Dental Assistant

Advertisement Closes:

09/18/2026 12:00 AM

Pay Grade:

Non-Merit Grade

Salary:

$7.25 - $50.00 Hourly

Time Type:

Full time

Health Department:

Purchase District Health Department

Summary:

The Dental Assistant delivers direct chairside support to the hygiene teams, prepares and maintains sterile treatment areas, and ensures a welcoming, comfortable experience for patients. This role manages clinical workflow, handles basic patient records, and maintains strict compliance with health and safety regulations.

If you have any questions or would like any more information about this job posting please contact Jenny Moore at [email protected].

Description:

Dental Assistant

Location: Paducah-McCracken County Public Health Clinic
Status: 1500 hour position (Full Benefits)

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5
Starting Wage: $19.00/hour (negotiable with experience)
Note: A 5% increase will be applied upon successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.

Why Join Purchase District Health Department?

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact within the community while enjoying one of Kentucky's most competitive public benefits packages, this role is for you.
 

Holidays & Time Off

• Purchase District Health Department’s full-time employees will be given a holiday on the following days: (a) New Year’s Day and one (1) extra day; (b) Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday; (c) Good Friday – One-half (1/2) day (3.75 hours); (d) Memorial Day; (e) Juneteenth; (f) Independence Day; (g) Labor Day; (h) Veteran’s Day; (i) Thanksgiving and one (1) extra day; (j) Christmas and one (1) extra day; and (k) Presidential election day.
• Accrual of 3.5 hours of vacation and 3.5 hours of sick leave per pay period, with vacation increasing based on years of service.
• Up to 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave available within your first year of employment.
• Additional leave opportunities for jury duty, voting, and inclement weather, ensuring you have time for civic responsibilities and unforeseen circumstances.
• Supports a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to manage personal needs, family obligations, and self-care while contributing to public health.
   

Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage

• Low-premium medical insurance plans starting as low as $20.88 per month for single coverage, with additional options for family coverage
• Annual employer-funded allowance, depending on your plan ($500 - $1000) loaded onto a HealthEquity card each year (HRA dollars roll over each year, up to $7,500)
• HRA card can be used for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses, including copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and prescriptions.
• Preventive care is covered at 100% across all plans — annual checkups, routine screenings, and vaccinations are included at no cost
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) available for health and dependent care
• Telehealth and virtual care options are available, often at lower copays than in-person visits. (Including parenting resources, nurse lines, and more)
• Prescription coverage includes tiered copays for generic, brand, and specialty medications; pharmacy expenses may count toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
• All plans include mental health services such as counseling, psychiatric care and behavioral health care
   

Dental & Vision Benefits

• Dental insurance plans starting at $14 per month
• 100% coverage on preventive care (cleanings, exams, and X-rays) when using in-network providers
• Coverage for major services such as crowns, implants, and oral surgery
• Teledentistry available 24/7, giving you remote access to dental consultations anytime
• Vision insurance available for less than $6 per month for single coverage, with family options also available
• $150–$175 allowance for contacts, frames, and lenses, with co-pays as low as $10
• Covers routine eye exams for adults and children, including dilation, when necessary, to support overall eye health
• Discounts on frames, lenses, and contacts for costs exceeding the plan allowance
   

Retirement & Financial Security

• 6% pension contribution through the Kentucky Employee Retirement System (KERS)
• Optional 401(k) and 457(b) plans (employee-funded)
• Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel
• $20,000 of basic life insurance provided at no cost to you, including Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits. You also have the option to purchase additional life insurance for yourself and eligible dependents for enhanced financial protection.
   

Additional Fringe Benefits

These benefits support your physical, mental, and financial well-being:

• Carrum Health: Available under certain plans, access top surgeons and cancer specialists for major procedures, including cancer care, orthopedic surgeries (knee, hip, shoulder, spine), heart surgery, and weight-loss surgery—with most services covered at no cost to you.
• LiveHealth Online: 24/7 virtual visits with doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and lactation consultants
• LivingWell Clinics: In-person or telehealth for annual exams, chronic care, labs, immunizations, and women’s health
• 24/7 NurseLine & Substance Use Support: Get care guidance, provider referrals, and confidential substance use help
• Tobacco Cessation: Free prescription and OTC aids, online or phone-based counseling programs
• Diabetes & Chronic Care: Personalized 24/7 coaching, education, and tracking tools through Lark and DSMES programs
• Maternity & Family Support: Digital tools, prenatal/postpartum guidance, lactation consulting, and newborn tracking.
• Joint & Musculoskeletal Care: Virtual therapy for back, knee, hip, neck, or shoulder pain via Hinge Health
• Acupuncture: Covered pilot program for eligible KEHP members at UK Healthcare
• Behavioral & Mental Health: Online therapy, psychiatry, and coaching through LiveHealth Online, RethinkCare, and Learn to Live
• Cash Rewards & Wellness Incentives: Earn $25–$850. Wellness engagement can reduce premiums by nearly $500

Job Summary

The Dental Assistant will provide preventive dental services and oral health education as part of the Floss and Gloss Program, serving school-based and community settings. This role supports the delivery of dental care, patient education, and program coordination to promote optimal oral health outcomes for the community.

Examples of Work

• Provide preventive dental services under supervision of the Floss and Gloss Program.
• Operate within the structure of state dental practice acts.
• Deliver dental health education and promote oral health awareness.
• Support patients in developing and achieving oral health goals.
• Coordinate patient care and follow-up under program instructions.
• Assist with navigation of healthcare and dental insurance systems.
• Provide appropriate clinical support and documentation.
• Monitor program delivery and outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely records (computer literacy required).
• Participate in staff, community, and statewide workgroup meetings.
• Assist with community events such as Back-to-School fairs and Oral Health Education initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Sound judgment and sensitivity when assessing patient needs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to confidentiality.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient with computers and general office equipment (e.g., phone, copier, fax, interpreter phone).
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
• Capable of working independently and managing multiple priorities.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a Community Health Worker Certificate (required).
• Prior experience in community outreach, health promotion, or patient assistance within a health or social services setting (preferred).

Pay and Schedule

This is a 1500-hour baseline position that includes 60 unpaid contract days spread across the school year to align with the academic calendar and Floss and Gloss Program scheduling needs.

• Full-time benefits are provided.
• Work hours and scheduling may vary based on school calendars and schedule.
• The starting wage is $19.00/hour, negotiable with experience, with a 5% pay increase after successful completion of a six-month probationary period.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join the Purchase District Health Department and play a vital role in improving oral health across our community. As a Dental Assistant, you’ll help bring preventive care and education directly to students and families through the Floss and Gloss Program. If you’re passionate about helping others, enjoy hands-on work, and want to make a real difference in public health—we’d love to hear from you.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D