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Associate Dentist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Associate Dental Director

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$133K - $180K/yr

Job Title - Associate Dental Director Department - Dental Reports to - Chief Dental Officer ... Serves as a practicing Dentist working in all Piedmont Health Services (PHS) Dental sites. Minimum ...

Join Our Brier Creek Practice Are you an experienced dentist who loves building real relationships with patients and being part of a community you're proud of? We'd love to meet you. Our Brier Creek ...

Dentist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$750 - $850/day

Are you an experienced dentist who loves building real relationships with patients and being part of a community you're proud of? We'd love to meet you. Our Brier Creek practice is a warm, family ...

General Dentist

Louisburg, NC · On-site

$275K - $425K/yr

GENERAL DENTIST ASSOCIATES NEEDED Sign-on Bonus and Partnership potential for the right candidate! About Lane & Associates: Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile! Our practice ...

General Dentist

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$275K - $425K/yr

GENERAL DENTIST ASSOCIATES NEEDED Sign-on Bonus and Partnership potential for the right candidate! About Lane & Associates: Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile! Our practice ...

GENERAL DENTIST ASSOCIATES NEEDED Sign-on Bonus and Partnership potential for the right candidate! About Lane & Associates: Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile!Our practice ...

General Dentist

Garner, NC · On-site

$275K - $425K/yr

GENERAL DENTIST ASSOCIATES NEEDED Sign-on Bonus and Partnership potential for the right candidate! About Lane & Associates: Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile! Our practice ...

GENERAL DENTIST ASSOCIATES NEEDED Sign-on Bonus and Partnership potential for the right candidate! About Lane & Associates: Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile!Our practice ...

General Dentist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$275K - $425K/yr

GENERAL DENTIST ASSOCIATES NEEDED Sign-on Bonus and Partnership potential for the right candidate! About Lane & Associates: Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile! Our practice ...

GENERAL DENTIST ASSOCIATES NEEDED Sign-on Bonus and Partnership potential for the right candidate! About Lane & Associates: Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile!Our practice ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Dentist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$26.2K

$137.3K

$301.8K

How much do associate dentist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate dentist in Raleigh, NC is $137,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $206,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Dentist vs General Dentist?

AspectAssociate DentistGeneral Dentist
CredentialsDDS or DMD, state licensureDDS or DMD, state licensure
Work EnvironmentDental clinics, private practices, group practicesDental clinics, private practices, group practices
Employer & Industry UsageTypically employed by dental practices or clinicsSame as Associate Dentist, often used interchangeably
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Associate Dentists and General Dentists hold similar credentials and work in comparable environments. The term "Associate Dentist" often refers to a dentist working as an employee or partner within a practice, while "General Dentist" is a broader term for dentists providing comprehensive dental care. In practice, these roles are often used interchangeably, with the main difference being the context or employment status.

What are Associate Dentists?

Associate Dentists are licensed dental professionals who work in dental practices, usually under the supervision or partnership of a senior dentist or practice owner. They provide a wide range of dental services such as exams, cleanings, fillings, and sometimes more specialized procedures. Associate Dentists typically do not own the practice but are employed by the practice owner and may be paid a salary, commission, or a combination of both. This role allows dentists to gain experience, build patient relationships, and sometimes eventually become practice partners or owners themselves.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Dentist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Dentist, you need a dental degree (DDS or DMD), state licensure, and expertise in clinical procedures such as restorative, preventive, and diagnostic dentistry. Familiarity with dental practice management software, digital radiography, and sterilization protocols is also essential. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a compassionate bedside manner help build patient trust and ensure positive experiences. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality care, maintaining patient satisfaction, and adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

What Is an Associate Dentist?

As an associate dentist, you work at a dental practice as a non-owner dentist. In dental associateships, you are either an employee or an independent contractor. Your job duties are the same regardless: examining patients, repairing cavities, and educating patients about oral health. However, as an independent contractor, your responsibilities include setting your hours, managing your appointment calendar, and using and maintaining your instruments. You need strong organizational skills and people skills. The qualifications for a career as a dental associate are graduation from dental school and the completion of a residency program.

What are some common challenges an Associate Dentist might face when joining a new dental practice?

Associate Dentists often encounter challenges such as adapting to the practice’s established protocols, building trust with existing patients, and integrating with the dental team. It can take time to understand the specific workflow, patient management systems, and expectations for productivity. Open communication with senior dentists and staff, as well as a willingness to learn the practice’s culture, can help smooth the transition and foster professional growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Dentist jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Dentist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Dentist jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Associate Dentist jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Dentist jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Dentist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Associate Dentist jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Associate Dentist job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Dentist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $137,267 per year, or $66 per hour.
Associate Dental Director

Associate Dental Director

Piedmont Health Services

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

$158K - $212K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

About Piedmont Health Services

Piedmont Health Services, Inc. (PHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in North Carolina. Dedicated to delivering top-tier, accessible, and inclusive primary healthcare, PHS has proudly served for 55 years and remains the largest community health center in central NC. Operating 11 Community Health Centers, two PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) SeniorCare facilities, and 2 Mobile Health Units, PHS extends its services to residents across five counties, including Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Orange, and Lee.

What's an FQHC?

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) are community-based healthcare providers that receive funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program to provide primary care services in under-served areas.

Job Title - Associate Dental Director 

Department - Dental

Reports to - Chief Dental Officer

Benefits - 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance (Short & Long Term Disability)
  • 403(b) Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • CME (Continuing Medical Education)

About Position:

  • 4 Day Work Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm (position requires 3 clinical days and 1 admin day) 
  • ***This is a Float position that requires travel between all dental sites as needed***

Job Summary - Serves as a member of the Dental Leadership Team and assists the Dental Director in the administration of the dental department. Participates in financial planning, long range planning, dental program policy development and community and interagency relations for the Dental Department. Serves as a practicing Dentist working in all Piedmont Health Services (PHS) Dental sites.   

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education/Licensure: Graduate of the School of Dentistry recognized by the Council on Education American Dental Association.  Licensed to practice dentistry in North Carolina.  Experience as a Dentist in community health center, preferred.

Experience: Two years of experience as a practicing Dentist is required. Must have some experience at the leadership level. Ability to work with, supervise, direct and recruit qualified dental staff. Ability to plan and evaluate patient care policies and dental quality assurance program.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to resolve conflicts, evaluate performance and maintain focus on organizational goals.   

Immunizations: Be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to-date prior to beginning employment. 

Salary Range: $158,185 - $212,588 (commensurate with years of experience)

EEO Statement

Piedmont Health Services, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME