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Dental Assistant Position Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Crossroads Dental

Dental assistant

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Dental Assistant Wanted - Flexible Schedule & Modern Practice! At Crossroads Dental, we've created a modern, patient-focused practice where teamwork and compassion meet cutting-edge dentistry. Our 3 ...

Crossroads Dental

Dental assistant

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Dental Assistant Wanted - Flexible Schedule & Modern Practice! At Crossroads Dental, we've created a modern, patient-focused practice where teamwork and compassion meet cutting-edge dentistry. Our 3 ...

Iowa Dental Associates

Dental Assistant

Knoxville, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

We are looking for a competent dental assistant who will make the dentist's office more efficient and pleasant for patients. You'll ensure excellent customer service and lift administrative and basic ...

Iowa Dental Associates

Dental Assistant

Knoxville, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Description We are looking for a competent dental assistant who will make the dentist's office more efficient and pleasant for patients. You'll ensure excellent customer service and lift ...

Iowa Dental Associates, LLC

Dental Assistant

Knoxville, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Description: We are looking for a competent dental assistant who will make the dentist's office more efficient and pleasant for patients. You'll ensure excellent customer service and lift ...

32 Gentle Dental

Dental assistant

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

32 Gentle Dental LLC - Dental Assistant Join a team where your passion for dentistry meets a fast-paced, supportive environment! 32 Gentle Dental LLC is seeking a skilled and motivated Dental ...

Lifetime Dentistry

Dental Assistant

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Dental Assistant at Lifetime Dentistry Lifetime Dentistry is excited to announce an opening for a ... This full-time position is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to elevate their career ...

Associate Dentists

Dental assistant

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Associate Dentists - Dental Assistant At Associate Dentists PC, we believe in providing exceptional care to our community while fostering a supportive environment for our team. Whether you are just ...

Trail Ridge Dental Care

Dental Assistant

Grimes, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Dental Assistant Dental Experience Required Trail Ridge Dental Care is looking for a Dental ... The position will have access to minimum PHI necessary for performing job-related functions ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant

Ankeny, IA

$20 - $22/hr

When you join our team as a Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job Type: Full Time Salary: $20 - $22 / hour At Aspen ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant

Des Moines, IA

$19 - $24/hr

When you join our team as a Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job Type: Full Time Salary: $19 - $24 / hour At Aspen ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant

Davenport, IA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

When you join our team as a Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job Type: Full Time Salary: $20 - $22 / hour At Aspen ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant

Ames, IA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

When you join our team as a Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job Type: Full Time Salary: $20 - $24 / hour At Aspen ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant

Ames, IA

$20 - $24/hr

When you join our team as a Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job Type: Full Time Salary: $20 - $24 / hour At Aspen ...

Dental Care at The Plex

Dental Assistant

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Dental Assistant Dental Care at The Plex is looking for a Dental Assistant to join our team. Why ... The position will have access to minimum PHI necessary for performing job-related functions ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

When you join our team as a Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job Type: Full Time Salary: $19 - $24 / hour At Aspen ...

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All JobsDental Position JobsDental Assistant Position JobsDental Assistant Position Jobs in Iowa

Dental Assistant Position information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$19

$26

How much do dental assistant position jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental assistant position in Iowa is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dental assistant?

Dental Assistants are healthcare professionals who support dentists during dental procedures, prepare patients for treatments, and handle various clinical and administrative tasks in a dental office. Their duties often include sterilizing instruments, taking dental x-rays, assisting with patient care, and maintaining patient records. Dental Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency of dental practices and the comfort of patients. They may also provide patients with oral health instructions and post-procedure care information.

What does a dental assistant do?

As a Dental Assistant, your daily tasks often include preparing examination rooms, sterilizing instruments, and assisting the dentist during procedures by handing them tools and ensuring patient comfort. You may also take and develop dental x-rays, manage patient records, and provide post-operative instructions. Dental Assistants play a crucial role in maintaining efficient workflow and ensuring that both patients and dentists have a positive experience, often serving as a bridge between patients and the dental team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dental assistant?

To thrive as a Dental Assistant, you need knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and dental terminology, usually supported by a dental assisting certificate or diploma. Familiarity with dental radiography equipment, dental software, and sterilization systems is also important. Strong communication, organization, and a compassionate attitude help you support both dentists and patients effectively. These skills ensure efficient patient care, a safe clinical environment, and smooth dental office operations.

What is the difference between Dental Assistant Position vs Dental Hygienist?

AspectDental Assistant PositionDental Hygienist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, dental assisting certificationAssociate degree in dental hygiene, licensure
Work EnvironmentAssist dentists during procedures, prepare patientsPerform cleanings, patient education, preventive care
Employer & Industry UsageDental offices, clinicsDental offices, clinics, public health settings

The Dental Assistant Position and Dental Hygienist roles share some credentials and work environments but differ mainly in responsibilities and required education. Dental assistants support procedures and prepare patients, while dental hygienists focus on preventive care and patient education. Both roles are essential in dental practices, but they require different levels of training and licensure.

Is it hard to get hired as a dental assistant?

Getting hired as a dental assistant can vary depending on location, experience, and certification, but generally, the demand for dental assistants is steady due to ongoing need for dental care. Having relevant skills, such as knowledge of dental procedures and proficiency with dental software, can improve job prospects. Entry-level positions are often available, but some employers prefer candidates with formal training or certification.

Which dental assistant position pays the most?

The highest-paying dental assistant positions are often specialized roles such as orthodontic or oral surgery assistants, which may require additional certifications and experience. These roles typically offer higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and technical skills involved.

What are popular job titles related to Dental Assistant Position jobs in Iowa?

For Dental Assistant Position jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dental Assistant Position jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Dental Assistant Position jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Dental Assistant Position jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Dental Assistant Position job openings:

Dental Assistant Position jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dental Assistant Position job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,584 per year, or $19 per hour.

Dental Assistant - Pediatric Dentistry

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The College of Dentistry, Pediatric Department is seeking a motivated and compassionate professional to join our team. In this role, you'll provide hands-on support to dentists, dental students, and hygienists as they deliver exceptional care to pediatric and special needs patients. This position offers the opportunity to rotate through a variety of clinical setting providing broad clinical exposure and meaningful patient care experiences. Bring your skills to our collaborative pediatric team - Apply Today!

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to COD-Requisitions@iowa.uiowa.edu 

Responsibilities:

    Assist dentists and dental students with pediatric dentistry procedures ranging from examination to restorative and surgical treatment.
    Dental assist doctors and students in the provision of oral health care to children with developmental disabilities. 
    Dental assist with oral sedations of pediatric patients including the use of nitrous oxide analgesia. 
    Explain/demonstrate DAU concepts and principals to dental students.
    Explain/demonstrate procedures & appropriate oral hygiene products to patients/parents.
    Perform a pumice (rubber cup) prophylaxis for coronal surfaces.
    Expose/process radiographs as requested.
    Restock supplies.
    Dental assist RDH as needed.
    Under OSHA guidelines, prepare instruments for sterilizations and sterilize select instruments as required.
    Perform routine daily maintenance of the dental equipment.
    Explain clinical operation policies and procedures to students, faculty and newly employed dental assistants.
    Set up trays and equipment for pediatric dentistry procedures. 
    Mix materials, pour impressions and trim models as requested. 
    Other duties as assigned.

An advanced starting salary may be possible based on exceptional qualifications.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm
                   May require occasional overtime.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
1.    Successful completion of a CODA accredited dental assistance program or one-year full time equivalency in chairside assistant experience assisting in four-handed method of dentistry.
2.    Must have a current certificate of registration to practice as a dental assistant issued by the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners. (QDA)
3.    Must possess current Iowa certificate of proficiency in dental radiography. (QDA)
4.    May require Expanded Functions (EF-1 and/or EF-2) based on specific needs assigned by provider.

HIGHLY Desirable:
    Experience w/children.
    Fluency in Spanish.
    Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

Desirable:
    Knowledge of dental assisting skills.
    Certified Dental Assistant.


Position and Application Details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a resume (and mark as "Relevant File") to their submission.  3 Names of professional reference may be required at a later date.

Position NOT eligible for University Sponsorship of Employment Authorization.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.  For questions or additional information, please contact COD-Requisitions@iowa.uiowa.edu.

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Dental Assistant
  • Appointment Type: Merit
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 8
  • Starting Salary Minimum: 46604.16
Contact Information
  • Organization: College of Dentistry
  • Contact Name: COD-Requisitions!iowa.uiowa.edu
  • Contact Email: COD-Requisitions@iowa.uiowa.edu

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