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Lead Dental Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

United States Army

Dental HPSP

Edgewood, NM

$2.3K/mo

By the time you graduate, you're ready to lead medical teams, manage personnel, and make high-stakes decisions--experience most physicians gain after years in practice. * Choice of Specialties: Train ...

United States Army

Dental HPSP

Los Lunas, NM

$2.3K/mo

By the time you graduate, you're ready to lead medical teams, manage personnel, and make high-stakes decisions--experience most physicians gain after years in practice. * Choice of Specialties: Train ...

United States Army

Dental HPSP

Corrales, NM

$2.3K/mo

By the time you graduate, you're ready to lead medical teams, manage personnel, and make high-stakes decisions--experience most physicians gain after years in practice. * Choice of Specialties: Train ...

United States Army

Dental HPSP

Albuquerque, NM

$2.3K/mo

By the time you graduate, you're ready to lead medical teams, manage personnel, and make high-stakes decisions--experience most physicians gain after years in practice. * Choice of Specialties: Train ...

United States Army

Dental HPSP

Rio Rancho, NM

$2.3K/mo

By the time you graduate, you're ready to lead medical teams, manage personnel, and make high-stakes decisions--experience most physicians gain after years in practice. * Choice of Specialties: Train ...

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All JobsLead Dental JobsLead Dental Assistant JobsLead Dental Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Lead Dental Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

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How much do lead dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead dental assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead dental assistant?

Lead dental assistants are experienced dental professionals who oversee the daily operations of a dental assisting team within a dental office or clinic. They not only perform regular dental assisting duties, such as preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, and assisting dentists during procedures, but also take on leadership roles. This may include training new staff, managing schedules, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and acting as a liaison between the dental assistants and dentists. Their role is crucial for maintaining efficient workflow and high standards of patient care.

What does a lead dental assistant do?

A lead dental assistant supports dentists during patient procedures and supervises other dental assistants. As a lead dental assistant, you perform a wide range of tasks like providing patient care, taking X-rays, recordkeeping, and scheduling appointments. You may also develop staff schedules, train dental assistants, and monitor staff performance during procedures. To become a lead dental assistant, you typically need professional training and certification at a community college or vocational school. You must also have prior work experience in a dental office or clinical environment. Additional qualifications include strong leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead dental assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Dental Assistant, you need a thorough understanding of dental procedures, infection control, chairside assisting, and often a dental assistant certification or registration. Familiarity with dental radiography equipment, electronic dental records, and scheduling software is typically required. Leadership, attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to mentor junior staff are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient dental operations, high-quality patient care, and effective team coordination in a busy dental practice.

How does a lead dental assistant typically support and mentor junior dental assistants within a dental practice?

A Lead Dental Assistant plays a crucial role in mentoring junior dental assistants by providing on-the-job training, sharing best practices, and offering guidance on complex procedures. They often oversee daily workflows, ensure adherence to sterilization and safety protocols, and help new team members acclimate to the practice’s systems and standards. Additionally, they may provide performance feedback and facilitate communication between the dental team and clinical staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Lead Dental Assistant vs Dental Assistant?

AspectLead Dental AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsDental Assisting Certification, CPR, possibly expanded rolesDental Assisting Certification, CPR
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff, manages patient flow, assists with trainingAssists dentists, prepares treatment rooms, patient care
ResponsibilitiesLeadership tasks, overseeing procedures, mentoringAssisting with procedures, patient prep, sterilization

The main difference between a Lead Dental Assistant and a Dental Assistant is the level of responsibility. The Lead Dental Assistant typically supervises staff, manages patient flow, and assists with training, while a Dental Assistant primarily supports dentists during procedures and patient care. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Lead role involves additional leadership duties.

How much does a lead dental assistant make?

The average salary for a lead dental assistant in Florida is approximately $20 to $25 per hour, which equates to about $40,000 to $52,000 annually. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the dental practice's size and location.
More about Lead Dental Assistant jobs

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Lead Dental Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Lead Dental Assistant job openings:

Lead Dental Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Dental Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,637 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

DANB Dental Assistant (Coors)

Dental Dreams

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Dental Dreams rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

801st of 891 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Family Smiles LLC desires to hire dental professionals who are passionate about their role in providing healthcare to others. Dental Assistants are a very key and integral part to dental healthcare operations and success. If you are someone who values the skills you have obtained as a certified and licensed Dental Assistant or Oral Radiology Technician, then we would love to welcome you into our dental healthcare family.

Pay: $20-26/hr DOE.

Clinic Hours: M-F 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm.


Your Impact:

  • Day to Day Operations
    1. Provide chairside assistance for Dentists.
    2. Operate oral radiology equipment.
    3. Maintain cleanliness and sterilization of all tools and operatories.
  • Patient Service and Engagement
    1. Assist in explaining treatment plans to patients.
    2. Attentively address concerns patients may have regarding treatment plans.
    3. Provide engaging patient service by acknowledging their questions or concerns.
    4. Ensure quality service is always provided.


Benefits:

  • Professional Career
    1. Will have the opportunity to learn from the some of the best Dentists who have graduated from top universities and Dentistry programs across the nation.
    2. Opportunity for advancement to Lead Dental Assistant or Lead Regional Trainer.
  • Employee Benefits
    1. Medical and Vision Insurance
    2. Free dental treatment at our locations
    3. PTO
    4. 401K
    5. Life Insurance, Pet Insurance and more


Qualifications:

  • State Board issued Dental Assistant or Radiology Certified license
  • Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety Certification
  • Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
  • Full-time availability preferred (Rotating Saturdays)


***Candidates who are in progress of obtaining their DANB certification are also welcome to apply as an OJT, provided you are able to receive certification within 90 days of hire!


KOS Services Inc. / Family Smiles LLC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.


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