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Veterinary Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Dermatology Clinic

Veterinary Dentist

Boxborough, MA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Veterinary Dental Services is located 30 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts, in the picturesque town of Boxborough. Enjoy four seasons, and easy access to both the mountains and the beaches of New ...

Hawaiian Island Dental Inc

Dental Assistant

Lihue, HI · On-site

$25/hr

We welcome trainees (no prior dental experience) who have experience in the following areas: CNA duties in-home or facility care, medical reception/records,veterinary care, laboratory, phlebotomy ...

Hawaiian Island Dental Inc

Dental Assistant

Lihue, HI · On-site

$25/hr

We welcome trainees (no prior dental experience) who have experience in the following areas: CNA duties in-home or facility care, medical reception/records,veterinary care, laboratory, phlebotomy ...

Hawaiian Island Dental Inc

Dental Assistant

Lihue, HI · On-site

$25/hr

We welcome trainees (no prior dental experience) who have experience in the following areas: CNA duties in-home or facility care, medical reception/records,veterinary care, laboratory, phlebotomy ...

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Veterinary Dental Assistant information

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How much do veterinary dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary dental assistant in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectVeterinary Dental AssistantVeterinary Assistant
CertificationsOften requires dental assisting certification or trainingTypically no specific certification required
Work EnvironmentSpecialized in dental procedures, clinics with dental servicesGeneral animal care in various veterinary settings
Job DutiesAssisting with dental cleanings, exams, anesthesiaGeneral animal care, feeding, restraining
Industry UsageCommon in clinics offering dental servicesWidespread across all veterinary practices

Veterinary Dental Assistants focus on dental procedures and often hold specific dental assisting certifications, working primarily in clinics with dental services. Veterinary Assistants provide broader animal care across various settings without specialized dental training. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and specialization.

What are the dental care responsibilities of the veterinary assistant?

A veterinary dental assistant is responsible for preparing animals for dental procedures, assisting the veterinarian during cleanings and examinations, and maintaining dental equipment and supplies. They may also help with patient restraint, record keeping, and post-procedure care to ensure proper dental hygiene and comfort for the animal.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Dental Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Dental Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal anatomy, dental procedures, and infection control, often supported by a veterinary assistant certificate or relevant experience. Familiarity with dental radiography equipment, anesthesia monitoring systems, and dental charting software is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and effective communication with both veterinarians and pet owners are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills are important to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of animal patients while supporting efficient and accurate dental care.

What are Veterinary Dental Assistants?

Veterinary Dental Assistants are specialized veterinary professionals who assist veterinarians in performing dental procedures on animals. Their responsibilities include preparing animals for dental exams, cleaning and polishing teeth, taking dental radiographs, maintaining dental equipment, and educating pet owners about proper oral care for their pets. They play a vital role in ensuring animal patients receive safe and effective dental care, contributing to their overall health and well-being.

How to become a dental assistant for animals?

To become a veterinary dental assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training or certification in veterinary assisting. Some employers prefer candidates with formal education or certification in veterinary assisting or dental assisting, and skills in animal handling and dental procedures are important. Certification programs are available through organizations like the National Animal Care & Handling Association or the Veterinary Assistant Certification, which can enhance job prospects.

What is the top pay for a veterinary assistant?

The top pay for a veterinary dental assistant typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced assistants with specialized skills or working in high-cost-of-living areas may earn higher wages or salaries. Some veterinary practices also offer benefits and opportunities for advancement.

What are some common challenges faced by Veterinary Dental Assistants during dental procedures, and how can they be managed?

Veterinary Dental Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing anxious or uncooperative animals, handling delicate dental instruments, and ensuring proper anesthesia monitoring during procedures. To address these, it's important to develop strong animal-handling skills, stay organized with tools and supplies, and communicate effectively with the veterinary team. Continuous learning and on-the-job training help assistants stay updated on best practices, making procedures smoother and safer for both pets and staff.

What's the highest paying dental assistant?

Veterinary dental assistants with specialized skills, certifications, and extensive experience tend to earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on geographic location, employer, and additional responsibilities such as anesthesia monitoring or radiography. Generally, those working in specialized or high-demand settings earn the most among dental assistants in veterinary practices.
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What states have the most Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs are:
Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary 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 $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Veterinary Dentist

Animal Dental Specialty Group

Boxborough, MA • On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description:

We are seeking a full time Board Certified Veterinary Dentist™ (AVDC® Diplomate), or residency trained veterinarian to join our specialty veterinary dental and oral surgery practice. Veterinary Dental Services is located 30 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts, in the picturesque town of Boxborough. Enjoy four seasons, and easy access to both the mountains and the beaches of New England. We are well established with a steady stream of referrals, having treated dogs and cats since 1999. Whether you’re looking for leadership, clinical focus, or more balance, we offer the tools, autonomy and partnership to help you thrive.


Our AAHA accredited specialty practice thrives on high quality, comprehensive patient and client care, with skilled CVT’s and client care specialists supporting our daily work. Our 5,300 SF building is modern, and purpose built for our dental specialty. We have five fully equipped dental procedure stations, four exam rooms, digital dental radiography (CR and DR), Verity cone beam CT, a spacious waiting room with client lounge and a conference room for hosting continuing education courses. In addition to having state-of-the-art dentistry and surgery instruments, we also have a CO2 laser, Piezotome Cube, VetTome and a Ligasure vessel sealing unit. An AVDC® Residency program enhances our daily practice, through teaching, collegiality and weekly rounds. Veterinary Dental Services is looking for an enthusiastic, motivated team player with excellent communication and surgical skills to join our practice. The salary and benefits are competitive.


For more than 25 years, Veterinary Dental Services has set the gold standard in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery in New England and beyond. Our AAHA-accredited specialty animal hospital was founded on the belief that every pet deserves advanced dental care delivered with compassion, precision, and transparency. We built our practice around one goal: delivering advanced dental and oral surgical care in a calm, compassionate, and client-focused environment. We adhere to the highest standards in veterinary medicine, ensuring every pet receives care that’s not only expert, but consistently excellent.

Requirements:

Why Veterinary Dental Services?

Specialists deserve a partner who understands and supports specialty medicine. That’s why we built Animal Dental Specialist Group (ADSG), part of the Animal Outpatient Specialty Network (AOSN) — the first and only specialty exclusive network designed to advance outpatient specialty care. We’re bringing Board Certified Veterinary Dentists™ together to help build the future of specialty dental care — and we’d love for you to be a part of it. At AOSN, we have a proven track record of fostering collaborative, doctor-first environments. Our dermatology network (Animal Dermatology Group) has maintained nearly 100% doctor retention since 2022, thanks to our clinician-centered model, transparent operations, and long-term investment in our people, and we are striving to achieve the same for our newly formed dentistry network. We provide:

• State-of-the-Art Technology – Advanced imaging, surgical tools, and procedural support

• Collaboration & Mentorship – Work alongside top-tier veterinary dentists within a supportive network

• Career Growth – Opportunities in leadership, teaching, research, and mentorship

• Clinical Autonomy – Help shape your own service, schedule, and staff


What Veterinary Dental Services has to Offer:

• Competitive Base Salary: $175,000–$200,000

• Minimum of 25% production (no negative accrual) and escalates base on total production

• Signing Bonus + Relocation Assistance

• Equity Opportunities: Share in the long-term success you help buld

• CE Funding and Career Development

• Professional Support – AVDC® memberships, licenses, and DEA registration

• Work-Life Balance:

o 4-day work week

o 3–4 weeks PTO + sick time

o Major holidays off

o 3 Floating Holidays (your birthday, anniversary, personal day—you choose)

• Comprehensive Benefits:

o Top-tier health insurance (medical, vision, dental, disability, life)

o Discounted pet care

o 401(k) with employer match

o Paid parental leave


Let’s Connect

If Veterinary Dental Services sounds like a match for your career goals, or you would like more information, please see our website: www.veterinarydental.com, schedule a confidential call or apply today by sending your CV and cover letter to Bonnie Shope, VMD, DAVDC.

bshope@aosnetwork.com

978-929-9200 work