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Chair Side Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Dental Assistant

San Jose, CA

$21 - $27.50/hr

Serves as the dental providers chair-side assistant. Prepares operatories for patient treatment as per the dental providers directions. Sets up, takes and confirms that dental radiographs are ...

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Chair Side Assistant information

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$12

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How much do chair side assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 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, MA or DA?

In dental practices, a Dental Assistant (DA) generally earns less than a Medical Assistant (MA), as MAs often work in medical settings with higher average wages. However, salaries can vary based on location, experience, and certifications for both roles. DAs typically require specific dental training and certifications, while MAs often need medical office skills and certification programs.

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 is the highest paying dental assistant?

The highest paying dental assistants typically work in specialized practices or in regions with higher cost of living, earning salaries that can exceed $50,000 annually. Advanced certifications, experience, and additional skills such as radiography or sedation assistance can also lead to higher compensation.

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 a chair side assistant?

A chair side assistant is a dental assistant who works directly with the dentist during patient procedures, passing instruments, managing patient comfort, and ensuring the treatment area is prepared. They need good communication skills, knowledge of dental tools, and often assist with sterilization and record-keeping.

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 quit dental assisting often due to job stress, physical demands, or limited advancement opportunities. The role can involve long hours, repetitive tasks, and exposure to dental materials, which may lead to burnout or dissatisfaction over time.
More about Chair Side Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Chair Side Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Chair Side Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Chair Side Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Chair Side Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chair Side Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Full Time, and 84% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,296 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

$28.66 - $39.26/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Santa Rosa Community Health rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

FUNCTION: Under the supervision of the Dental Director, Dentist, or Lead RDA the Registered Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center. Serves as dentist's or dental hygienist's chair-side assistant, prepares operatory for patient treatment, exposes and develops dental radiographs, assures that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately documented in the dental record, and participates in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required. The Registered Dental Assistant is also responsible for sterilization, preparation, inventory, and infection control of dental instruments and supplies.

Hourly Range: $28.66 - $34.20 DOE

SPECIFIC TASKS/DUTIES:

  • Serves as the dental provider's chair-side assistant.
  • Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dental providers directions.
  • Takes dental digital radiographs in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department directive and protocol.
  • Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with current certification, state regulation, law and Dental Department directive and protocol.
  • Maintains Dental Department equipment and areas in accordance with manufacturer's directions and Dental Department policy and protocol.
  • Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
  • Assists all dental providers in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.
  • Assists with various clinical and administrative functions as appropriate.
  • Ensures the proper disposal of all materials in accordance with Dental Department directive, center policy as well as state and federal regulation(s).
  • Performs all functions in full compliance with the center's and the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.
  • Participates in patient CAMBRA and Oral Hygiene education sessions.
  • Participates in ongoing training.
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Current California state Registered Dental Assistant Certification.
  • Completion of accredited course in dental assisting and minimum one year experience as a Dental Assistant preferred.
  • Current Coronal polish and Sealant certificates preferred.
  • Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • California Radiation Safety Certificate.
  • BLS (CPR) Certification required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

  • Requires a comprehensive knowledge of primary dental care in outpatient settings.
  • Computer literacy required; familiarity with the use of clinical software such as Dentrix and Microsoft Windows.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to follow directions and communicate effectively in both English and Spanish preferred.
  • Sensitivity to the needs and situations of a multi-cultural, low-income population and a desire to work with this population.
  • Excellent communication and people skills.

SRCH is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Use standard office equipment and access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Use computer keyboard with manual and finger dexterity and wrist-finger speed sufficient to perform repetitive actions efficiently for extended periods of time.
  • Communicate effectively in person or via telephone in a manner which can be understood by those with whom the person is speaking, including a diverse population.
  • Give and follow verbal and written instructions with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Perform complex mental functions and basic arithmetic functions; interpret complex laws, regulations, and policies; collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information.
  • Vision: see details of objects at close range.
  • Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Reach forward, up, down, and to the side.
  • Sit or stand for minimum periods of one hour at a time and come and go from the work area repeatedly throughout the day.
  • Lift up to twenty (20) pounds.

SRCHprovides reasonable accommodation for individuals with a physical or mental disability to apply for jobs and to perform the essential functions of their jobs unless it would cause an undue hardship