Specialty Dental Assistant/UKHC

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a Specialty Dental Assistant to provide clinical support for a range of dental procedures, including four-handed chairside assistance for both pediatric and adult patients. You will monitor vitals, start IVs, and assist during sedation and emergencies, working with faculty, residents, and students.

The role requires HS, 1 year of dental assisting, and current BLS, with certificates in coronal polishing, dental X-ray, and IV sedation expected within 6 months of

Qualifications

• HS diploma required.
• 1 year related dental assisting experience.
• Current BLS certification or eligible by date of hire.
• Coronal Polishing, Dental X-ray, and IV Sedation certificates required or eligible within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide four-handed chairside assistance for pediatric and adult procedures.
• Initiate IVs, monitor vital signs, administer medications under supervision.
• Take radiographs, impressions, and intraoral scans.
• Assist during operating room rotations as needed.
• Maintain clinical inventory and supply orders.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Customer service

Dependability

Initiative

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

University of Kentucky

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

Posting Details

Job Title Specialty Dental Assistant/UKHC

Requisition Number RE55538

Working Title Specialty Dental Assistant

Department Name MD100:DENTAL GROUP CLINICAL PRACTICE

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 08

Salary Range $19.00-30.09/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 1 yr

Required License/Registration/Certification Basic Life Support (BLS) at time of hire through the American Heart Association (AHA); must obtain Coronal Polishing, Dental X-ray, and IV Sedation 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

The Specialty Dental Assistant provides clinical support for surgical and general dental procedures performed by faculty, residents, and students. This includes four-handed chairside assisting during pediatric and adult treatments such as orthodontics, restorative, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and implant placement. This position may also be on a rotation to assist in the operating room setting.

Responsibilities include obtaining patient consent, reviewing medical histories, initiating IVs, drawing blood for PRF preparation, and setting up or breaking down operatories. The assistant monitors and documents vital signs during oral and IV sedation, administers medications under supervision, and assists during medical emergencies. Additional duties include passing instruments during procedures, delivering post-operative instructions, escorting patients after surgery, and managing clinical inventory and supply orders. The role also involves diagnostic tasks such as taking radiographs, impressions, and intraoral scans.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Attention to detail and accuracy, excellent communication and customer service skills, dependability, communication, initiative

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience Expanded duties certificate, Coronal polishing certificate, Experience assisting with sedation, and working in the operating room environment. Experience in working with patients with special needs. Knowledge of implant procedures is desirable.

Deadline to Apply 08/30/2026

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

1. * 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
2. * Do you have current Coronal Polishing, Dental X-ray, and IV Sedation certificates, or are you eligible to obtain these 6 months of hire into the Specialty Dental Assistant/UKHC job title?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Please indicate your paid employment experience in Dental Assisting
   • None
   • Some, but less than 1 Year
   • 1 - 3 Years
   • 4 - 6 Years
   • 7 - 9 Years
   • 10+ Years

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter

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