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Substitute Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alameda Health System

Dental Assistant

Oakland, CA · On-site

$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 ...

ROSS EDUCATION HOLDINGS INC

Dental Assistant

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT - INSTRUCTOR - PART TIME - MORNINGS Ross Education Holdings, Inc. Grand Rapids ... assistant and substitutes as needed. Classes run year round. Are you ready to change lives? Come ...

University of Florida

Dental Assistant I

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$16.76 - $18/hr

Dental Assistant I Job no: 539246 Work type: Staff Full-Time Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL ... Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent ...

ROSS EDUCATION HOLDINGS INC

Dental Assistant

Lansing, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT - INSTRUCTOR - PART TIME - MORNINGS AND EVENINGS Ross Education Holdings, Inc ... assistant and substitutes as needed. Our schools and classes run year round. Are you ready to ...

UAB

DENTAL ASSISTANT II

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16 - $26/hr

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) seeks a DENTAL ASSISTANT II to be responsible for ... Work experience may substitute for education requirement. Ideal candidate will be team oriented and ...

ROSS EDUCATION HOLDINGS INC

Dental Assistant

Portage, MI · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We look for experienced Dental Assistants to teach year round classes as Primary Scheduled Instructors and Secondary PRN Instructors ready to step in as needed for teaching assistant and substitutes ...

ROSS EDUCATION HOLDINGS INC

Dental Assistant

Lansing, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT - INSTRUCTOR - PART TIME - MORNINGS AND EVENINGS Ross Education Holdings, Inc ... assistant and substitutes as needed. Our schools and classes run year round. Are you ready to ...

University of Florida

Dental Assistant I

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Dental Assistant I Classification Minimum Requirements: High school diploma and one year of ... Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent ...

ROSS EDUCATION HOLDINGS INC

Dental Assistant

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT - INSTRUCTOR - PART TIME - MORNINGS - 23 HRS/WK Ross Education Holdings, Inc ... assistant and substitutes as needed. Our schools and classes run year round. Are you ready to ...

New

ROSS EDUCATION HOLDINGS INC

Dental Assistant

Muncie, IN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT - INSTRUCTOR - MORNINGS/EVENINGS - PART TIME Ross Education Holdings, Inc. Muncie ... assistant and substitutes as needed. Our schools and classes run year round. Are you ready to ...

ROSS EDUCATION HOLDINGS INC

Dental Assistant

Warren, MI · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT - INSTRUCTOR - PART TIME - MORNINGS & EVENINGS Ross Education Holdings, Inc ... assistant and substitutes as needed. Our schools and classes run year round. Are you ready to ...

UAB

DENTAL ASSISTANT II

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50 - $25.20/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT II University of Alabama at Birmingham General Responsibilities * Responsible for ... Work experience may substitute for education requirement UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal ...

UAB NOVA RENT

DENTAL ASSISTANT II

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$25.20/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT II University of Alabama at Birmingham General Responsibilities * Responsible for ... Work experience may substitute for education requirement UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal ...

UAB

DENTAL ASSISTANT II

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50 - $25.20/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT II University of Alabama at Birmingham The Dental Assistant II will support ... Work experience may substitute for education requirement. UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal ...

UAB NOVA RENT

DENTAL ASSISTANT II

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $25.20/hr

DENTAL ASSISTANT II University of Alabama at Birmingham The Dental Assistant II will support ... Work experience may substitute for education requirement. UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal ...

Children's Hospital Colorado

Dental Assistant

Aurora, CO · On-site

$19.37 - $29.05/hr

... substitute for graduation from a Dental Assistant certification program. CERTIFICATION(S) - CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare providers LICENSURE - None Salary Information Pay is ...

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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 7, 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:
What states have the most Substitute Dental Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Substitute Dental Assistant jobs include:
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,143 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Dental Assistant

Alameda Health System

Oakland, CA • On-site

$42.20 - $52.21/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Alameda Health System rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Summary
SUMMARY: Under supervision, assists a Dentist or Dental Hygienist in the performance of his/her duties and keeps records. Performs related duties as required.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE : The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.
1. Makes appointments for patients; keeps records of patient's admissions, results of examinations, dental work performed, and number of patients seen; keeps dental office and equipment neat, clean and sanitary.
2. May assist a Dentist or Dental Hygienist in such chair side functions as application of topical agents, removal of dental dressings and sutures, placement and removal of orthodontic separators and assisting in administration of sedation.
3. May present information on dental health to the general public and other staff. Placement of temporary crowns or bridges; study models impressions; seleants; coronal polishing; rubber dam placement; placement of tofflemire; periodontal dressing placing; calcium hydroxide application; varnish application; topical application; temporary fillings; make fluoride trays.
4. Prepares and arranges dental instruments, equipment and accessories on trays ready for use; sterilizes and cares for dental instruments; keeps a sufficient amount of dental supplies available.
5. Takes digital x-rays and takes, develops and mounts non-digital x-rays; assists in dental laboratory; mixes and maintains supplies of solutions for developing and sterilizing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education : Completion of a recognized course of dental assistance.
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 California Board of Dental Examiners, Department of Consumer Affairs or accredited Dental Assisting School is required for positions that operate oral x-ray equipment.
Required Licenses/Certifications : FOR NEW HIRES, incumbents will have three months to obtain the (1) Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license, the (2) Coronal Polishing Certificate and the (3) Sealant Certificate.
PAY RANGE: $42.20 - $52.21/hour
The pay range for this position reflects the base pay scale for the role at Alameda Health System. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licenses and certifications, departmental equity, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the operational needs of the organization. Alameda Health System also offers eligible positions a generous comprehensive benefits program.

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