 0% of dental hygienist openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be in non-clinical adjacent functions such as dental hygiene education, public health consulting, or corporate training roles.
How can I get hired as a dental hygienist in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to large corporate dental groups in Tennessee, such as Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental, which regularly onboard new graduates and offer structured clinical orientation programs. Community health centers affiliated with organizations like Cherokee Health Systems also hire associate-level hygienists. Holding a current Tennessee Board of Dentistry license, a valid CPR certification, and any clinical externship hours completed during your accredited program gives new applicants a meaningful edge.
Where can I find and apply to dental hygienist jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to dental hygienist jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 92 Dental Hygienist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Dental Hygienist Jobs