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Substitute Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

e-Solutions Inc

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Dental Assitant

Columbia, TN · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

The Dental Public Health Office Assistant performs clerical tasks in the health department dental ... Substitution of Education for Experience: Coursework credit received from an accredited college or ...

Noble Community Clinics

Dental Assistant

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Dental Assistant - Manitowoc, WI (Full-Time) If you're passionate about making a difference and ... Additional training may substitute for required experience. * Strong communication and ...

Noble Community Clinics

Dental Assistant

Sheboygan, WI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Dental Assistant - Sheboygan, WI (Full-Time) If you're passionate about making a difference and ... Additional training may substitute for required experience. * Strong communication and ...

Noble Community Clinics

Dental Assistant

Sheboygan, WI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Dental Assistant - Sheboygan, WI (Full-Time) If you're passionate about making a difference and ... Additional training may substitute for required experience. * Strong communication and ...

Noble Community Clinics

Dental Assistant

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Dental Assistant - Manitowoc, WI (Full-Time) If you're passionate about making a difference and ... Additional training may substitute for required experience. * Strong communication and ...

Noble Community Clinics

Dental Assistant

West Bend, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Dental Assistant - West Bend, WI (Full-Time) If you're passionate about making a difference and ... Additional training may substitute for required experience. * Strong communication and ...

Matrix Providers

$21 - $23.25/hr

The Contractor may not request an equivalency determination as a substitute for education ... Dental Assistant General Duties: * Contractor personnel shall perform a full range of duties ...

Alameda Health System

Dental Assistant

Oakland, CA · On-site

$250/hr

Minimum Experience: 18 months experience as a dental assistant may be substituted for educational requirement. Required Licenses/Certifications: A valid x-ray license issued by the State of ...

Alameda Health System

Dental Assistant

Oakland, CA

$42.20 - $52.21/hr

Minimum Experience: 18 months experience as a dental assistant may be substituted for educational requirement. Required Licenses/Certifications: A valid x-ray license issued by the State of ...

UAB

DENTAL ASSISTANT II

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50 - $25.20/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT II University of Alabama at Birmingham This position will work as a Dental ... Work experience may substitute for education requirement. UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal ...

ROSS EDUCATION HOLDINGS INC

Dental Assistant

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

... substitutes as needed. Have you ever thought about teaching? Ross Education Holdings, Inc ... Dental Assistant Instructor duties include: * Teach in the Dental Assisting classroom with 10-20 ...

ROSS EDUCATION HOLDINGS INC

Dental Assistant

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

... substitutes as needed. Have you ever thought about teaching? Ross Education Holdings, Inc ... Dental Assistant Instructor duties include: * Teach in the Dental Assisting classroom with 10-20 ...

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Substitute Dental Assistant information

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How much do substitute dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute 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 kind of substitute dental assistant makes the most money?

The highest-paid substitute dental assistants typically have advanced certifications, specialized skills, or experience working in high-demand practices or specialties such as oral surgery or orthodontics. They may also work in regions with higher living costs or longer hours, which can increase earning potential. Generally, those with more training and versatility tend to earn more in this role.

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

To thrive as a Substitute Dental Assistant, you need knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and dental terminology, often supported by a dental assistant certification or relevant experience. Familiarity with dental practice management software, digital X-rays, and sterilization equipment is typically required. Adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to quickly integrate into new teams are crucial soft skills for success in temporary roles. These skills and qualities enable substitute dental assistants to maintain high standards of patient care and support dental teams efficiently in various clinical environments.

What is a substitute dental assistant?

Substitute dental assistants are trained professionals who temporarily fill in for regular dental assistants when they are unavailable due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. They perform the same duties as regular dental assistants, such as preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing instruments, assisting the dentist during treatments, and managing patient records. Substitute dental assistants are often employed on a short-term or as-needed basis and may work in various dental offices, gaining exposure to different dental practices and environments. Their flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to new teams make them valuable assets in ensuring dental offices run smoothly.

Why do people quit dental assisting?

People often leave dental assisting due to factors such as job stress, physical demands, low pay, limited advancement opportunities, or dissatisfaction with work environment. High workload, repetitive tasks, and the need for certifications can also contribute to turnover in this role.

What other jobs can I do as a substitute dental assistant?

As a substitute dental assistant, you can often transition into roles such as dental receptionist, dental office assistant, or expanded functions dental assistant, which may require additional certifications. Skills in patient communication, chairside assistance, and familiarity with dental software are valuable in these related positions.

How does working as a substitute dental assistant differ from a permanent position, and what should I expect in terms of adapting to new dental offices?

As a substitute dental assistant, you’ll frequently work in different dental offices, each with its unique team dynamics, protocols, and equipment. This role requires flexibility, quick learning, and strong communication skills, as you may need to adapt rapidly to various workflows and patient management systems. You’ll typically be responsible for chairside assisting, sterilization, and supporting the dental team, but the specific duties can vary from office to office. Being proactive in asking questions and building rapport quickly with new teams is key to success in this role.

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

AspectSubstitute Dental AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsCPR, Dental Assistant Certification (if required)CPR, Dental Assistant Certification
Work EnvironmentTemporary, as-needed basis in dental officesFull-time or part-time in dental practices
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists during procedures, sterilizes equipment, supports dentistPerforms similar duties, often with more routine responsibilities
Employer UsageDental offices hiring temporary staffDental practices hiring full-time or part-time staff

In summary, a Substitute Dental Assistant works temporarily in dental offices, often filling in for regular staff, with similar certifications and responsibilities. A Dental Assistant typically works full-time or part-time, with more consistent duties and employment stability.

More about Substitute Dental Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Substitute Dental Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Substitute Dental Assistant job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Substitute Dental Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substitute Dental Assistant jobs are:
Substitute Dental Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substitute Dental Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,143 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Dental Assistant Instructor (Substitute Position)

Milan Institute

Amarillo, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Milan Institute rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description:

Are you an experienced dental professional looking to make a significant impact on the next generation of dental assistants? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as a Substitute Dental Assistant Instructor at Milan Institute.


As a Dental Assistant Instructor, you will provide instruction, guidance, and mentorship to our students enrolled in the dental assistant program. You will play a vital role in shaping the future of these aspiring dental professionals by delivering comprehensive classroom lectures, conducting practical laboratory sessions, and overseeing clinical training.


Responsibilities:

  • Develop and deliver engaging lectures, presentations, and demonstrations on various dental assistant topics, including dental anatomy, radiology, infection control, chairside assisting, dental materials, and more.
  • Provide hands-on training in laboratory settings to help students develop technical skills and gain confidence in performing dental procedures.
  • Supervise and support students during clinical rotations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and professional standards.
  • Assess student progress through exams, assignments, and practical evaluations, providing constructive feedback and guidance for improvement.
  • Stay updated with the latest developments in the dental field and incorporate relevant industry trends into the curriculum.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, encouraging student participation, collaboration, and critical thinking.
  • Mentor and advise students, offering career guidance, study techniques, and support throughout their educational journey.
  • Collaborate with other faculty members and college administration to enhance the curriculum, develop new course materials, and improve instructional methodologies.


Requirements:

Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent required
  • At least 3-5 years experience as a dental assistant in a clinical setting.
  • Strong knowledge of dental assisting techniques, procedures, and industry best practices.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively present complex concepts to students with diverse learning styles.
  • Passion for education and a genuine desire to help students succeed in their careers.
  • Ability to provide constructive feedback and mentorship to support student growth and development.
  • Flexibility to adapt teaching methods to accommodate different student needs and learning environments.
  • Current certification or licensure as a dental assistant is preferred but not required.
  • Teaching experience or prior experience in instructional roles is a plus.
  • Computer skills necessary

Hours and Availability: This is a substitute position. After training it would be filling in for pre-planned vacations, random days off, etc.


Company Benefits include group health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, PTO, and holiday pay. Career advancement opportunities! An Equal Opportunity Employer.


If you're interested, Apply Now!


Milan Institute is a private post-secondary college and a leader in the Allied Health, Business, and Cosmetology fields. We invite you to visit our website at www.milaninstitute.edu to learn more about Milan Institute. You may visit the Milan Institute website at www.milaninstitute.edu for information on campus crime statistics.

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