Yasir Arafat scored 67 as Kent’s lower order made amends for a poor start to the innings that saw the top five share just 11 runs.
Ryan Sidebottom enjoyed a fine spell in the morning session, bowling James Tredwell for 10 before Stuart Broad had Justin Kemp caught at slip by Adam Voges.
“The ball didn’t do as much today as it did yesterday and I don’t think anybody expected Kent to make 238 against international bowlers when they finished the first day on 70 for 6,” said Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell.
“Ryan’s bowling was tight and tidy and he is always a threat and although Stuart was a little looser it has to be remembered that they are at different stages of their career and he is developing very well.
“The deficit isn’t the end of the world and if we can build from 70 for two and set a target of around 270 to 300 then it will be an interesting chase – it’s fifty-fifty at this stage.”
Geraint Jones was caught behind by Chris Read off Charlie Shreck after adding 34 but after a rally from Ryan McLaren (57), Arafat edged Samit Patel’s slow left-armer to Mark Ealham.
Sidebottom took his fifth and Kent’s final wicket of the innings to leave the visitors all out for 238, 36 runs ahead of the Notts total.
Matt Wood hit seven fours on his way to an unbeaten 50 from 78 balls, helping to take Notts to 106-2 in the second innings at the close of play on day two.