Clinical Dental Assistant- Special Needs Clinic

University of Tennessee•Memphis, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, the Clinical Dental Assistant provides specialized chairside and clinical practice support for faculty, residents, and dental students in the Special Needs Clinic. The Clinical Dental Assistant in the Special Needs Clinic supports the delivery of comprehensive dental care to patients with physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities. This role involves preparing treatment areas, assisting dentists during procedures, managing patient comfort and safety, and maintaining strict infection control protocols. This position plays a key role in creating a compassionate, respectful, and accommodating environment for patients with special healthcare needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of an accredited dental assisting program.
Current certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Experience working with patients with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
Knowledge of infection control protocols.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene or a related field.
Experience in a specialized dental clinic setting.
Bilingual abilities (e.g., Spanish).

Responsibilities

Provides specialized chairside and clinical practice support for faculty, residents, and dental students in the Special Needs Clinic.
Supports the delivery of comprehensive dental care to patients with physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities.
Prepares treatment areas.
Assists dentists during procedures.
Manages patient comfort and safety.
Maintains strict infection control protocols.
Creates a compassionate, respectful, and accommodating environment for patients with special healthcare needs.