HS

No Experience required

Basic Life Support (BLS) at time of hire through the American Heart Association (AHA); must obtain Coronal Polishing and Dental X-ray competencies within 6 months of hire.

Constant repetitive motion

Monday Friday, Day Shift; primarily 8:00 am 5:00 pm (40 hours/week); other hours/schedule as needed

This position is located in the College of Dentistry: Turfland General Dentistry

The Dental Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality dental care by assisting dentists and ensuring patients have a positive experience throughout their visit. This role involves preparing patients and treatment areas for procedures, assisting chairside during dental treatments, and maintaining accurate patient records in Epic. The Dental Assistant performs essential clinical tasks such as sterilizing instruments, setting up operatories, managing supplies, and providing expanded care duties, including coronal polishing and radiography.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, this position plays a key role in patient education by explaining procedures, promoting oral hygiene practices, and addressing patient questions with professionalism and empathy. The Dental Assistant contributes to the smooth daily operation of the clinic through teamwork, adherence to infection-control protocols, and compliance with University and UK HealthCare policies. Service excellence and care coordination are integral parts of the role, requiring respectful communication, confidentiality, and collaboration with colleagues to ensure efficient, compassionate, and patient-centered care.

This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus: $3000 for new graduates for 0.9 Full Time Employment(FTE) classification roles or higher only, and 0.6 Full Time Employment (FTE) classification roles or higher with 12 months ofexperience. Contingent on a 12-month employment commitment. Further details will be discussed during the hiring process.

Radiography and Coronal Polishing; two-handed and four-handed dentistry;

Previous experience in dentistry or dental assistant roles preferred.

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.