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Veterinary Dental Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

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Veterinary Dental Assistant information

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$10

$17

$24

How much do veterinary dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary dental assistant in Rochester, MN is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary dental assistant?

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.

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

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 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 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.

How to become a veterinary dental assistant?

To become a veterinary dental assistant, individuals typically complete a high school diploma or equivalent and gain on-the-job training or enroll in a veterinary assisting program. Certification, such as the Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA), can enhance job prospects and demonstrate competence in skills like dental cleaning and animal handling.

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Veterinary Dental Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Dental Assistant job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, and 55% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,451 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Assistant Supervisor - Animal Care Facilities

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Mayo Clinic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 699 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Is responsible to and receives primary direction from the animal facility supervisor. Is also responsible to and works collaboratively with veterinary technologists, facility manager, veterinary consultants and the research administrator.
Approximately 50% of job responsibility is to provide quality care to all animals utilized in research including animal husbandry activities such as feeding, watering, sanitation, observation, room cleaning, and other duties as assigned.
Approximately 50% of job responsibility is to assists the facility supervisor with the training and development of the animal care technicians to ensure they are providing quality animal care for all research animals. Assists with facility orientations, facility maintenance, staff scheduling, SOP development, inventory and ordering, data entry, etc. Communicates with principal investigators and lab staff to answer questions, trouble shoot problems, etc.
Performs additional job-related functions as detailed by the staff veterinarians or facility supervisor.
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required. Associate's degree preferred. Two years experience working in a lab animal care position required, or equivalent experience in a non-laboratory environment (using the following equation: 0.5 years in a non-laboratory environment = 1 month of lab animal experience).
Demonstration of successful leadership and management traits in a business or organizational setting. Must be able to work well with others and follow directions.
Licensure/Certification Required: AALAS certification at the assistant laboratory animal technician (ALAT) level is required.
Additional AALAS certification at the laboratory animal technician (LAT) level is required within 12 months of hire.
About Us
Why Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.
Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

About the Team
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is.
Equal Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law". Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

What Mayo Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Mayo Clinic logo

About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919