Specialty Dental Assistant/UKHC

Sky Pediatric Dentistry; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Specialty Dental Assistant for UKHC to support four-handed chairside procedures across pediatric and general dentistry. Responsibilities include patient consent, medical history review, IV setup, radiographs, and instrument handling, with opportunities to assist in operating room rotations.

Minimum HS, with BLS and dental certifications. Role requires attentiveness, strong communication, and the ability to work in a dynamic clinic.

Qualifications

• HS required.
• BLS certification required at hire.
• Coronal Polishing, Dental X-ray and IV Sedation competencies must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Experience with pediatric and general dental procedures preferred.
• Ability to work in a high-volume clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide four-handed chairside assistance for pediatric and general dental procedures.
• Monitor and document vital signs during oral and IV sedation.
• Assist during medical emergencies and medications administration under supervision.
• Pass instruments, prepare operatory, and manage clinical supplies.
• Take radiographs and assist with impressions and intraoral scans.

Skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Customer service

Dependability

Initiative

Education

HS

BLS certification

Coronal Polishing certification

Dental X-ray certification

IV Sedation competency

Expanded duties 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: RE55536

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

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.