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Entry Level Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

River Street Dentistry

Entry-Level Dental Assistant

Plains, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

River Street Dentistry is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a full-time Entry-Level Dental Assistant.In this role at our Plains, PA office, you get to work ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Palatine, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

When you join our team as an Entry-Level Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Salary: $19 - $21 / hour Job Type ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

When you join our team as an Entry-Level Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Salary: $19 - $22 / hour Job Type ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Cicero, NY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

When you join our team as an Entry-Level Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Salary: $18 - $20 / hour Job Type ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Texarkana, TX · On-site

$15.50/hr

When you join our team as an Entry-Level Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Salary: $15.50 / hour Job Type: Full-Time ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Deland, FL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

When you join our team as an Entry-Level Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Salary: $16 - $17 / hour Job Type ...

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How much do entry level dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level dental assistant 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 is an entry level dental assistant?

Entry level dental assistants are professionals who support dentists and dental hygienists in clinical and administrative tasks, typically at the beginning of their careers. Their duties often include preparing examination rooms, sterilizing instruments, assisting during dental procedures, and managing patient records. They usually work under the supervision of more experienced dental staff and receive on-the-job training. Entry level dental assistants play a critical role in ensuring efficient dental office operations and patient care.

What does an entry level dental assistant do?

As an entry-level dental assistant, you have numerous responsibilities in a dental office. You primarily focus clerical and administrative duties, such as scheduling patients for appointments, filing medical records, filling out billing invoices and insurance reimbursement forms, and ensuring that the office inventory is adequate. However, you also have clinical duties in which you assist the dentist with routine tasks. You sterilize tools, prepare the exam rooms, provide suction during teeth cleaning and other procedures, help make the patients comfortable, conduct simple lab tests, and take x-rays and process them.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level dental assistant?

To thrive as an Entry Level Dental Assistant, you need basic knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by a dental assisting certification. Familiarity with dental software, digital X-ray systems, and sterilization equipment is typically expected in this role. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a calm, patient-focused demeanor help you excel in assisting both dentists and patients. These skills ensure efficient dental operations, patient comfort, and compliance with safety standards in a clinical environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level dental assistants during their first year on the job?

Entry-level dental assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment of a dental clinic, mastering infection control protocols, and learning the preferences of different dentists. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the variety of instruments and procedures at first, but most clinics provide hands-on training and mentorship. Building strong communication skills and attention to detail will help you succeed and grow more confident in your role over time.

What is the difference between Entry Level Dental Assistant vs Dental Hygienist?

AspectEntry Level Dental AssistantDental Hygienist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, dental assisting certificationAssociate degree in dental hygiene, licensure
Work EnvironmentDental offices, assisting dentistsDental offices, patient cleanings and exams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon entry role in dental practicesMore advanced, patient-focused role in dental practices

Entry Level Dental Assistants typically require a high school diploma and certification, working closely with dentists to prepare patients and assist during procedures. Dental Hygienists, on the other hand, need an associate degree and licensure, focusing on patient oral health assessments and cleanings. While both roles work in dental offices, Dental Hygienists have more advanced responsibilities and require additional education and licensing.

Can I get an entry level dental assistant job with no experience?

Entry level dental assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as employers typically provide on-the-job training. However, having a high school diploma, basic knowledge of dental procedures, and certification in CPR can improve your chances of securing a job. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn are also important for entry-level candidates.
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Entry Level Dental Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Dental Assistant 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 $42,143 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Entry Level Dental Assistant

Family Care Dental

Fultondale, AL • On-site

$10 - $13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Expanding Birmingham family dental practice needs an entry-level Dental Assistant at our Fultondale office. No experience necessary, we are happy to train the right person. Great pay, and bonuses available! Our office needs an out- going, enthusiastic, team player, that has excellent people skills. If you are a self-motivated people person, come join our team. We have a fun working environment and our number one priority is to satisfy our patients. We are quickly growing and expanding our facilities and employment growth and promotions will be available within our company. Our office is newly renovated, has paperless charting, and digital radiography. We market heavily in the community, so we are expecting to grow quickly.
Skills/ education: Applicant must be proficient in computer skills. Our office is paperless- all patient charting is completed on open dental practice management software. Prior dental software not required. Dental software training will be provided if applicant is hired.
Job duties include taking X-rays, sterilizing equipment, cleaning rooms, and providing support to lead dental assistants. Pay will be reevaluated within 90 days and will increase based on learned skills.
Openings available: Fultondale, and Hoover!
Spanish/English encouraged NOT required. 
Job Type: Full-time