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Chair Side Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elevated Smiles

Dental Assistant

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Competent chair-side assistant functions and vital elements of the position. * Be gentle, efficient, dependable, and have great chairside mannerisms. * Able to quickly build rapport with patients and ...

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Chair Side Assistant information

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How much do chair side assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for chair side assistant in the United States is $20.82, 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 Chair Side Assistant vs Dental Assistant?

AspectChair Side AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsOften requires dental assisting certification or CDA credentialTypically requires dental assisting certification or CDA credential
Work EnvironmentAssists dentists during procedures, works in dental officesSupports dental team, manages patient records, sterilizes equipment
Job DutiesPrepares treatment rooms, hands instruments, assists during proceduresPatient prep, sterilization, administrative tasks, assisting during procedures

Both Chair Side Assistants and Dental Assistants work in dental offices, often share certifications, and support dental procedures. The main difference lies in the focus: Chair Side Assistants primarily assist during treatments, while Dental Assistants have broader responsibilities including administrative tasks. Understanding these roles helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Who gets paid more, RDA or CDA?

Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) typically earn higher wages than Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) because RDAs have completed additional training and are licensed to perform more advanced procedures. Salary differences can vary by location, experience, and employer, but generally, RDA certification leads to higher pay in dental practices. Both roles require certification or licensing, and wages are influenced by skills, certifications, and work environment.

What are Chair Side Assistants?

Chair Side Assistants, also known as dental assistants, work directly with dentists during patient examinations and treatments. They help by preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, handing tools to the dentist, and ensuring the treatment area remains clean and organized. Additionally, they may take dental x-rays, manage patient records, and provide support to ensure procedures run smoothly and efficiently. Their role is crucial for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and dental professionals.

What does a chairside assistant do?

A chairside assistant supports dentists during patient procedures by preparing and sterilizing instruments, passing tools, and ensuring patient comfort. They also handle tasks such as taking X-rays, updating patient records, and maintaining a clean treatment area, often requiring knowledge of dental procedures and infection control protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chair Side Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chair Side Assistant, you need a solid understanding of dental procedures, infection control, and dental terminology, often supported by a dental assistant certificate or diploma. Familiarity with dental software, digital X-rays, and sterilization equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient dental procedures, patient comfort, and a safe clinical environment.

What is the highest paying dental assistant position?

The highest paying dental assistant positions typically include specialized roles such as orthodontic or oral surgery assistants, who often earn higher wages due to additional skills and certifications. Lead or office manager roles in dental practices can also offer higher salaries, especially with experience and advanced training.

What are some typical challenges a Chair Side Assistant might face during a busy clinic day, and how can they manage them effectively?

Chair Side Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple patients simultaneously, adapting quickly to changes in the dentist's schedule, and ensuring all instruments and materials are properly sterilized and ready. Effective time management and clear communication with both the dental team and patients are key to overcoming these challenges. Staying organized and anticipating the dentist's needs can also help maintain a smooth workflow, especially on high-volume days.

Why do people quit dental assisting?

People often leave dental assisting jobs due to factors such as physically demanding work, low pay, limited advancement opportunities, and high stress levels. Job dissatisfaction can also stem from poor work environments, long hours, or inadequate support from employers.
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Chair Side Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chair Side Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,296 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Dental Assistant or Registered Dental Assistant (Full Time, 40-hour work week)

Dental Assistant or Registered Dental Assistant (Full Time, 40-hour work week)

Salud Para la Gente

Watsonville, CA • On-site

$21.81 - $30.04/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description:

Salud Para La Gente (SALUD) provides high quality, comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare to underserved low-income communities in the Monterey Bay area, including Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County. We began in Watsonville 1978 as a storefront “free clinic,” and with the ever growing need for health services, in 1992 became a federally qualified community health center (FQHC). Today we are a primary health care network with 12 clinic sites, over 400 employees and continue provide high quality services to patients of all ages.


SALUD offers a competitive salary and a collaborative culture that values excellence, achievement, innovation and compassion.


We are seeking a dynamic, organized and detail-oriented Dental Assistant to assist the Dentist in the provision of dental services to the patients, both front and back office.


Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Chair side assistant to dentist and dental hygienist for chair side procedures, under supervision of dentist and/or dental director.
  • Prepare and develop patient x-rays; labeling of x-rays.
  • Sterilization of all instruments and chair side supplies; maintenance of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
  • Maintain the evacuation system, laboratory equipment, air compressor, evacuation system, and supplies.
  • Inventory control assistant; monitor supplies and ordering.
  • Monitoring of patient charts under supervision of dentist.
  • Assists in management of patient scheduling, patient charts, and recall system.
  • Assists in front office as needed.
  • Perform other front and/or back office duties as deemed necessary.


The ideal candidate will embrace our mission to provide high quality health care to patients of all ages. Possess excellent communication and problem solving skills. This position requires the ability to follow instructions of the Dental Director and/or dentist, assess patients' complaints to determine whether to schedule, to refer to specialist, or to treat as walk-in, communicate effectively and respectfully with all patients, work as chair side Dental Assistant as well as front office for dental clinic, work Saturdays and/or extended shift when required.


Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must possess Dental Assistant certificate from an accredited DA program and X-ray License
  • Knowledge and experience working with dental patients and dental equipment.
  • Knowledge of both front and back office dental procedures.
  • Fluent bilingual Spanish/English
  • Current CPR certification
  • Valid CA Driver’s License and current vehicle insurance; must be able to travel between sites.


DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bicultural candidates preferred


SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary:

  • Dental Assistant: $21.81 - $27.17
  • Registered Dental Assistant: $24.11 - $30.04

Employment Type: Full Time, 40-hour work week

Benefits: available to all regular Salud employees working 24+ hours per week. Part-time employees may receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis.

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Plans
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): 19 days per year
  • Paid Holidays: 12 per year
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
  • 403 (B), FSA for dependent care
  • Voluntary Long-Term Disability

Additional Information:

  • Employees on temporary assignments are eligible for holiday pay and California sick pay, both pro-rated based on hours worked.
  • On-call employees are eligible for California sick pay, pro-rated based on hours worked.



PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Standing, walking, sitting, typing, reaching, bending, moving and/or lifting up to 25 pounds.


Salud is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Salud is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Salud Human Resources Department, [831-728-8250, and HRDept@splg.org].

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