Dental Assistant/UKHC

UK HealthCare; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Dental Assistant for UK HealthCare in Lexington, KY. The role involves preparing patients and treatment areas, assisting chairside during procedures, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining Epic patient records.

The position emphasizes patient education and teamwork in a fast-paced clinical setting. Requires HS diploma, BLS at hire, and completion of coronal polishing and dental x-ray competencies within 6 months.

Qualifications

• BLS certification required or obtained at hire.
• Coronal polishing and radiography competencies within 6 months of hire.
• Experience in dentistry preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and prepare patients and treatment areas for procedures.
• Chairside assistance during dental treatments and maintain patient records in Epic.
• Sterilize instruments, set up operatories, manage supplies, and promote infection control.

Skills

Radiography

Coronal Polishing

Two-handed dentistry

Four-handed dentistry

Education

HS

Tools

Epic

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title Dental Assistant/UKHC

Requisition Number RE55485

Working Title Dental Assistant

Department Name MD100:DENTAL GROUP CLINICAL PRACTICE

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 07

Salary Range $17.50-27.31/hour

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education HS

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience No experience required.

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 Monday – Friday, Day Shift; primarily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (40 hrs/wk); other hours/schedule as needed.

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.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, this position plays a key role in patient education by explaining procedures, promoting oral hygiene practices, and addressing patient questions with professionalism and empathy.

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? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Previous experience in dentistry or dental assistant roles preferred.

Deadline to Apply

08/25/2026

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.