Dental Hygienist and Assistant

Market Range: 10

Hiring Salary:
Salary Commensurate with Education and Experience

Job Description

The Dental Hygienist and Assistant provides comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care to patients while supporting interdisciplinary clinical operations in the College of Dentistry’s Tri-Clinics. This position balances direct patient care with dental assisting collaboration, recall system management, patient feedback initiatives, and community outreach. This position serves as a key contributor to patient-centered care, quality improvement, and community engagement.

• Provides comprehensive dental hygiene services, including prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, sealant application, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screenings.
• Administers local anesthesia and nitrous oxide as permitted by licensure.
• Performs patient assessments, medical history reviews, periodontal charting, and radiographic imaging.
• Assists dentists as needed during clinical procedures to enhance patient flow and efficiency.
• Provides chairside assistance for general dentistry, pediatric, and special needs patients.
• Documents clinical findings accurately in electronic dental records.
• Establishes, maintains, and optimizes an effective patient recall and re-care system.
• Communicates with patients regarding follow-up care, treatment recommendations, and scheduling.
• Participates in community outreach programs, health fairs, and school-based oral health initiatives.
• Delivers individualized oral hygiene instruction and preventive education.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Education: Completion of an ADA-accredited Dental Hygiene program. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
• Experience: Two (2) years of dental or oral care experience.
• License/Certification: TN Board of Dentistry License in Dental Hygiene; CPR Healthcare Provider;
  Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen certification. (COPY OF LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)

• Knowledge of clinical dental procedures, infection control standards, and operatory preparation to effectively support dentists, dental assistants, and students in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills are essential for managing patient recall systems, monitoring preventive‑care compliance, and evaluating patient feedback to enhance service quality and patient satisfaction.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with patients regarding treatment recommendations, scheduling, and follow-up care, as well as to collaborate with administrative and clinical teams.
• Ability to represent the clinic professionally in community outreach settings, provide preventive oral health education, and support mission-driven initiatives is vital.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to team-based care.