Dental Assistant

The University of Pikeville seeks a motivated and patient-centered Dental Assistant to support clinical operations within the Tanner College of Dental Medicine. This role is integral to both patient care delivery and the educational mission of the college. The Dental Assistant will work in a predoctoral student clinic, providing chairside assistance to dental students under faculty supervision, while also supporting faculty in their clinical practice. The Dental Assistant supports patient care activities, clinical instruction, infection control procedures, and operational functions at the Tanner College of Dental Medicine clinic in Pikeville and affiliated clinical training sites. This position contributes to a safe, efficient, and collaborative clinical environment that promotes exemplary patient care and hands-on student learning.
Responsibilities:
Provide chairside dental assisting support for faculty, Predoctoral dental students, and patients during a variety of dental procedures.
Assist in the orientation and training of students regarding clinical systems, equipment, and infection control procedures.
Support the clinical education of students by reinforcing proper techniques, infection control protocols, ergonomics, and effective patient communication. Assist faculty in delivering high-quality clinical care within their practice.
Prepare and maintain treatment rooms, instruments, materials, and equipment for patient care activities.
Assist with four-handed dentistry procedures across multiple dental specialties
Ensure proper cleaning, sterilization, storage, and maintenance of instruments and equipment in accordance with established infection control standards.
Independently obtain and process diagnostic-quality radiographs and other imaging in accordance with regulations and institutional policies.
Capture intraoral scans and/or digital impressions or demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn scanning techniques and upload high-quality digital images into patient records.
Take accurate alginate impressions and properly pour and trim study models.
Assist with patient intake, preparation, education, and discharge processes.
Maintain accurate clinical documentation and assist with electronic health record workflows as directed.
Monitor operatory inventory levels and coordinate replenishment of supplies and materials.
Promote efficient patient flow and timely delivery of care within both student and faculty clinics.
Ensure compliance with infection prevention, workplace safety, and regulatory requirements.
Assist with patient scheduling, appointment coordination, and clinic support functions as needed.
Support community outreach activities, mobile dental services, and external clinical rotations when assigned.
Travel to affiliated clinical education and patient care sites as required.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and clinic operational activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Graduation from a CODA-accredited Dental Assisting Program preferred.
Previous dental assisting experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational preparation.
Current certification, registration, or licensure as required by state regulations preferred.
Current CPR certification or ability to obtain certification upon employment.
Knowledge of dental assisting procedures, instruments, materials, and infection control practices.
Familiarity with dental radiography procedures and applicable safety standards.
Experience with electronic health records or dental practice management software preferred.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with patients, students, faculty, and staff in an academic healthcare environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Graduate of a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited Dental Assisting Program.
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential preferred.
Experience in general dentistry and multiple dental specialty disciplines.
Experience in an academic dental institution, community health center, hospital dental clinic, or large group practice preferred.
Familiarity with dental education environments and student clinical training.
Experience supporting community outreach or mobile dental clinic operations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Proficiency in chairside dental assisting techniques and patient care procedures.
Proficiency in infection control, sterilization, and workplace safety standards.
Ability to prepare and maintain clinical operatories and equipment.
Ability to support efficient clinic workflow and patient care operations.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, students, faculty, and staff.
High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
Commitment to excellence in supporting high-quality patient care and clinical education.
The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.
Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 06/24/2026 will be given priority consideration.
Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.
The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.
The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.
For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and contact information for three to five professional references.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No