Dental Assistant/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dental Assistant position is in the College of Dentistry: Turfland General Dentistry. You will support dentists, prepare patients and treatment areas, and provide chairside assistance during procedures.

You will also maintain patient records in Epic and uphold infection-control standards. Responsibilities include sterilizing instruments, setting up operatories, managing supplies, and assisting with coronal polishing and radiography.

Qualifications

• BLS certification required or eligible to obtain by transition into the job title.
• Coronal Polishing and Dental X-ray certificates required or eligible to obtain within 6 months.
• Experience in dentistry or dental assistant roles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and prepare patients and treatment areas for procedures.
• Chairside assistance during dental treatments.
• Maintain accurate patient records in Epic.
• Sterilize instruments and set up operatories.
• Manage supplies and infection-control protocols.
• Educate patients on procedures and oral hygiene.

Skills

Radiography

Coronal Polishing

Dental Assisting

Two-handed dentistry

Four-handed dentistry

Epic

Tools

Epic

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

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

This position is located in the College of Dentistry: Turfland General Dentistry. 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?

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 11/15/2026

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA), or are you eligible to obtain this by date of transition into the Dental Assistant/UKHC job title?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have current Coronal Polishing and Dental X-ray certificates, or are you eligible to obtain these 6 months of transition into the Specialty Dental Assistant/UKHC job title?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please indicate your paid employment experience in dental assisting.
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years