Advertisement Closes:

03/06/2026 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:

For anyone questions, please contact HR - jhobbs@purchasehealth.org If you have any questions or would like any more information about this job posting please contact Jake Hobbs at jhobbs@purchasehealth.org.

Description:

Dental Assistant

Location: Paducah-McCracken County Public Health Clinic
Status: 1500–1950 hour position (Full Benefits)
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 while enjoying one of Kentucky's most competitive public benefits packages, this role is for you. Our dental providers don’t just serve, they thrive with:

Holidays & Time Off

13 Paid Holidays including Juneteenth, Veterans Day, and two days each for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
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.

Minimu m 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. (Option to work full 1950 hours offered as well)

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

Kentucky Public Health

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