Specialty Dental Assistant/UKHC
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Job posting number: #7366896
Posted: June 30, 2026
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Required License/Registration/CertificationBasic 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
Monday – Friday, Day Shift; primarily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (40 hrs/wk); other hours/schedule as needed.
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.
This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus: $5000 for 0.6 Full Time Employment (FTE) classification roles or higher with 12 months of experience or greater. Contingent on a 12-month employment commitment. Further details will be discussed during the hiring process.
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.


