Dental Assistant - Law Family Dentistry - Knoxville, TN

Dental Assistant Position Summary We are seeking a proactive, confident, and highly organized Dental Assistant to join our team. This is a multifaceted position that includes clinical assisting, sterilization/infection control, and administrative responsibilities. The ideal candidate is someone who takes initiative, anticipates what needs to be done, and does not wait to be asked . We value team members who are assertive in a professional and respectful way, communicate clearly, stay one step ahead, and actively contribute to the smooth and efficient operation of the practice. The right person will be comfortable taking ownership of their responsibilities, identifying problems before they become issues, and stepping in to help wherever needed. Key Responsibilities Clinical Responsibilities Assist the dentist efficiently and confidently during examinations, procedures, and treatments. Anticipate the clinic needs and proactively prepare instruments, materials, and treatment rooms. Prepare rooms and equipment before each patient and ensure everything is ready for the next appointment. Assist with patient positioning, suction, instrument transfer, and chairside procedures. Take dental X-rays as permitted by state regulations and training. Prepare dental materials and ensure necessary supplies are available before procedures begin. Monitor patient comfort and communicate concerns promptly to the dentist or appropriate team member. Keep treatment areas organized, stocked, and ready for use without waiting for direction. Identify clinical or workflow issues and take appropriate action or communicate them promptly. Sterilization & Infection Control Take ownership of maintaining an efficient and organized sterilization area. Clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize instruments according to established protocols. Operate and monitor sterilization equipment and maintain accurate sterilization records. Ensure instruments and treatment rooms are properly prepared and available when needed. Proactively monitor inventory and communicate when supplies need to be ordered or replenished. Maintain strict infection-control standards and address potential concerns immediately. Recognize and correct issues with cleanliness, organization, or sterilization processes rather than waiting for someone else to address them. Administrative & Office Responsibilities Greet patients warmly and confidently and help create a welcoming patient experience. Answer phones, schedule appointments, and assist with patient communication as needed. Take ownership of assigned administrative tasks and follow through to completion. Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient information and documentation. Assist with treatment coordination, referrals, follow-up calls, and patient communication. Communicate clearly and assertively with patients. Identify scheduling, supply, or administrative issues and bring solutions—not just problems—to the team. Help maintain adequate office and clinical inventory and communicate supply needs before items run out and restock in efficient mannor. Support the doctor, hygienists, and administrative team wherever needed to keep the day running efficiently. Initiative & Team Expectations Be proactive: Look ahead, anticipate needs, and take action without waiting to be told what to do. Be assertive: Speak up when something needs attention, ask questions when clarification is needed, and communicate concerns professionally. Take ownership: Complete tasks thoroughly and follow through rather than leaving unfinished work for others. Stay one step ahead: Prepare for upcoming patients and procedures and anticipate the needs of the clinical team. Be solution-oriented: When you identify a problem, take reasonable steps to resolve it or bring a proposed solution to the appropriate team member. Communicate: Keep the team informed about patient concerns, supply needs, scheduling issues, or anything that could affect workflow. Help without being asked: Be willing to step outside your immediate duties when the practice or team needs assistance. Maintain high standards: Take pride in cleanliness, organization, patient care, and attention to detail. Work as a team: Be confident and independent while remaining respectful, cooperative, and receptive to feedback. Qualifications Previous dental assisting experience preferred. Dental assisting certification or required state credentials, as applicable. Knowledge of dental terminology, infection control, sterilization, and basic dental procedures. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to multitask and prioritize in a busy dental environment. Strong attention to detail and follow-through. Self-motivated and able to work independently without constant direction. Confident, proactive, and comfortable taking initiative. Professional, dependable, positive, and patient-focused. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is not someone who simply waits for instructions . We are looking for a person who sees what needs to be done and takes action. You should be comfortable asking, “What can I do to help?” but even better, recognizing what needs to happen next and taking care of it. You are confident enough to speak up, organized enough to stay ahead of the day, and responsible enough to follow through. If you are someone who takes ownership, anticipates needs, communicates directly, and thrives on being an active contributor to the team, we would love to hear from you. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $21.00 - $26.50 per hour Benefits: 401(k) Continuing education credits Dental insurance Free parking On-the-job training Paid orientation Paid sick time Paid time off Paid training Profit sharing Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Uniform allowance Work Location: In person

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