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Dental Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University of Chicago

Dental Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

We foster innovation and collaboration, as well as excellence in research, scholarship, and ... Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.

University of Chicago Library

Dental Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

We foster innovation and collaboration, as well as excellence in research, scholarship, and ... Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.

Westover Family Dentistry

Dental Assistant

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

We are constantly studying dental research articles and taking continuing education courses so that we may learn about the latest dental upgrades in materials and technology. This enables us to offer ...

UK St Claire

Dental Hygienist II

Morehead, KY · On-site

$33.25 - $43.75/hr

Delivers direct dental services and educates patients on oral health. Ensures compliance with ... research study participants. • Takes initiative to learn and understand clinical research ...

UK St Claire

Dental Hygienist II

Morehead, KY · On-site

$33.25 - $43.75/hr

Delivers direct dental services and educates patients on oral health. Ensures compliance with ... research study participants. • Takes initiative to learn and understand clinical research ...

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Dental Research information

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How much do dental research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental research in the United States is $30.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dental research?

Dental research is the scientific study of topics related to oral health, including the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental diseases and conditions. Researchers in this field investigate areas such as tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, dental materials, and new technologies for dental care. The goal of dental research is to improve oral health outcomes, develop innovative treatment approaches, and expand our understanding of the connections between oral health and overall well-being.

What are the qualifications to get a job in dental research?

The qualifications and skills needed to start a career in dental research vary depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position you wish to pursue. Dental researchers may be doctors of dental medicine (DMD) or doctors of dental surgery (DDS). Lead researchers may have a doctorate (Ph.D.) in biomedicine, bioengineering, or a related subject, and they may have assistance from researchers with bachelors’ or masters’ degrees. For clinical tests, other dental staff, such as licensed dental assistants and dental nurses, may also be on the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in dental research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Dental Research, you need a solid background in dental science, research methodologies, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (like SPSS or R), and compliance with clinical trial regulations is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for producing reliable research outcomes, ensuring ethical standards, and contributing innovations to dental science.

What is the difference between Dental Research vs Dental Hygienist?

AspectDental ResearchDental Hygienist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), research certificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene, licensure
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesDental offices, clinics, community health settings
Industry UsageResearch, academia, product developmentPatient care, preventive dental services
Common Search/ComparisonDental Research vs Dental Hygienist

Dental Research focuses on studying oral health, developing new treatments, and advancing dental science, often requiring advanced degrees and working in labs or academic settings. Dental Hygienists provide direct patient care, focusing on preventive oral health services in clinical environments. Both roles are essential in the dental industry but differ significantly in credentials, work environment, and daily responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in dental research roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in dental research often encounter challenges such as securing funding for projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and methodologies. Navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring ethical standards are also essential yet complex aspects of the role. Addressing these challenges involves developing strong grant-writing skills, fostering open communication within research teams, and participating in ongoing professional development to stay informed about new advances in the field.
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Dental Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dental Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $62,691 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Dental Assistant

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department
BSD MED - Center for Health and the Social Sciences - Oral Health Research Staff
About the Department
The Center for Health and the Social Sciences (CHeSS), founded in 2005, strives to continue the legacy at the University of Chicago for being a leader in both research and training at the intersection of health and the social sciences. We foster innovation and collaboration, as well as excellence in research, scholarship, and training. CHeSS staff supports the writing and submission of grant applications and fundraising proposals, brainstorms and coordinates new research initiatives and projects, and provides expert research methods consultation during formative and operational phases of work.
Job Summary
The position is a hybrid role of a Dental Assistant (DA1) and mobile dental unit driver at The University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) Dental Research Study Clinic. The DA1 is an entry level position responsible for chairside assisting to dental providers providing dental care to patients at the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) Dental Research Study Clinic at its main campus in Hyde Park as well as other study sites, including mobile dental units. The job will also provide driving services and operations support to the CHeSS Program in Oral Health mobile van and related University facilities. Using proficiency learned from on-the-job experience, operates, inspects, maintains, and repairs vehicles, including trucks, buses, and vans. Under a limited degree of supervision, delivers and transports people, supplies, records, and materials.
Responsibilities
  • Helps patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment.
  • Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
  • Schedules clinical appointments with patients in person and over the phone.
  • Asks about the patient's medical history, blood pressure, and pulse.
  • Documents measurements and treatments in the electronic dental record.
  • Positions and passes instruments for dentist's access.
  • Suctions patient saliva and debris during treatments.
  • Maintains patient confidence by keeping information confidential.
  • Provides patients with instructions for oral self-care following dental treatments.
  • Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling).
  • Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
  • Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
  • Adheres to infection control and sterilization procedures and prepare instruments and equipment.
  • Provides instrumentation by working with Central Sterile Processing to sterilize and deliver instruments to treatment area.
  • Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
  • Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
  • Supports, facilitates and coordinates daily study activities while working with investigators and other staff.
  • Educates patients about study procedures to be performed, the study visit schedule, what to report between and during visits, and the risks and benefits of the procedures.
  • Plans and coordinates the schedule for study non-clinical visits and activities.
  • With guidance from study protocols, investigators, and staff, conducts screening and informed consent for potential study enrollees, administer study questionnaires/surveys with study enrollees, collect intraoral images of study enrollees.
  • Protects patients and data confidentiality by ensuring security of research data and personal health information and compliance with federal regulations and sponsor protocols.
  • Prepares for or participate in quality assurance audits under supervision or following specific protocol procedures.
  • Participates in study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
  • Recruit participants for other clinical research studies.
  • Provides services at UCM Dental Research Study Clinic as well as affiliated study sites including mobile dental units across Chicagoland area, including on regular evening and weekend shifts.
  • Drive the mobile unit to community locations, events and healthcare institutions in and around Chicagoland.
  • Prepare mobile unit for deployment, ensure supplies are stocked and sets up at each location insuring proper positioning and safe access for research participants.
  • Take down of the same set up at the end of the shift and return mobile unit and supplies back to the Hyde Park Campus.
  • Ensure routine mobile unit maintenance for mechanical and safety issues are kept up to date according to service schedule.
  • Complete and maintain mobile unit inspection checklists, which includes a pre-trip inspection checklist, and an exterior/interior inspection checklist of the mobile unit before leaving any site.
  • Participates in POH projects as assigned, including participant engagement, participant experience and process improvement projects from inception through planning and implementation.
  • Conduct performance improvement initiatives, such as participating in interdisciplinary improvement teams.
  • Ensure that exam rooms are fully equipped and setup prior to research participant rooming and rooms the patients in coordination with the POH research team.
  • Engage participants, check them in/out, and provide research support once vehicle is parked in the community.
  • Assist with planning and scheduling of community event logistics with community engagement coordinator as well as helps promote a safe experience for staff and participants.
  • Adhere to established standard work and utilize identified communication tools to ensure a consistent and exceptional research participation experience.
  • Under a moderate degree of supervision, provides transportation services to University executives and dignitaries.
  • Operates, inspects, cleans, maintains, and repairs vehicles, including trucks, buses, and vans.
  • Ensures mobile units and vans are in compliance with all safety regulations: i.e. air flow functioning properly, hand sanitizer stations, proper emptying of the waste tank, etc.
  • Assists with and performs various administrative and operational tasks as assigned under direct supervision.
  • Acquires and applies knowledge of clinical studies to collect analyzable clinical research data and/or samples.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
  • Experience as a dental assistant, handling administrative tasks, and maintaining a dental office.
  • Research experience.
  • Previous customer service experience; especially in transportation services.
  • Passenger endorsements with knowledge of routine maintenance/service experience a plus.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • Dental Assisting National Board's Certified Dental Assistant certification.
  • Valid commercial driver's license (CDL A or B) from a US state.
  • Valid CDL.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:
  • Full knowledge of oral health clinical practice including visual identification of oral health disease and adversity, minor and major ailments.
  • Learn and use ICE dental EMR, REDCap, Epic EMR, MouthWatch software, and Dexis software.
  • Familiarity with general business practices.
  • Learn and complete processes of research study participant recruitment.
  • Learn processes and complete processes of administering questionnaires for survey-based research.
  • Read and understand complex documents, e.g. protocols.
  • Handle confidential information with utmost discretion and in compliance with HIPAA guidelines.

Preferred Competencies
  • Work independently and as part of a team.
  • Commitment to providing a high level of service and high degree of professionalism.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Communicate with tact and diplomacy.
  • Absorb large amounts of information quickly.
  • Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
Yes
Health Screen Required
Yes
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Yes
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Range
$21.63 - $26.44
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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