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Dental Assisting Extern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Culinary Extern, you'll play a vital role in assisting with food production and preparation ... Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage, *Employer Paid: Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability and ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending ... Prepare patients for imaging by obtaining histories, verifying identities, and assisting with ...

Showing results 21-40

Dental Assisting Extern information

See salary details

$13

$23

$35

How much do dental assisting extern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental assisting extern in the United States is $23.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dental assisting extern?

Dental Assisting Externs are students or recent graduates who participate in a supervised, hands-on learning experience within a dental office or clinic. During their externship, they assist licensed dental professionals with tasks such as preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, and supporting various dental procedures. This practical training helps externs apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, develop essential clinical skills, and gain valuable experience needed for future employment as dental assistants.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a dental assisting externship?

As a Dental Assisting Extern, you can expect to gain hands-on experience in a variety of clinical tasks, such as chairside assisting during procedures, sterilizing instruments, preparing treatment rooms, and interacting with patients. You'll also likely observe and assist with dental radiographs, impressions, and record-keeping. Working closely with dentists, hygienists, and office staff will help you develop teamwork and communication skills essential for the dental field. These experiences are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, preparing you for a smooth transition into a full-time dental assisting role.

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

To thrive as a Dental Assisting Extern, you need foundational knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and chairside assisting, often obtained through a dental assisting program or coursework. Familiarity with dental software, digital radiography, and sterilization equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are crucial soft skills that help you adapt to clinical environments and support dental teams. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring patient safety, efficient workflows, and a successful transition from training to professional practice.

What is the difference between Dental Assisting Extern vs Dental Assistant?

AspectDental Assisting ExternDental Assistant
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or completed dental assisting program, may have limited certificationCertified or licensed dental assistant with completed training and certification
Work EnvironmentClinical externship setting, supervised training at dental officesFull-time or part-time dental office employment
Employer & Industry UsageEducational program component, often unpaid or for creditProfessional staff member employed by dental practices

The main difference is that a Dental Assisting Extern is a student gaining hands-on experience during training, while a Dental Assistant is a certified professional working independently in dental offices. Externships are part of education, whereas assistants are employed professionals.

Do you get paid for your dental assisting externship?

Dental assisting externships are typically unpaid learning experiences designed to provide hands-on training and skill development. However, some programs may offer stipends or hourly wages, so it varies depending on the specific externship and organization.
More about Dental Assisting Extern jobs
Infographic showing various Dental Assisting Extern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,849 per year, or $23 per hour.

Lead Dental Assistant - Odessa Brown Dental (1.0 FTE, Day/Eve)

Seattle Children's Hospital

Seattle, WA

$32.07 - $48.11/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Seattle Children's rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic (OBCC) has locations in Othello and the Central District. Services at the clinics include pediatric medical care, behavioral health, dental services, nutrition, sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy and more. Since 1970, OBCC has worked to uphold the vision of community organizer Odessa Brown: to bring quality healthcare with dignity to children from birth to young adulthood in the Central District and south Seattle.

The Lead Dental Assistant serves as an advanced clinical dental assistant and operational resource for the Clinic's Dental Program. This role combines direct patient care with responsibility for supporting daily clinic operations, workflow coordination, staff development, quality improvement initiatives, and operational readiness activities.
Working in partnership with the Dental Clinic leadership team, the Lead Dental Assistant serves as a visible resource for dental assistants and interdisciplinary team members while helping promote efficient clinic operations, standardized workflows, and high-quality patient care. The position maintains regular chair side responsibilities while supporting operational functions that contribute to patient safety, staff effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and overall clinic performance.

Required Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent. Minimum of three years of progressively responsible dental assisting experience. Meets Dental Assistant II eligibility - 3,500 minimum hours worked as a dental assistant in the last three (3) years, AND demonstrated competency using advanced assisting procedures.
Required Credentials
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with the State of Washington Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credentials Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
Preferred
Experience in pediatric dentistry, community health, hospital dentistry, or sedation/anesthesia environments. Previous experience serving as a lead dental assistant, preceptor, trainer, or clinical resource. Experience onboarding and mentoring staff, students, or extern. Proficiency with Epic, Dolphin, Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, and other healthcare technology systems. Experience participating in workflow improvement, quality improvement, or operational initiatives.

Compensation Range

$32.07 - $48.11 per hour

Salary Information

This compensation range was calculated based on full-time employment (2080 hours worked per calendar year). Offers are determined by multiple factors including equity, skills, experience, and expertise, and may vary within the range provided.

Disclaimer for Out of State Applicants

This compensation range is specific to Seattle, positions located outside of Seattle may be compensated differently depending on various factors.

Benefits Information

Seattle Children’s offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 403(b), life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.  Additional details on our benefits can be found on our website www.seattlechildrens.org/careers/benefits.

About Us

Hope. Care. Cure. These three simple words capture what we do at Seattle Children’s – to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible.  Are you ready to engage with a mission-driven organization that is life-changing to many, and touches the hearts of all? #HOPECARECURE

Our founding promise to the community is as valid today as it was over a century ago: we will care for all children in our region, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. Together, we deliver superior patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and serve as the pediatric and adolescent, academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho – the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country.
 
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Seattle Children’s among the nation’s best children’s hospitals. For more than a decade, Seattle Children’s has been nationally recognized in key specialty areas. We are honored to be one of the nation’s very best places to care for children and the top-ranked pediatric hospital in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

As a Magnet designated institution, we recognize the importance of hiring and developing great talent to provide best-in-class care to the patients and families we serve. Our organizational DNA takes form in our core values: Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity and Innovation. Whether it’s delivering frontline care to our patients in a kind and caring manner, practicing the highest standards of quality and safety, or being relentlessly curious as we work towards eradicating childhood diseases, these values are the fabric of our culture and community. The future starts here.

Our Commitment

Seattle Children’s welcomes people of all experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts as this is what drives our spirit of inquiry and allows us to better connect with our patients and families. Our organization recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

The people who work at Seattle Children’s are members of a community that seeks to respect and celebrate all the qualities that make each of us unique. Each of us is empowered to be ourselves.

Seattle Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and Affirmative Action Employer.


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About Seattle Children's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Based in Seattle, Washington, Seattle Children’s comprises a leading pediatric hospital, research institute, and foundation dedicated to the care and cure of childhood illness. The system is internationally recognized for cutting‑edge clinical care in cardiology, oncology, genetics, and rare disease, alongside world-class translational research in areas such as immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1907