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Student Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Student Loan Repayment for RDA's * + MORE Schedule: * Full-Time or Part-Time If you're looking for a practice that values teamwork, professionalism, and patient care--and where you can build a ...

Student Loan Repayment for RDA's * + MORE Schedule: * Full-Time or Part-Time If you're looking for a practice that values teamwork, professionalism, and patient care--and where you can build a ...

Dental Assistant - Star City Dental | Lincoln, NE Prior DENTAL experience is REQUIRED! Star City ... Student loan repayment assistance * Paid continuing education * Paid uniform allowance * Referral ...

Student Loan Repayment for RDA's * + MORE Schedule: * Full-Time or Part-Time If you're looking for a practice that values teamwork, professionalism, and patient care--and where you can build a ...

Student Loan Repayment for RDA's * + MORE Schedule: * Full-Time or Part-Time If you're looking for a practice that values teamwork, professionalism, and patient care--and where you can build a ...

Showing results 21-40

Student Dental Assistant information

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$12

$20

$27

How much do student dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for student 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 a student dental assistant?

Student dental assistants are individuals who are currently enrolled in a dental assisting program and work in dental offices or clinics as part of their training. They support dentists and dental hygienists by preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, and assisting during dental procedures. This hands-on experience helps students gain practical skills and fulfill requirements needed to become certified dental assistants after graduation.

What are the typical responsibilities of a student dental assistant?

As a Student Dental Assistant, you will be involved in a variety of hands-on tasks during your clinical rotations, such as preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, assisting dentists during procedures, taking dental impressions, and providing patient education on oral hygiene. You may also handle administrative duties like scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. These experiences are designed to build your practical skills, help you adapt to the pace of a dental office, and prepare you for working as a fully qualified dental assistant after graduation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student dental assistant?

To thrive as a Student Dental Assistant, you need a basic understanding of dental terminology, infection control, and chairside assisting techniques, often obtained through a dental assisting program or on-the-job training. Familiarity with dental instruments, digital radiography, and patient management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a willingness to learn help set individuals apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting dental procedures efficiently, ensuring patient comfort, and maintaining a safe clinical environment.

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

AspectStudent Dental AssistantDental Assistant
CredentialsTypically in training or enrolled in dental assisting programsCertified or licensed, with completed training
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, dental schools, or internshipsDental offices, clinics, or hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions or training programsPrivate practices, dental clinics, healthcare facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles or training statusCompared for professional, paid roles in dentistry

In summary, a Student Dental Assistant is typically in training or education, gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while a Dental Assistant is a certified professional working independently in dental practices. The main difference lies in certification status and work experience.

Can a college student work as a student dental assistant?

Yes, college students can work as student dental assistants if they meet the required age, educational prerequisites, and obtain necessary certifications such as CPR or dental assisting courses. Employers often seek candidates with good communication skills and a willingness to learn about dental procedures and tools. Scheduling may be flexible around class commitments, and some positions require prior training or on-the-job instruction.

Can you be a student dental assistant without any experience?

Student dental assistants typically do not need prior experience, as training is often provided on the job or through educational programs. However, having basic knowledge of dental procedures and good communication skills can be beneficial for starting in this role.
More about Student Dental Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Student Dental Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Student Dental Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Student Dental Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Student Dental Assistant jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Student Dental Assistant jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Dental Assistant jobs are:

Infographic showing various Student Dental Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,143 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Dental Assistant - Journey

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC • On-site

$19.32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 25 days ago


East Carolina University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Job Title
Dental Assistant - Journey
Position Number
TC1420
Vacancy Open to
All Candidates
Department
AAH SODM CS Clinics Mgmt
Department Homepage
https://dental.ecu.edu/
Advertising Department
DENTAL MEDICINE, SCHOOL OF
Division
Academic Affairs
Classification Title
14201 Dental Assistant
Competency Level
2 - Journey
Working Title
Dental Assistant - Journey - Ross Hall
Number of Vacancies
Varies
Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
Varies
Full time or Part time
Full Time
Hourly Salary Rate/Range
19.32 per hour
Position Location (City)
Greenville
Position Type
Temporary Staff
Job Category
Staff - Temporary
Be a Pirate!
Be a Pirate!
East Carolina University (ECU) is consistently ranked among the nation's top public universities for its commitment to research, innovation, social mobility, and public service. Classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, ECU is among the top 5% of research universities in the United States, an elite designation reflecting the highest levels of research activity, funding, and doctoral output.
Founded in 1907, ECU is a public, four-year university located in Greenville, N.C., which and is widely regarded as the cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. Through education, research, healthcare, community engagement, athletics, cultural enrichment, and service, ECU enhances the quality of life for its students, the state and communities around the world. It is a great place to work, teach, and learn.
ECU's commitment to impactful scholarship is further demonstrated through its repeated Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (2010, 2015, 2024), as well as its 2024 designation as a Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose institution. These distinctions recognize the university's leadership in translating research into meaningful community partnerships and measurable societal benefits.
The university supports its workforce through a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to foster career growth and skill advancement. Eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy work-life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The School of Dental Medicine is composed of ten administrative offices and four academic departments. The Administrative units include the Offices of the Dean, Vice Dean, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Associate Dean for Research, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Associate Dean for Extramural Clinical Practices, Assistant Dean for Dental Education and Informatics, Assistant Dean for Educational Support and Faculty Development, Assistant Dean for Academic Success and the Assistant Dean for Business Operations and Financial Affairs. The four academic departments are Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, General Dentistry and Foundational Sciences.
Included in the mission of the School of Dental Medicine is to educate dental care providers (both dental students and dental residents) and to address the oral health care needs of the underserved population of North Carolina. The School of Dental Medicine meets these missions by operating dental clinics that provide both educational experiences for the dental students and residents and provides dental care to the residents of North Carolina. These clinics occur in both Ross Hall in Greenville, North Carolina, as well as Community Service-Learning Centers located throughout North Carolina. In order to operate these clinics, appropriate dental auxiliaries and clinical staff are needed.
Primary Purpose of Position
Assist 4-handed dentistry. The position is responsible for patient preparation and patient flow. This position accesses patient information, charts as directed by dental students, dental residents and faculty dentist, monitors patients blood pressure and sedation as required. The position participates in dental exams and procedures. The position follows OSHA standards for hand washing, masking, gloving and disposal of contaminants. The position monitors patients as they are receiving treatment. The assistant performs dental x-rays as ordered by the dentist. The position transports patients as needed.
Consideration will be given to an appointment at .50 FTE, .80 FTE or 1.00 FTE.
Minimum Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
High school diploma or equivalency and completion of an accredited dental assisting program; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation
N/A
License or Certification Required by the Department
N/A
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
N/A
Special Instructions to Applicant
  • Please ensure your full range of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and education are listed on your application. Do not write 'see resume' on your application when completing the job duties section.
  • If you answer the questions at the end of the application, please ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences to support your answers (see job duties section of previous employment).
  • Failure to answer the questions at the end of the application will not preclude your application from being considered but may result in your application not receiving full consideration of your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
  • Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.

Additional Instructions to Applicant
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.
Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.
Job Open Date
07/23/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Job Close Date
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/94582
Nondiscrimination Statement
East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.
Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.

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About East Carolina University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ECU is the state’s leader and national trailblazer in distance education. Whether you want to finish what you started or start something new, East Carolina University offers more than 100 online degree and certificate programs in business, health care, education, technology, and other areas to give you the options you need to meet your objectives.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Greenville, NC, US

Year founded

1907