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Entry Level Dental Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

dineshchandra makadia

Dental assistant

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Proven experience as a Dental Assistant in a busy clinic environment (Entry-level candidates with strong clinical training may be considered). Technical Skills: Proficiency with Dentrix, Eaglesoft ...

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Joseph Rajabi DDS

Dental assistant

Corona, CA

$18 - $25/hr

This is a great opportunity for both entry-level candidates and experienced assistants looking for flexible hours in a supportive, professional environment. Title Dental assistant Clinical Duties ✔ ...

dineshchandra makadia

Dental assistant

Mira Loma, CA

$17 - $20/hr

Proven experience as a Dental Assistant in a busy clinic environment (Entry-level candidates with strong clinical training may be considered). Technical Skills: Proficiency with Dentrix, Eaglesoft ...

Smile Brands

Registered Dental Assistant

Chino, CA · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Schedule (days/hours) Monday-Saturday (Ivania open to hiring an entry level RDA) Responsibilities * Prepare treatment rooms and sterilize dental instruments * Assist the dentist during procedures by ...

Smile Brands

Registered Dental Assistant

Chino, CA

$23 - $24/hr

Schedule (days/hours) Monday-Saturday (Ivania open to hiring an entry level RDA) Responsibilities * Prepare treatment rooms and sterilize dental instruments * Assist the dentist during procedures by ...

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Entry Level Dental Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$21

$29

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level dental assistant in Riverside, CA is $21.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $23.56 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 Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,967 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Dental Assistant Instructor

Success Education Colleges

Pomona, CA

$22 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Dental Assistant Instructor

Success Education Colleges (SEC) is a family of institutions that includes North-West College, Glendale Career College, Nevada Career Institute, and Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing. For more than 58 years, SEC has provided quality, affordable allied health education, helping students build rewarding careers in healthcare.

Career Site: www.success.edu/careers-with-sec

About the Role

Are you passionate about dental assisting and mentoring future professionals? We are seeking a Dental Assistant Instructor to develop and deliver engaging classroom and laboratory instruction that prepares students for successful careers in dental offices. This role also supports student externships, placement activities, and program development.

Schedule

Monday through Thursday | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Key Responsibilities

  • Teach and supervise students in classroom, laboratory, and dental office training environments.
  • Develop and maintain curriculum, lesson plans, student performance objectives, and program outcomes.
  • Oversee laboratory instruction, ensuring a safe, interactive, and supportive learning environment.
  • Coordinate and supervise student externship sites and training experiences.
  • Assist with student placement activities.
  • Track student progress and submit attendance, grades, training hours, and required reports accurately and on time.
  • Manage program materials and supply requests within approved budgets.
  • Establish and maintain an advisory committee of dental industry professionals, including at least one annual meeting.
  • Attend faculty and staff meetings as required.
  • Follow all college policies and perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a Dental Assistant.
  • Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant Program.
  • Currently certified as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or licensed dentist.
  • Proficient in four-handed and/or six-handed dentistry principles.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of dental procedures, terminology, ethics, confidentiality, records, charts, and forms.
  • Understanding of instructional methods and techniques for entry-level dental assistant training.
  • Knowledge of employment trends and career pathways in dental assisting.
  • Ability to develop educational goals, lesson plans, and student performance objectives.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and classroom management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and effectively engage diverse learners.
  • Experience using audio-visual and instructional technology.

Success Education Colleges is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Apply