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Dental Radiographer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dental hygienist

Penn Valley, CA ยท On-site

$60 - $65/hr

Licensed dental hygienist * X-ray / Radiography Certification Valid California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license CPR and AED certification required X-Ray certification and proficiency in ...

Dental hygienist

Mill Valley, CA ยท On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Open Dental * X-ray / Radiography Certification Current and active Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license in the state of California Proven experience (1-2 years preferred) in dental hygiene ...

Dental hygienist

Sherman Oaks, CA ยท On-site

$48 - $58/hr

Licensed dental hygienist * X-ray / Radiography Certification Valid Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license Proficient with Dentrix software Knowledge of dental scaling and prophylaxis procedures ...

Showing results 21-40

Dental Radiographer information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$40

How much do dental radiographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental radiographer in California is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dental radiographer?

Dental radiographers are specialized healthcare professionals who operate equipment to take X-ray images of patients' teeth, jaws, and related structures. These images assist dentists in diagnosing dental problems such as cavities, bone loss, and infections. Dental radiographers are trained to ensure patient safety by following strict protocols for radiation exposure and maintaining accurate imaging records. They often work in dental offices, hospitals, or specialized imaging centers, collaborating closely with dentists and other dental staff.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a dental radiographer?

To thrive as a Dental Radiographer, you need a solid understanding of dental anatomy, radiographic techniques, and safety protocols, typically supported by a dental radiography qualification or certification. Familiarity with digital imaging systems, dental x-ray machines, and radiation safety equipment is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and patient care skills help build trust and ensure accurate imaging. These skills are essential for producing high-quality diagnostic images while maintaining patient safety and comfort.

What challenges do dental radiographers face in a busy dental practice?

Dental Radiographers often encounter challenges such as managing a high patient volume while ensuring each radiograph meets strict quality and safety standards. Balancing efficiency with patient comfort and minimizing exposure to radiation are daily priorities. Additionally, they must stay up to date with evolving imaging technologies and maintain accurate records, all while collaborating closely with dentists and dental assistants to support patient diagnoses and treatment planning.

What is the difference between Dental Radiographer vs Dental Assistant?

AspectDental RadiographerDental Assistant
CredentialsDental Radiographer license/certification, radiography trainingDental assisting certification, basic clinical training
Work EnvironmentOperates X-ray equipment, works in dental clinicsAssists with patient care, prepares treatment rooms
Employer & IndustryDental offices, clinics, hospitalsDental offices, clinics, hospitals

Dental Radiographers focus on capturing dental X-rays and require specialized radiography certification. Dental Assistants support patient care and office operations but do not typically operate X-ray equipment. Both roles are essential in dental practices, but their responsibilities and credentials differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Dental Radiographer jobs in California?

For Dental Radiographer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dental Radiographer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Dental Radiographer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Dental Radiographer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,539 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

$98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Dental Hygienist provides clerical patient care under the general supervision of the dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. this may include provision of service via phone or Tele Dentistry approach. Shows courtesy, respect and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public. Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English.
  • Education and/or Experience:
    • Education: Applicants must possess an Associate degree or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program. The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved programs are:
    • (1) Dental hygiene programs accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
    • (2) [Education completed outside of the United States must be considered at least equivalent to that gained in CODA accredited United States programs and would enable the candidate to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, which is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.]
    • License/Certification.
    • (1) Licensure. Applicants must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist with a full, current and unrestricted license in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
    • (2) Certification. P.L. 97-35, Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Of 1981, requires persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs for and the Credentialing of Radiologic Personnel. To meet this requirement, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Accredited dental hygiene 2 programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures meets the requirement for certification as dental radiographers.
    • Grandfathering Provision: All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    • (1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
Grade Determinations:
GS-9 Dental Hygienist:
Experience: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level of GS-08 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Employees at this level serve as staff dental hygienists at the full performance level. They provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision from a dentist. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to patient medical assessment (e.g. medical/dental history, social history, vital signs, full periodontal assessment and charting), disease and treatment management recommendations, denture care, scaling and root planning, radiographs/image interpretation, patient education (e.g. post-procedure, tobacco cessation, caries and perio-disease prevention), behavior management, management of stable medically compromised patients (including risk factors), instrument sharpening, inter-service communication.
In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-9 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
i. Knowledge of hygiene procedures to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each
ii. Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films.
iii. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application.
iv. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure.
v. Skill in educating patients and caregivers on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and effects of illness, addictions, medications and tobacco on the oral cavity.
vi. Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities to administer safe patient care.
vii. Ability to assess the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health, recognize age-related changes in individual patients, adapt patient environment, and maximize patient's physical comfort.
Preferred Experience: 1 year of dental hygiene experience preferred.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is 9.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER