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Dental Assistant Instructor Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

CIA

Culinary Chef Instructor

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$98K/yr

... dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance ... to assist students who have difficulty with studies. Faculty is expected to contribute to the ...

Active Wellness

Swim Instructor

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$19 - $30/hr

Perform routine maintenance of equipment * Assist with keeping the center well stocked and clean ... Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (Full Time) * Health Flexible Spending Account (Full Time) * ...

Active Wellness

Swim Instructor

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$19 - $30/hr

Perform routine maintenance of equipment * Assist with keeping the center well stocked and clean ... Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (Full Time) * Health Flexible Spending Account (Full Time) * ...

CIA

On-Call Teaching Kitchen Coordinator

Napa, CA · On-site

$24/hr

The Coordinator will assist in overseeing the functional space including classrooms, kitchens and ... Provides clear communication with chef instructors and other lead stakeholders regarding missing ...

All JobsDental Instructor JobsDental Assistant Instructor JobsDental Assistant Instructor Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Dental Assistant Instructor information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$9

$26

$52

How much do dental assistant instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental assistant instructor in Santa Rosa, CA is $26.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dental assistant instructor?

Dental Assistant Instructors are professionals who teach and train students to become dental assistants. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate dental procedures, oversee laboratory and clinical practice, and ensure students understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of dental assisting. Most instructors have experience working as dental assistants or dental hygienists and often hold relevant certifications. Their goal is to prepare students for entry-level positions in dental assisting and help them pass certification exams. They may work in community colleges, vocational schools, or private training centers.

What does a dental assistant instructor do?

Your responsibilities as a dental assistant instructor are to teach students in a dental training program the duties of a dental assistant and help them complete their certification program. As a trained and certified dental assistant, you work with students in a dental assistant program to give them the education and tools they need for an entry-level dental assisting position. You teach tasks like the proper cleaning of teeth, identifying and using dental tools, assisting dentists during procedures, and educating patients on appropriate oral hygiene and care. Dental assistant instructors work in colleges, universities, or technical schools as part of the dental department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dental assistant instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dental Assistant Instructor, you need a strong background in dental assisting, a relevant certification (such as CDA or RDA), and experience in both clinical and instructional settings. Familiarity with dental practice management software, radiography equipment, and teaching aids is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors effectively mentor students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure students gain the practical knowledge and confidence needed for successful dental assisting careers.

What are some common challenges dental assistant instructors face when transitioning from clinical practice to teaching?

Dental Assistant Instructors often find that shifting from hands-on clinical work to an educational setting presents unique challenges. Adapting to diverse learning styles, managing classroom dynamics, and developing engaging lesson plans can require new skills and approaches. Instructors must balance teaching foundational knowledge with providing practical, real-world scenarios, all while ensuring students receive adequate support during their clinical rotations. Effective communication and patience are essential, as is staying current with evolving dental technologies and best practices.

What is the difference between Dental Assistant Instructor vs Dental Assistant?

AspectDental Assistant InstructorDental Assistant
Required CredentialsDental assisting certification, teaching credentials (if applicable)Dental assisting certification or diploma
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, classrooms, labsDental offices, clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageVocational schools, colleges, training programsDental practices, clinics, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Dental Assistant Instructor teaches and trains students in dental assisting programs, often in educational institutions, while a Dental Assistant works directly in dental practices providing patient care. Both roles require dental assisting certification, but the instructor also needs teaching credentials or experience in education.

How much do dental assistant instructors make?

Dental assistant instructors typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work in educational or training settings, requiring relevant certifications and teaching skills.
More about Dental Assistant Instructor jobs

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The top searched job categories for Dental Assistant Instructor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Dental Assistant Instructor jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Dental Assistant Instructor job openings:

Dental Assistant Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dental Assistant Instructor job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,179 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Instructor Assistant

Canine Companions

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Maintain and clean kennels, play yards, breezeways, bathing rooms, and other kennel facilities using established cleaning tools and methods.

  • Administer oral and topical medications and treatments to the dogs in the training kennels, including providing daily care and keeping accurate health records.

  • Follow safety policies and procedures to ensure the safety of clients, dogs, self, and group members.

Canine Companions rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 18 rated dog and animal training

Job description

At Canine Companions, we're dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As an employee, you'll help provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our equally strong dedication to our employees.
Our Employee Benefits
We believe in offering a comprehensive benefits package to ensure the well-being and growth of our team:
  • Employer-Paid Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff
  • Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year
  • Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan
  • Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community
  • Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well-being
  • Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress

Employee Testimonial
"Training and teaching. I love watching dogs discover how to complete the tasks that we train. I also love seeing clients learn how to utilize those tasks to increase their independence."
- Senior Instructor
The Instructor Assistant (IA) is an entry-level position located at our regional campuses for those interested in becoming a professional Canine Companions for Independence Instructor. Successful IAs will learn Canine Companions' values and training protocols under the supervision of experienced Instructors.
Key Responsibilities
  • Canine Care & Health Management: Maintain and clean kennels, play yards, breezeways, bathing rooms and other kennel facilities using established and appropriate cleaning tools and methods. Administer oral and topical medications and treatments to the dogs in the training kennels. Provide daily care and treatments to dogs in kennels, including administering prescribed medications. Review and make health observations for dogs in kennels; keep accurate records about dog health and treatments. Assist in maintaining canine health care and well-being.
  • Safety & Compliance: Maintain safety of individual clients and dogs, self, and group by following established safety policies and procedures at all times.
  • Training Support & Program Development: Establish and maintain a positive learning climate by listening to instructions, following directions, asking questions, speaking clearly, and learning the skill sets required for the Instructor Assistant program. Perform special projects as assigned or necessary for the Program Department.
  • Public Interaction & Representation: Maintain professionalism whenever working with constituents. Represent Canine Companions and the Program Department through speaking engagements and tours in a positive and professional way.

Qualifications
To be successful in this role, candidates should possess the following:
Must Have:
  • Ability to follow directions and follow guidelines for feeding, exercising and animal husbandry at all times.
  • Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, time management and organizational skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and oral, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Able to maintain confidential information.
  • Able to work with people with a variety of disabilities.
  • Ability to understand basic training requirements to train dogs according to Canine Companions' standards.

Nice to Have:
  • Prior dog handling, training, and dog health care experience helpful but not required.
  • High School graduate, GED or equivalent experience

Compensation
  • Salary $ 19.25 per hour.
  • Exciting opportunity for growth: This position is the first step in a well-defined career path designed to support your development and success. Employees become eligible for pay increases as they progress, with the first raise awarded upon promotion from Instructor Assistant to Apprentice I-generally at 6 months, based on individual performance.

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment
We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.
The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees.
Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Accommodation Request
If you need accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to the opportunity to succeed.

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