Dental Assistant/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dental Assistant at University of Kentucky supports high-quality dental care by preparing patients and treatment areas, assisting dentists chairside, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining accurate patient records in Epic.

The role includes coronal polishing and radiography, managing supplies, upholding infection-control protocols, and contributing to smooth daily clinic operations through teamwork and respectful communication with colleagues and patients.

Qualifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) at time of hire through the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Must obtain Coronal Polishing and Dental X-ray competencies within 6 months of hire.
• Preferred experience in dentistry or dental assisting roles.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists chairside during dental treatments.
• Prepare patients and treatment areas for procedures.
• Sterilize instruments and set up operatories; manage supplies.

Skills

Radiography

Coronal Polishing

Two-handed dentistry

Four-handed dentistry

Patient care

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

Basic Life Support ( BLS ) at time of hire through the American Heart Association ( AHA ); must obtain Coronal Polishing and Dental X-ray competencies within 6 months of hire.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements for this position include regularly sitting, standing, walking, with some pushing, pulling, and/or lifting objects weighing up to 10lbs and occasional pushing, pulling, and/or lifting objects up to 50lbs.

Shift

Depends on operational needs of the assigned clinic, generally this is Monday – Friday, Day Shift

Job Summary

The Dental Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality dental care by assisting dentists and ensuring patients have a positive experience throughout their visit. This role involves preparing patients and treatment areas for procedures, assisting chairside during dental treatments, and maintaining accurate patient records in Epic. The Dental Assistant performs essential clinical tasks such as sterilizing instruments, setting up operatories, managing supplies, and providing expanded care duties, including coronal polishing and radiography.
The Dental Assistant contributes to the smooth daily operation of the clinic through teamwork, adherence to infection-control protocols, and compliance with University and UK HealthCare policies. Service excellence and care coordination are integral parts of the role, requiring respectful communication, confidentiality, and collaboration with colleagues to ensure efficient, compassionate, and patient-centered care.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Radiography and Coronal Polishing; two-handed and four-handed dentistry;

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Previous experience in dentistry or dental assistant roles preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/04/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.