DENTAL HYGIENIST




Purpose of Job


The purpose of this classification is to provide dental health education and dental prophylaxis services to the community at an assigned clinic, local schools, or other locations in Knox County.

Essential Functions


The Dental Hygienist is responsible for the following essential functions:



  • Provide dental prophylaxis services to prevent and control dental diseases and to promote dental health through organized community efforts

  • Performs dental services under direct supervision of a licensed/registered dentist and in accordance with rules/regulations of the Tennessee Board of Health, and all other applicable rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures

  • Develops, coordinates, and conducts school-based dental sealant program activities; meets with school principals to explain program; ensures availability of necessary space and utilities

  • Prepares dental records for each child; coordinates screening of each child by a dental hygienist or oral evaluation by a dentist; coordinates delivery and setup of dental equipment at school

  • Reviews patient health history for any reactions to medications, which might alter of affect dental treatment

  • Prepares patient dental charts reflecting accurate charting of restorations, missing teeth, decay, sealants, diastemas, and other abnormalities such as supernumerary teeth or oral lesions

  • Performs routine preventive dental treatment. Assists in providing other dental care services as directed by department officials or attending dentist

  • Takes, develops, and assists in interpretation of x-rays; determines correct use of angles; ensures proper contact between teeth for diagnosis of decay; educates patients regarding results of x-rays, such as missing teeth, abscesses, bone loss, calculus, or decay

  • Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, or other software programs

  • Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards; maintains an awareness of new treatments, procedures, equipment, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate


Additional Job Functions



  • Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local, regional or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office

  • Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours

  • Perform other duties as required


Minimum Training & Qualifications



  • Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene or closely related field; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving dental hygiene and public health administration; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered for employment into the position

  • Must possess and maintain valid Dental Hygienist License issued by the Tennessee Board of Health; possess and maintain valid CPR certification; participate in annual continuing education classes as required by the Tennessee Board of Health

  • May require possessing and maintain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License depending upon work assignment


Specialized Knowledge



  • N/A


Competencies



  • Basic understanding of computers, printers and other office equipment

  • Must be proficient in Windows OS and Microsoft Office

  • Ability to focus and demonstrate great attention to detail

  • Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team

  • Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives

  • Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility

  • Requires the ability to read a variety of dental and medical documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures

  • Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech; ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice

  • Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria

  • Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information

  • Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs

  • Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with job-related equipment and instrumentation

  • Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc.; ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities; average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination

  • May require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

  • Requires the ability to talk and or hear (talking – expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words) (hearing – perceiving nature of sounds by ear)


Physical Requirements



  • This position requires the ability to engage in moderate physical activity. Must be physically able to operate a variety of dental equipment, dental instruments, x-ray equipment, dental tools, dental/medical supplies, office equipment, computer, telephone, or other job-related equipment. Duties require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 50 pounds).


Occupational Hazards



  • Exposure to body fluids including saliva and blood

  • Exposure to cleaning fluids, disinfecting fluids and chemicals needed for machine operation

  • Exposure to needles and syringes

  • Exposure to radiation

  • Risk of exposure to infectious agents with the possibility of becoming ill


Knox County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Knox County Government may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Posting Start : 10/14/2026

Posting End : 11/30/2026

MINIMUM HOURLY RATE: $32.87