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Dental Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Dental Assistant

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $25/hr

Are you an experienced Registered Dental Assistant who takes pride in delivering exceptional patient care? We're looking for a skilled, dependable RDA to join our established private dental practice ...

Join Our Team as a Dental Assistant - Ladera Ranch, CA Ladera Dentistry is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Dental Assistant to join our full-time team. This position offers an opportunity to ...

Dental Assistant

Chino, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Our outstanding dental practice is seeking an exceptional Registered Dental Assistant for an opportunity to join our dedicated team. Who We Are At our practice, we're dedicated to creating a ...

Compassionate Clinical Dental Assistant Needed to Support Exceptional Patient Care At Market Place Dentistry, we are committed to delivering exceptional dental care in a warm, welcoming environment.

Showing results 41-60

Dental Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$21

$29

How much do dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental assistant in Riverside, CA is $21.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dental assistant?

Dental assistants are trained professionals who support dentists in clinical, administrative, and patient care tasks. They prepare patients for treatments, sterilize instruments, assist during procedures, take dental x-rays, and manage patient records. Dental assistants play a crucial role in ensuring dental offices run smoothly and efficiently, helping both the dentist and the patient have a positive experience. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the state and the specific dental practice.

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

To thrive as a Dental Assistant, you need a solid understanding of dental procedures, infection control, and patient care, typically supported by completion of a dental assisting program and relevant certifications such as CPR or radiography. Familiarity with dental practice management software, digital radiography equipment, and sterilization systems is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help build patient trust and ensure efficient workflow. These competencies are crucial for maintaining a safe, organized environment and delivering high-quality support to dentists and patients alike.

What challenges do dental assistants face when managing patient care, and how can they overcome them?

Dental assistants often encounter challenges such as managing anxious patients, maintaining strict infection control protocols, and efficiently handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Building strong communication skills helps ease patient anxiety, while staying organized and proactive ensures procedures run smoothly. Regular training on infection control and teamwork with dentists and hygienists also helps dental assistants navigate their responsibilities effectively.

What is the difference between Dental Assistant vs Dental Hygienist?

AspectDental AssistantDental Hygienist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, dental assisting certificationAssociate degree in dental hygiene, licensure
Work EnvironmentAssist dentists, prepare patients, sterilize equipmentPerform cleanings, patient education, periodontal assessments
Employer & Industry UsageDental offices, clinicsDental offices, clinics, public health settings

Dental assistants and dental hygienists both work in dental settings, but dental assistants support procedures and handle administrative tasks, while dental hygienists focus on patient cleanings and oral health education. Their roles complement each other, with different education requirements and responsibilities.

Is it hard to get hired as a dental assistant?

Getting hired as a dental assistant can vary depending on location and experience, but generally, the demand for dental assistants is steady due to ongoing need for dental care. Having relevant certifications, such as CPR and dental assisting programs, can improve job prospects, and strong communication skills are also valued in the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dental jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Dental jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Dental Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Dental Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Dental Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Dental Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Dental Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,967 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Western Dental & Orthodontics rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

802nd of 889 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview:

As a Dental Assistant at Sonrava, patient care is your #1 priority and focus. Your ability to value and improve the patient experience will play a major role in the delivery of extraordinary dental care. Dental Assistants are a critical part of our mission because they not only support the patient, but they also provide the doctor with valuable assistance on patient procedures. The Dental Assistant has direct responsibility for the patient’s excellent experience while "in the chair," and patient retention overall.
You are unique, and so are we—it’s time you worked with an organization that appreciates you, challenges you, and helps your professional growth with a team of people dedicated to quality, patient care, and leading the industry with innovation.
We are searching for talented people who want to provide excellent customer service for the patient, provide precise support to the doctor, and possess an amiable chair-side manner. Flexibility, analytical skills, collaboration, and follow-up are all needed in our dynamic state-of-the-art practice environment. So how about it?—Are you passionate about an opportunity like this?

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

  • Provide exceptional customer service, with excellent chair-side manner, by making the patient the#1 priority.
  • Be present, engaged and ready to work at all assigned shift times.
  • Take direction from the doctor and/or hygienist(s), assist them with all dental procedures, and anticipate their needs.
  • Take, develop and mount accurate, high-quality radiographs.
  • Review patient charts prior to doctor arrival, log appropriate patient data and health history during the exam and treatment, as well as transcribe the doctor’s notes.
  • Clean, sterilize and prepare the equipment and operatory, per the organization’s procedures and guidelines, prior to a patient’s appointment.
  • Perform efficient and accurate procedures to help maintain the schedule and patient flow.
  • Educate the patients and address their questions and/or concerns.
  • Demonstrate good teamwork to deliver an extraordinary experience for every patient.
  • Partner with the doctors, hygienists, Operations Leaders and support staff to maintain excellent patient service and integrity within the organization.
  • Assist the front office staff in scheduling patients’ follow up visits, as well as tracking the incoming and outgoing lab cases, to ensure quality and timely products.
  • When assigned by the Operations Leader, monitor the level of dental supplies and order using approved formulary.
  • Promote and market Sonrava supported practices services and retail products.
  • Complete checklists as assigned and participate in daily huddles to ensure that every single day flows smoothly.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality through HIPAA compliance.
  • Follow the organization’s safety policies and procedures through OSHA compliance and BBP (Blood-borne Pathogens) federal regulations.
  • Complete all Learning Management System requirements.
Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

  • Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required
  • Current radiography certification required
  • Dental Assistant certification, as required by state, or ability to become certified
  • Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) preferred
  • Current certification to monitor Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia preferred
  • Maintain annual OSHA, HIPAA and Infection Control training

 Skills and Abilities:

  • Experience in a professional environment with direct patient contact preferred
  • Excellent positive attitude and customer service skills
  • Professionalism and integrity in all aspects of the job, including image and both verbal and written communication skills
  • Possess exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills, including conflict resolution skills
  • Strong organization, planning and analytical skills
  • Ability to multi-task and remain calm in a rapidly changing environment
  • Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs as required

 Work Environment and Conditions:

  • Overtime required as approved by Operations Leader
  • Travel as needed for training and to perform job functions
  • Safety procedures and personal protective equipment required to minimize the risks from radiographs and blood-borne pathogens
  • Potential of prolonged sitting and standing

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