1

Oral Health Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$36.50 - $48/hr

Summary The Center for Rural Oral Health Research & Community Engagement's Community Oral Health Integration Navigator (COIN) will be based in MUSC Catawba Regional Health Network serving the ...

$23.63 - $35.49/hr

... complex public health research study; may be responsible for multiple research studies ... oral or written presentations or reports and analyses setting forth progress trends and/or provide ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Oral Health Research information

See salary details

$11

$22

$37

How much do oral health research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for oral health research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Oral Health Research vs Dental Hygienist?

AspectOral Health ResearchDental Hygienist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's or PhD), research certificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, licensure
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, healthcare institutionsDental offices, clinics, community health settings
Industry UsageAcademic, clinical research, public health studiesPatient care, preventive dental services

While Oral Health Research focuses on studying dental health issues through research and data analysis, Dental Hygienists provide direct patient care, focusing on preventive oral health services. Both roles are essential in the dental industry but differ in credentials, work environment, and daily responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Oral Health Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Oral Health Research, you need a solid background in dental science, research methodology, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree in dentistry, public health, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or R), laboratory techniques, and ethical research practices is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help researchers present findings and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for generating impactful research that advances oral health knowledge and informs clinical practice.

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

Professionals in oral health research often encounter challenges such as recruiting diverse study participants, securing research funding, and staying updated with evolving methodologies and regulations. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, building strong relationships with dental clinics, and engaging community organizations can help enhance participant recruitment and study relevance. Additionally, attending conferences, pursuing continuing education, and networking with experienced researchers are effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and advancing in the field.

What is oral health research?

Oral health research is the scientific study of the mouth, teeth, gums, and related structures, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases. Researchers in this field investigate topics such as dental caries (cavities), gum disease, oral cancer, and the links between oral health and overall health. This research helps develop new dental treatments, inform public health policies, and improve oral hygiene practices in communities.
More about Oral Health Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Oral Health Research jobs? Cities with the most Oral Health Research job openings:
What states have the most Oral Health Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Oral Health Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Oral Health Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oral Health Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Oral Health Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Clinical Research Coordinator I - Oral Health Research Staff

Clinical Research Coordinator I - Oral Health Research Staff

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$25 - $33.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 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

152nd of 612 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. CHeSS programs work closely with the Section of Hospital Medicine on multiple clinical research studies.
Job Summary
The position is a Clinical Research Coordinator I - Oral Health Research Staff (CRCI) for POH and other clinical research studies. The Clinical Research Coordinator I - Oral Health Research Staff (CRCI) is an entry level researcher working with the Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. David Meltzer, Co-Investigator(s) and other study personnel, to support and provide guidance on the administration of the compliance, financial and other related aspects of the clinical study. In addition to CRC1, the position will also serve as a Dental Assistant (DA1) at The University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) Dental Research Study Clinic and will be 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.
Responsibilities
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Available to work evening and weekend shifts as well.
  • Available to work at various UCM service areas and different locations across Chicagoland region, including South, West and North suburbs.
  • Accountable for all tasks in basic clinical studies.
  • Uses knowledge of clinical studies to coordinate the collection of analyzable clinical research data and/or samples.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree.

Experience:
  • Knowledge of medical terminology/environment.

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 (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
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$50,000.00 - $65,000.00
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.

What University Of Chicago employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom