Dental Assistant

The University of Pikeville•Pikeville, KY

25d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.