REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

Christ Community Health Services • Memphis, TN

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

Christ Community Health Services is seeking a bilingual Registered Dental Assistant to provide comprehensive chairside support to licensed dentists and hygienists while helping the dental clinic operate efficiently. This role combines direct clinical assistance, approved expanded functions, patient education, language-access support, scheduling, documentation, supply management, laboratory-case tracking, and other administrative responsibilities. The Registered Dental Assistant helps patients understand dental services, treatment plans, and administrative processes through clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication. The employee must also be prepared to provide coverage at multiple CCHS dental locations as operational needs require.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a Registered Dental Assistant program and expanded-functions education.
• Bilingual proficiency sufficient to provide accurate, culturally sensitive assistance to patients.
• One to two years of experience performing fundamental and expanded duties of a registered dental assistant as outlined by the Tennessee State Board of Dentistry.
• Experience completing dental radiographs and alginate impressions.
• Experience performing clerical and administrative duties associated with a dental office.
• Current registration to practice as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant in accordance with the laws and administrative rules of the Tennessee State Board of Dentistry.
• Current CPR certification.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention while managing recurring clinical and administrative variables.

Responsibilities

• Provide chairside assistance by retracting the patient's cheek, tongue, and oral tissues and managing moisture with suction and air-water syringes to maintain a clear operative field.
• Obtain diagnostic dental radiographs, including exposing and processing images of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding oral structures in accordance with safety standards.
• Assist with clinical procedures by applying topical anesthetics and medications, placing rubber dams, removing excess cement, placing matrix bands, adjusting orthodontic ligatures, and removing sutures as directed by the dentist.
• Perform dietary and salivary evaluations and follow infection-control requirements in accordance with OSHA, CDC, organizational, and clinical guidelines.
• Educate patients on proper oral-hygiene practices and accurately chart oral conditions and treatment in the patient record.
• Maintain and disinfect dental equipment, including flushing and cleaning evacuation systems according to established protocols.
• Complete required clinical and administrative documentation accurately and in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Coordinate patient scheduling and recall appointments to support continuity of care and efficient clinic flow.
• Manage dental supply and equipment inventory, place orders, track usage, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and evaluate products and pricing.
• Track dental laboratory cases and communicate with laboratories to support timely case completion.
• Perform all responsibilities within the authorized scope of practice for a Registered Dental Assistant and in accordance with Tennessee requirements.
• Provide language translation assistance as needed using clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication.
• Help patients understand dental services, treatment plans, follow-up expectations, and administrative processes.
• Support a positive patient experience by reducing communication barriers and improving access to care.
• Perform coronal polishing and mechanically polish restorative surfaces in accordance with established clinical guidelines.
• Place and remove provisional or temporary restorations as directed by the supervising dentist.
• Monitor patient status and comfort during nitrous oxide administration, supporting patient safety and regulatory compliance.
• Apply pit and fissure sealants according to evidence-based clinical protocols.
• Provide coverage and support across multiple CCHS dental locations as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support clinical operations and patient care delivery.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off, including 120 hours during the first year, plus paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Annual paid Restorative Day supporting wellness and work-life balance.
• Mission-driven culture and employee recognition programs.
• Professional development and opportunities to grow within healthcare and dental operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED