1

Dental Assisting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A qualified faculty member teaching didactic courses in the Dental Assisting program meets all three of the following criteria: 1. Possesses an earned baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally ...

A qualified faculty member teaching didactic courses in the Dental Assisting program meets all three of the following criteria: 1. Possesses an earned baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally ...

Showing results 21-40

Dental Assisting information

See salary details

$12

$20

$27

How much do dental assisting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental assisting in the United States is $20.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 chairside assisting, usually supported by a dental assisting certificate or diploma. Familiarity with dental radiography, practice management software, and sterilization equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring patient comfort, efficient dental operations, and adherence to safety standards in a dental practice.

What are some common challenges dental assistants face in a busy dental practice?

Dental assistants in busy practices often manage multiple responsibilities such as preparing treatment rooms, supporting dentists during procedures, and ensuring patient comfort. Balancing clinical tasks with administrative duties, like maintaining patient records or managing supplies, can be challenging. Additionally, working efficiently under time constraints and adapting to rapidly changing schedules are common aspects of the role. Successful dental assistants develop strong organizational and communication skills to thrive in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Dental Assisting vs Dental Hygiene?

AspectDental AssistingDental Hygiene
Required CredentialsDental Assistant Certificate or diplomaDental Hygiene Degree (Associate's)
Work EnvironmentAssist dentists during procedures, prepare treatment roomsPerform cleanings, patient education, and preventive care
Employer & Industry UsageDental offices, clinics, hospitalsDental offices, community health programs
Common Search & ComparisonDental Assisting vs Dental Hygiene

Dental assisting and dental hygiene are both vital roles in dental care, but they differ in responsibilities and required credentials. Dental assistants support dentists during procedures and handle administrative tasks, while dental hygienists focus on patient cleanings and preventive care. Both roles work in dental offices and require specific certifications, but dental hygienists typically have more advanced education and responsibilities.

What is dental assisting?

Dental assisting is a healthcare profession where individuals support dentists in providing patient care. Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, including preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing instruments, taking dental X-rays, maintaining patient records, and assisting the dentist during treatments. They play a vital role in ensuring that dental offices run smoothly and that patients receive high-quality care. Dental assistants may also provide patients with oral hygiene instructions and support administrative functions in the office.
More about Dental Assisting jobs
What cities are hiring for Dental Assisting jobs? Cities with the most Dental Assisting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dental Assisting jobs? The most popular types of Dental Assisting jobs are:
What states have the most Dental Assisting jobs? States with the most job openings for Dental Assisting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dental Assisting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,143 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Adjunct Dental Assisting Instructor

Porter & Chester Institute

New London, CT • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Dental Assisting Instructor – Put Your Clinical Experience to Work

(No Teaching Experience Needed)

Are you an experienced Dental Assistant who’s ready for a change from the fast pace of daily patient care? Looking for a stable, meaningful role where you can share your knowledge without the physical demands of full-time clinical work?

This is your opportunity to stay in dentistry, inspire the next generation of Dental Assistants, and build a rewarding career in education.

We’re looking for skilled dental professionals — not career educators. If you know dental assisting, we’ll teach you how to teach.


What You’ll Be Doing

As a Dental Assisting Instructor, you’ll bring real-world chairside experience into the classroom and lab, helping students connect textbook concepts to what actually happens in today’s dental practices.

You will:

  • Teach dental assisting concepts through classroom instruction, skills lab demonstrations, and hands-on training
  • Demonstrate clinical procedures including chairside assisting, infection control, radiography, instrument processing, impressions, and patient care techniques
  • Share real-world experiences, industry standards, and best practices from modern dental settings
  • Mentor students as they build technical skills, professionalism, and confidence in patient interaction
  • Prepare students for certification and entry-level Dental Assisting roles
  • Evaluate student performance and provide constructive, supportive feedback
  • Participate in paid instructor training and ongoing professional development
  • Work independently while supported by a collaborative academic and administrative team

No lesson plans from scratch. We provide curriculum, training, and instructional support.

Minimum Requirements

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Dental Assistant
  • Certified Dental Assistant through DANB or willing to obtain at time of hire
  • Minimum of a Diploma from a Dental Assisting or Dental Hygiene program preferred
  • CPR certification preferred
  • Ability to use common software programs (MS Word/Excel/Outlook etc.)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Great interpersonal skills

Why This Role?

  • Formal and on-the-job training to transition into teaching
  • Opportunity to shape future dental professionals
  • Continue your career in dentistry without the physical demands of full-time clinical work

If you’re ready to step away from the operatory while staying in the profession you love, this could be the next rewarding chapter of your career!

About our company:

Porter and Chester Institute, a trade school in Connecticut and Massachusetts for 75 years, adheres to one basic vision: to educate and train our students to the level that will make them competent employees. With 9 campus locations throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, we offer training in such trades as Automotive Technology, HVAC-R, CAD, Electrician, Plumbing, as well as Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Practical Nursing and Computer & Technology.

Our support staff, including Admissions, Financial Aid and other administrative professionals, to our qualified Instructors are focused on making the students' experience a fulfilling and enriching one, both professionally and personally.

Click here for more company information: https://porterchester.edu/about-pci

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Part time, as needed hours will vary from term to term