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Entry Level Dental Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA

J Alexander's

Server Assistant

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental, vision ... This is a great opportunity to learn from an entry level position and work your way up! We are an ...

Murphy USA

Assistant Manager

Alpharetta, GA

Store commissions - paid monthly * Healthcare- medical and prescription, dental, vision insurance ... This is an entry-level role into management. No management experience is required. We'll provide ...

Murphy USA

Assistant Manager

Lawrenceville, GA · On-site

Store commissions - paid monthly * Healthcare- medical and prescription, dental, vision insurance ... This is an entry-level role into management. No management experience is required. We'll provide ...

Murphy USA

Assistant Manager

Lithia Springs, GA · On-site

Store commissions - paid monthly * Healthcare- medical and prescription, dental, vision insurance ... This is an entry-level role into management. No management experience is required. We'll provide ...

Murphy USA

Assistant Manager

Lilburn, GA · On-site

Store commissions - paid monthly * Healthcare- medical and prescription, dental, vision insurance ... This is an entry-level role into management. No management experience is required. We'll provide ...

Everlight Solar

Human Resources Assistant

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

This is a FULLY REMOTE, full-time, entry level position. Must own a Mac computer and be fluent with ... Dental Insurance * Vision Insurance * Life Insurance * PTO * Sick and Safe Time * Paid Holidays Off ...

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Entry Level Dental Assistant information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$11

$19

$27

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level dental assistant in Decatur, GA is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Dental Assistant, and why are they important?

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.

How to get started as a dental assistant?

To start as an entry-level dental assistant, complete a high school diploma or equivalent, then pursue a dental assisting program or certification, which can often be completed in less than a year. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or on-the-job training and obtaining certification, such as the DANB Certified Dental Assistant credential, can improve job prospects and prepare you for working with dental tools and patient care in a dental office.

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 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.

How much does a dental assistant start out at?

Entry-level dental assistants typically start with an hourly wage ranging from $15 to $20, depending on location and employer. Salaries can increase with certifications, experience, and additional skills such as chairside assisting or radiography.

Is it hard to get a dental assistant job?

Entry level dental assistant positions are generally accessible to those with a high school diploma and relevant certifications, such as CPR. Competition can vary by location and demand, but gaining experience through internships or certifications can improve chances of employment in this field.

What are entry level dental assistants?

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 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.

What is an entry level dental assistant?

An entry level dental assistant is a professional who provides support in dental offices by preparing patients, sterilizing equipment, and assisting the dentist during procedures. Typically, this role requires basic training or certification and offers on-the-job learning opportunities to develop skills in patient care and dental procedures.
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Entry Level Dental Assistant jobs near you
Entry Level Office Assistant

Entry Level Office Assistant

IST Management Services

Alpharetta, GA • On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

IST Management rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 216 rated facilities management

Job description

Overview

The Opportunity: IST is looking for friendly, service-oriented, customer focused people with a passion for excellence. We offer professional training, skill enhancement and opportunities to advance toward supervisor, assistant manager and site manager positions. 

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, 401k, and Paid Time Off

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm - no nights, no weekends! 

Compensation: $17.00 to $18.00 USD per hour

Location: Alpharetta, GA

Who We Are

In business since 1997 with over 1,800 employees, IST Management is a business process outsourcing company with operations in over 38 cities across the U.S. We provide a range of services including e-Discovery processing and hosting, court reporting, collections/forensics, managed review, and managed services. IST Management is a Relativity Certified Provider. We also provide a full range of facilities management and office services.

We've been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. as a winner of the Nation's Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, as well as the HR Professional Excellence Award from the Society for Human Resource Management. We are proud to belong to the Military Spouse Employment Partnership through our nation's Department of Defense and have committed to Hiring Our Heroes' mission to hire 100,000 active and former service members. IST Management has also been included in the INC 5000 list!

You can check out istmanagement.com for more info on us!

Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities

  • Operating and maintaining mailing and copy equipment
  • Shipping & receiving; pick up and deliver mail and parcels to customers
  • Setting up and breaking down of conference rooms
  • Lifting up to 55lbs a times (large bundles of mail, shipments of paper etc.)
  • Handle time-sensitive material and confidential information with urgency and professionalism
  • Demonstrate flexibility in satisfying customer demands in a high-volume production environment
  • Consistently adhere to business procedure guidelines; take direction from supervisor; participate in cross-training; maintain all logs and reporting documentation; adhere to all safety procedures; perform other tasks as assigned
Qualifications

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED required; legal authorization to work for any employer in the US required
  • A valid drivers license, clean driving record and access to reliable transportation to and from work required
  • Customer Service, hospitality, or retail background preferred
  • Professional appearance and demeanor; excellent communication skills both verbal and written
  • Typing and PC skills
  • Ability to effectively work individually or in a team environment; competency in performing multiple functional tasks
  • Ability to meet employer's attendance policy
  • Ability to lift up to 55lbs

IST Management provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability in accordance with applicable law in both the application and employment stages. If you require any accommodation in completing your application for employment, please let us know by informing our Talent Acquisition team at tamteam@istmanagement.com. Please respect individuals reaching out for accommodations by utilizing the contact information only for this purpose. You will receive correspondence directly from your local IST Management hiring team regarding your application submission and status after submission. IST is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, regardless of disability or veteran status.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What IST Management employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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