Specialty Dental Assistant/UKHC

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

Job summary

The University of Kentucky's MD100:DENTAL GROUP CLINICAL PRACTICE is seeking a Specialty Dental Assistant in Lexington, KY. The role supports surgical and general dental procedures, including four-handed chairside assistance for orthodontics, restorative, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and implants.

ROTATION to operating room settings possible. Qualified candidates will have a HS diploma and at least 1 year of related experience, with BLS at hire and planned acquisition

Qualifications

• Required Education: HS
• 1 year of related experience
• Background/credentialing requirements include Basic Life Support (BLS) at hire or before start; must obtain Coronal Polishing, Dental X-ray, and IV Sedation competencies within 6 months of hire

Responsibilities

• Provide four-handed chairside assistance for pediatric and adult dental procedures across multiple specialties.
• Obtain patient consent and review medical histories; monitor vital signs during oral and IV sedation; assist during emergencies.
• Pass instruments during procedures and manage clinical inventory and supply orders.
• Take radiographs, impressions, and intraoral scans as part of diagnostic tasks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Customer service

Dependability

Initiative

Education

High School diploma

Expanded duties certificate

Coronal polishing certificate

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

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

Job Summary: 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

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, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI286675175