Dental Assistant/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 24,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists and ensure patients have a positive experience. Responsibilities include preparing patients and treatment areas, assisting chairside during procedures, and maintaining accurate records in Epic.

The Dental Assistant performs essential clinical tasks such as sterilizing instruments and managing supplies, including coronal polishing and radiography.

Qualifications

• BLS certification at time of hire per American Heart Association (AHA).
• Coronal polishing and dental X-ray competencies must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• HS diploma is required; no prior experience is required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Radiography

Coronal Polishing

Two-handed dentistry

Four-handed dentistry

Education

HS

Job description

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

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.
• 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

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;

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.

Equal employment opportunity statement

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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