Dental Hygienist/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY is hiring a Dental Hygienist to provide direct patient care including prophylaxis, polishing, and periodontal maintenance, along with radiographs and home care instruction. The role requires Kentucky RDH license and BLS certification; the successful candidate will work in a busy clinic, ensuring high standards of patient care.

This position offers a $10,000 sign-on bonus contingent on a 12-month commitment and opportunities to work with diverse patients

Qualifications

• Must hold Kentucky RDH license and BLS certification at hire.
• Experience in pediatric dentistry preferred.
• Four handed dentistry knowledge and excellent patient communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide prophylaxis, polishing, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing.
• Capture radiographs and apply fluoride varnish/sealants as ordered.
• Update medical history, document procedures, and schedule follow-ups.
• Prepare and transport instruments, assist in sterilization and instrument sharpening.

Education

Registered Dental Hygienist license (KY)

Tools

Dental practice management software

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

AS + 0 years of related experience + Registered Dental Hygienist ( RDH ) in state of Kentucky + BLS certification through American Heart Association ( AHA ) Basic Life Support certification at time 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. Constant repetitive motion.

Shift

Monday – Friday Day Shift.

Job Summary

The person in this position will provide direct patient care, including performing prophylaxis, polishing, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planning, patient assessment of hard and soft tissues and periodontal exams. Capture radiographic images, apply fluoride foam and varnish and sealants as ordered by dentist. Provides home care assessment and oral health instructions. Provide clinical support through disinfection, set-up and breakdown of clinical operator, instrument sharpening and equipment maintenance. Prepares and transports instruments for sterilization. Update patient’s medical history and medications. Records vital signs at each visit. Documents treatment performed and enters procedures in the clinical patient management software. Schedule patients for return appointment.

This position is eligible for a Sign-on Bonus of $10,000, contingent on a 12-month employment commitment. Further details will be discussed during the hiring process.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Four handed dentistry knowledge, multi-tasking oriented, dependability, self-starter, organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, timeliness, ability to work with patients of all ages.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Previous experience as a dental hygienist preferred, with pediatric dental experience highly desirable.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/24/2026

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.