Dental Assistant II

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Dental Assistant II
Job Title: Dental Assistant II
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Dental Clinical Svs
Posting Number: 20124
Closing Date: 09/17/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $3,095.33- $4,594.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Wichita Falls State Hospital
Job Location City: WICHITA FALLS
Job Location Address: 6515 KEMP BLVD
Other Locations: Wichita Falls
MOS Codes: 4Y0X1,4Y0X2,68E,68Z,HM,HN,HS

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Dental Assistant will work Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Dental Assistant II performs highly complex (senior level) dental assistant work. Work involves assisting the dentist and other dental staff with performing a variety of dental services. Work includes chair side assisting, cleaning, sterilizing, arranging dental instruments; obtaining dental x-rays; ensuring adequate supplies and inventory are kept; accurate documentation/filling/reporting of dental exams/procedures. Scheduling of appointments in house and with outside dental consultants following NTSH administrative policy and procedure 2.33 maintaining cleanliness and orderliness of the dental clinic; reporting all areas of concern including broken equipment or practices. May train others. Works under the supervision of the Dentist with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Cover for the other dental assistant II in Vernon when she is off. May have to travel to Vernon to work while covering.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Assists dentist at chair side during dental procedures and oversees inventory of dental supplies, set up of dental operatories in preparation of dental procedures. Cleans up after procedures in accordance with standards and policies including infection control.

Using appropriate safety protocols, assists with obtaining dental x-rays as ordered by the dentist by accurately positioning patient/bite wings to obtain optimum pictures and limit number of retakes.

Practices proper infection control techniques for preop and post op for dental procedures and for dental instrument processing and sterilization.

Accurately records findings/results of dental examinations on dental forms as indicated by the dentist and documents in the patient’s electronic record (progress notes TX/Consultation appointment scheduling) data that reflects the patient’s visit and/or reason for lack of attending appointments.

Provides dental health education for patients. This includes instructing direct care staff on how to teach patients good oral hygiene. Instructs patients on brushing, flossing and encourages them to seek dental care to maintain good dental health.

Schedules dental appointments in-house as well as outside consulting dentist visits or dental specialist as ordered by the dentist and by following the agencies referral consultation process (administrative policy and procedure 2.33).

Attains high policy and procedure compliance regarding dental examinations and assessments.

Order and maintain inventory of dental supplies needed for treatment of patients.

Maintains all agency’s required competencies/trainings such as, but not limited to TIPS and CPR.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of oral and dental anatomy. Knowledge of fundamentals of physiology.

Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, and materials and their uses; of sterilization methods; of dental x-ray equipment techniques, procedures; of dental terminology; hygiene and prophylaxis.

Skilled in the use of dental tools and equipment; sterilization of equipment; obtaining dental x-rays

Ability to assist dentist and other dental staff in performing dental procedures; communicate effectively; train others; document accurately and collect accurate dental data.

Ability to communicate in a professional manner all members and levels of staff and patients from all backgrounds?

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be registered with the State of Texas Board of Dental examiners and obtained an x-ray certification.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must have completed a TSBDE-approved dental assistant registration course, and pass the Texas Jurisprudence Assessment, or hold a national DANB CDA certification.

Graduation from a recognized and accredited school or dental assistant approved by the Texas Board of Dental examiners is generally preferred.

Experience as Dental Assistant preferred.

Working with special needs patients is preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on us.fitly.work. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.