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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 ...

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Dental Assisting information

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How much do dental assisting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,143 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Part-time Instructor: Dental Assisting

Colorado Community College System Career Site

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Title: Part-time Instructor: Dental Assisting

Position Type: Instructor

College: Pikes Peak State College

Location: Colorado Springs

Salary Range: 81.66 per contact hour

Who We Are:

Pikes Peak State College is the largest and most diverse college in the Pikes Peak region, serving students with a wide range of goals, experiences, and responsibilities. Our students include recent high school graduates, working adults, military-affiliated students, parents, first-generation students, career changers, transfer students, and lifelong learners.
Our mission is to provide high-quality educational opportunities to all, with a focus on student success and community needs. We fulfill that mission by creating affordable, flexible, and accessible pathways that help students transfer to four-year institutions, enter the workforce, advance their careers, and build better futures close to home.
As the needs of our students, employers, and communities continue to evolve, so do we. PPSC embraces innovation that is human-centered, ethical, and focused on student learning. Through strong workforce partnerships and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, we prepare students not only for today's opportunities, but for what's next.
We're looking for people who are passionate about access, collaboration, innovation, and student success. Whether you work in the classroom or behind the scenes, your contributions help create opportunities that change lives.
At PPSC, our vision is simple: Students Succeed at PPSC.

Job Summary:

Part-time instructor positions (as defined by State Board Policy, BP 3-10) exist to create and maintain a teaching and learning environment that empowers students to be successful. Part-time instructors work under the direction of their respective Department Chair, Associate Dean, or Division Dean. 
The PPSC Dental Center is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest equipment and simulation technology to be the state leader in modern dental hygiene and dental assisting education. The part-time instructor, in collaboration with the Dental Assisting Department Chair and other faculty, will be integral in the success of the program. Consistent with the Dental Assisting Program values of community built on learning, mutual respect, and diversity, the candidate should demonstrate strong skills in team building and collaboration across the dental and health sciences disciplines. The ideal candidate will be a welcoming and enthusiastic individual focused on student success by incorporating an innovative teaching approach.
Pikes Peak State College maintains a pool of qualified part-time instructors. Part-time instructors will be selected to support departmental requirements. Part-time instructors may be employed to teach courses, conduct presentations or other service activities when current instructors and faculty are not available.
Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.  All work must be performed in the State of Colorado.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Instruction and Student Engagement
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to effective teaching and student learning.
• Employs a variety of evidence-based instructional strategies to support diverse learning styles and levels of student motivation.
• Uses flexible, inclusive, and student-centered teaching approaches to promote engagement and academic success.
• Encourages students to set and achieve academic and professional goals.
• Relates course content to real-world dental assisting practice.
• Maintains a positive, respectful, and empathetic learning environment that supports student success.
Classroom, Laboratory, Pre-Clinical, and Clinical Performance
• Plans, organizes, and delivers course content aligned with approved course objectives and program outcomes.
• Communicates course material clearly and effectively in classroom, laboratory, preclinical, and clinical settings.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for both the subject matter and the faculty role.
• Integrates instructional technology and learning management systems to enhance student learning and competency development.
• Maintains appropriate classroom and clinical order, professionalism, infection control, and safety standards.
• Practices resource conservation by avoiding the wasteful use of supplies, utilities, equipment and other resources.
• Instructs and supervises students in the practice of resource conservation.
Course Materials, Preparation, and Assessment
• Develops, maintains, and updates course syllabi in accordance with College, State, and CODA requirements.
• Collaborates with the Dental Assisting Department Chair to develop and maintain laboratory, preclinical, and clinical schedules.
• Reviews and updates course materials to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current professional standards.
• Clearly communicates course objectives, expectations, grading criteria, and evaluation methods to students in writing.
• Utilizes appropriate assessment strategies aligned with course content and learning outcomes.
• Incorporates supplemental instructional resources and technology to support student learning.
• Participates in department and college-level assessment of student learning outcomes as required.
Student Support and Instructional Management
• Maintains accurate, timely, and confidential student records in accordance with College policies and procedures.
• Meets all assigned classes and instructional responsibilities as scheduled.
• Submits required reports, documentation, and instructional materials in a timely manner.
• Attends required department, and calibration meetings.
Professionalism and Collaboration
• Maintains current knowledge of discipline-specific practices, licensure requirements, and pedagogical best practices.
• Collaborates effectively and professionally with faculty, staff, administrators, and clinical partners.
• Communicates respectfully and constructively when problem-solving or addressing concerns.
• Works to resolve conflicts in an atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism.
• Contributes to a collegial, inclusive, and student-centered educational environment.
Program, Department, and College Contributions
• Assists with curriculum review, revision, development, and implementation within the department.
• Supports the development and maintenance of course outlines and syllabi.
• Supports and participates in program advisory committee activities as appropriate.
• Supports the development and implementation of alternative instructional delivery methods (e.g., online or hybrid formats) as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Dental Center Director, Dean, Vice President for Instructional Services, or College President.

Competencies/KSAs:

Demonstrates ability to plan, organize, and deliver appropriate curriculum.
Demonstrates ability to employ qualitative and quantitative analytical skills in the classroom.
Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrates ability to maintain accurate written student records as required by policy and procedure.
Demonstrates ability to inform students of all course requirements.
Demonstrates ability to evaluate students and offer feedback on a continuing basis.
Demonstrates ability to relate to student concerns and maintain open communication.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Demonstrated three years of experience as a restorative assistant.
Demonstrated three years of experience with CAD CAM crown design, milling and seating.
Current CPR certification.
Must possess or be eligible to obtain a Colorado Career and Technical Education Teaching Credential.
Must possess strong proficiency in various dental related technologies and software programs or the ability and willingness to train in these areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated five years of experience as a restorative assistant.
Demonstrated five years of experience with CAD CAM crown design, milling and seating.
One year of year of post-secondary teaching or tutoring experience.

Selection Process:

Prior submission of application materials will not be considered. 
Visa support is not available for this position.
Part-time instructors are hired to teach on a temporary, as needed basis. Instructors may be employed per academic semester. Instructors are at-will and subject to the terms of their appointment.
Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.  

Application Instructions: 

Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:
Cover letter - Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
Resume - Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.  
Unofficial Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred.  Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.  
Professional References - Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.