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Temporary Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CitiDent

Dental Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

CitiDent is seeking a temporary Dental Assistant at their San Francisco, CA office on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM.

So Young Park, DDS

Dental Assistant

San Jose, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

So Young Park, DDS is seeking a temporary Dental Assistant at their San Jose, CA office on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Laveen Smiles

Dental Assistant

Laveen, AZ

$17 - $22.25/hr

Laveen Smiles is seeking a temporary Dental Assistant at their Laveen, AZ office on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Arbi Ananian DDS

Dental Assistant

Burbank, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $25/hr

Arbi Ananian DDS is seeking a temporary Dental Assistant at their Burbank, CA office on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

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Temporary Dental Assistant information

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How much do temporary dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 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 are some common challenges faced by temporary dental assistants, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Temporary Dental Assistants often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new dental offices, different teams, and unfamiliar workflows. Success in this role relies on strong communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to learn new systems rapidly. Being proactive in asking questions, reviewing office procedures beforehand, and maintaining a positive attitude can help ease transitions and ensure smooth collaboration with permanent staff. Temporary Dental Assistants also benefit from keeping their certifications and knowledge up to date, as each placement may require different technical skills and safety protocols.

How much do temporary dental assistants make?

Temporary dental assistants typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of procedures. They often work on short-term assignments, requiring basic certifications and familiarity with dental tools and sterilization protocols.

What are temporary jobs for a dental assistant?

As a dental assistant, you work under the supervision of a licensed dentist and help dental hygienists in their duties. As a dental assistant in a temp or temporary position, you fill in for an assistant on leave or when a second assistant is needed during high volume periods. Your duties include making the patient comfortable, the sterilization of equipment and tools for the treatment, using suction hoses and similar equipment to dry patients’ mouths, and educating patients on proper tooth and gum cleaning techniques. Other responsibilities may include administrative tasks like scheduling appointments or processing lab tasks under supervision.

What is a temporary dental assistant?

Temporary Dental Assistants are dental professionals who fill in at dental practices on a short-term basis. They perform the same duties as regular dental assistants, such as preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing instruments, assisting dentists during treatments, and managing patient records. Temporary positions may cover staff absences, busy periods, or special projects. These roles offer flexibility and the opportunity to gain experience in different dental settings. Employers often seek temporary dental assistants through staffing agencies or job boards.

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

AspectTemporary Dental AssistantDental Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires dental assisting certification or diplomaSame as temporary, often requires certification or diploma
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments in various dental officesFull-time or part-time in a specific dental practice
Employer & Industry UsageStaffing agencies, temp agencies, dental practices for short-term needsDental practices, clinics, hospitals for ongoing patient care
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for temporary roles or short-term assignmentsSeeking permanent or long-term employment

Temporary Dental Assistants work on short-term assignments across different dental offices, often through staffing agencies, while Dental Assistants typically hold permanent positions within a single practice. Both roles require similar certifications and skills, but their employment nature differs, catering to different career needs.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Dental Assistant, you need a solid understanding of dental procedures, infection control, and basic patient care, usually supported by completion of a dental assisting program or relevant experience. Familiarity with dental radiography, practice management software, and sterilization equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and excellent interpersonal skills help you integrate quickly into new dental teams and provide reassuring patient interactions. These abilities ensure seamless workflow, patient safety, and quality care in dynamic clinical environments.

Can I work 3 days a week as a temporary dental assistant?

Temporary dental assistants often have flexible schedules and can work part-time, including three days a week, depending on the employer’s needs. Scheduling arrangements are typically discussed during the hiring process and may vary based on clinic requirements and the assistant's availability. Certification in dental assisting and familiarity with dental office procedures are important for such roles.
More about Temporary Dental Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Dental Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Dental Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Temporary Dental jobs? The most popular types of Temporary Dental jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Dental Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Dental Assistant jobs include:
Temporary Dental Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary 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 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,143 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Dental Assistant

Little Gold Fish Children's Dentistry

Oakland, CA • On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Little Gold Fish Children’s Dentistry is seeking a temporary Dental Assistant at their Oakland, CA office on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

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