Registered Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Registered Dental Assistant jobs in Tennessee are concentrated in private dental practices, multi-specialty dental groups, and community health centers, with steady demand at every level from entry-level chair-side assistants to experienced expanded-function practitioners. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville are the most active hiring markets, anchored by large employers such as Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center's dental clinics. The most in-demand specialties include orthodontic assisting, oral surgery support, and pediatric dental care. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 78+ Registered Dental Assistant jobs
Overview
As a Registered Dental Assistant, you’ll help keep patient visits comfortable, organized, and safe. You’ll support dentists during general dentistry and specialty procedures, prepare treatment areas, and maintain accurate records while following infection control and clinical confidentiality policies. Your impact: Careful chairside support and clear patient guidance help patients feel informed and enable the dental team to deliver attentive care.
Responsibilities
- Provide chairside assisting and four-handed dentistry during examinations and procedures, including endodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics.
- Prepare and process dental instruments; follow sterilization procedures, aseptic technique, and healthcare infection prevention and control practices.
- Take dental X-rays and support medical imaging, including use of a 3D scanner, as permitted by applicable requirements.
- Record vital signs, update medical records and documentation, and support patient management, including pediatric dentistry and pediatrics visits.
- Assist with dental receptionist tasks, schedule coordination, and patient care; maintain dental equipment and treatment areas.
Qualifications
- Registered Dental Assistant credential and any required state authorization for assigned duties.
- Dental assisting or dental clinic experience; knowledge of dental terminology, medical terminology, and anatomy.
- Familiarity with EMR (electronic medical record) systems and patient management software; Eaglesoft or Dentrix experience is preferred.
- Understanding of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), clinical confidentiality policies, infection control, and infection prevention management.
- Strong communication and organization skills, with a patient-focused approach to general and pediatric care.
Pay: $24.00 - $32.53 per hour
Expected hours: 32.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- On-site gym
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
See All 78 Registered Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsRegistered Dental Assistant Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Registered Dental Assistant Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- PDS Health13
- CHRIST COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES4
- NORTHSIDE FAMILY DENTISTRY3
- Kemp Dental2K
- Schmitt Dental2S
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in registered dental assistant jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee Dental Assistant registration issued by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry
- Radiography certification or documented training to take dental X-rays
- CPR and Basic Life Support certification from an accredited provider
- Completion of an accredited dental assisting program or equivalent chair-side experience
- Proficiency with dental practice management software such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft
- Strong patient communication skills and ability to maintain infection control protocols
Registered Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a registered dental assistant in Tennessee?
To become a registered dental assistant in Tennessee, you must register with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, which oversees dental assistant credentialing in the state. Most candidates complete an accredited dental assisting program at a Tennessee community college or vocational school, then submit proof of education, pass a background check, and meet any required competency documentation. Expanded-function duties, such as taking X-rays independently, require additional board-approved training and certification.
Which companies hire registered dental assistants in Tennessee?
Employers hiring registered dental assistants in Tennessee right now include PDS Health, CHRIST COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES, and NORTHSIDE FAMILY DENTISTRY, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's mix of corporate dental groups and independent private practices means openings are distributed across both large metro dental centers and smaller suburban and rural communities throughout the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most registered dental assistant jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Clarksville have the most registered dental assistant openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads due to its rapid population growth and concentration of corporate dental group headquarters, while Memphis and Knoxville generate consistent demand through large health system-affiliated clinics and established private practice networks that serve their surrounding metro regions.
Are there remote registered dental assistant jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Registered dental assisting is a hands-on, chair-side role that requires direct patient contact, so the vast majority of positions are on-site by nature. About 0% of registered dental assistant openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those tend to involve administrative or care-coordination functions rather than clinical assisting duties.
How can I get hired as a registered dental assistant in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a dental assisting program at a Tennessee community college, such as those offered through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology campuses, and applying to corporate dental groups like Aspen Dental or Heartland Dental, which regularly bring on new graduates for entry-level positions. Candidates who hold current radiography certification and a CPR credential have a clear edge at the hiring stage, and lateral moves from dental receptionist or sterilization technician roles often open the door to chair-side work.
Where can I find and apply to registered dental assistant jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to registered dental assistant jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings from practices and dental groups across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 78 Registered Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs