Dental Hygienist/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $10,000

Job summary

The University of Kentucky seeks a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) to provide direct patient care in a day shift, Monday–Friday. Responsibilities include prophylaxis, radiography, fluoride treatments, and patient education within a clinical setting.

Four-handed dentistry, strong communication, and meticulous recordkeeping are essential. Pediatric experience is highly desirable; sign-on bonus of $10,000 is available with 12-month commitment.

Qualifications

• Licensed RDH in Kentucky or eligible by start date.
• Current BLS certification required.
• Four handed dentistry experience preferred.
• Pediatric dental experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform prophylaxis, polishing, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing.
• Capture radiographs and apply fluoride varnish/sealants as ordered.
• Provide home care instructions and oral health assessments.
• Prepare and transport instruments, sterilization setup and breakdown.
• Update medical history and medications; record vitals; document procedures.
• Schedule follow-up appointments for patients.

Skills

Four handed dentistry

Multi-tasking

Dependability

Self-starter

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Timeliness

Child/patient care

Education

RDH license Kentucky

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

Basic Life Support ( BLS ) and Registered Dental Hygienist ( RDH ) in state of Kentucky 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 image. 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 11/09/2026

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 (*).

• * Are you currently licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist in the state of Kentucky, or are you eligible to obtain licensure by your start date?
  • Yes
  • No
• * 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 hire?
  • Yes
  • No