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Substitute Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Children's Hospital Colorado

Dental Assistant

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$19.37 - $29.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Five years of chair side dental assistant experience may substitute for graduation from a Dental Assistant certification program. * Licenses & Certifications * Colorado DORA Surgical Assistant or ...

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Five years of chair side dental assistant experience may substitute for graduation from a Dental Assistant certification program. * Licenses & Certifications * Basic Life Support Benefits Information ...

Children's Hospital Colorado

Dental Assistant

Aurora, CO · On-site

$19.37 - $29.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Uw

Dental Assistant 2 (Temporary)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60K/yr

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there ... One year of additional dental assistant experience may substitute for required education. Legal ...

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Dental Assistant

Kenai, AK · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Completed Dental Assistant program from an accredited school, may substitute education with years of experience Experience * Must have one year of recent Dental Assistant experience which includes ...

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Dental Assistant

Kenai, AK · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Completed Dental Assistant program from an accredited school, may substitute education with years of experience Experience * Must have one year of recent Dental Assistant experience which includes ...

University of Florida

Dental Assistant I

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. Assist with dental operatory set-up: assist chairside as needed:

UAB NOVA RENT

DENTAL ASSISTANT III

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Work experience may substitute for education requirement. Hard skills: 1. Assist in four handed dentistry 2. Taking blood pressure, recognize abnormal blood pressure and oxygen saturation readings ...

UAB

DENTAL ASSISTANT III

Tampa, FL

$16 - $20.50/hr

Work experience may substitute for education requirement. Hard skills: 1. Assist in four handed dentistry 2. Taking blood pressure, recognize abnormal blood pressure and oxygen saturation readings ...

Jordan Valley Health

Dental Assistant

Springfield, MO · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Dental Assistant responsibilities include setting up and breaking down room and equipment ... One year experience, education may be substituted for lack of experience * Basic Life Support (BLS ...

Jordan Valley Health

Dental Assistant

Springfield, MO · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Dental Assistant responsibilities include setting up and breaking down room and equipment ... One year experience, education may be substituted for lack of experience * Basic Life Support (BLS ...

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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 14, 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 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 II

UAB NOVA RENT

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$25.20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

DENTAL ASSISTANT II
University of Alabama at Birmingham
General Responsibilities
  • Responsible for providing support in various dental procedures.
  • Maintains surgery rooms and equipment,
  • takes and processes radiographs of patients and dispenses supplies.
  • Sterilizes and cleans all surgical instruments, supplies and dental assist units.
  • Disposes of infectious waste according to established procedures.
  • Takes radiographs of patients as requested by doctor.
  • Processes and mounts film, ensuring quality results.
  • Breaks down and cleans equipment, replenishing solutions as required.
  • Performs a variety of clerical and administrative duties in support of department.
  • Answers phones, takes messages and makes appointments, explains and receives payment for procedures, etc.
  • Responds to the unique needs of all patients ages newborn to geriatric.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
  • Assists residents, faculty and students during procedures.
  • Ensures all patient documentation is maintained in a complete and accurate manner.
  • Sterilizes and cleans all surgical instruments, supplies and dental assist units.
  • Takes radiographs of patients as requested by doctor.
  • Maintains surgery rooms in a neat and orderly fashion.
  • Dispenses dental supplies to students and residents.
  • Performs a variety of clerical and administrative duties in support of department.
  • Effectively responds to the unique needs of the neonatal, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients as the need arises.
  • Performs other duties as assigned .

Preferred
Preferred hard skills:
  • Proficiency with electronic health record systems
  • Experience with digital imaging and radiography
  • Familiarity with sterilization protocols in a dental school of clinical setting.

Soft skills:
Strong interpersonal communication, flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a teaching environment.
Hourly Range: $ 15.50-$25.20
Qualifications
Education
  • Graduate from an accredited Dental Assistant Program required
  • Work experience may substitute for education requirement

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

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