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Veterinary Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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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$10

$17

$23

How much do veterinary dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 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.
More about Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Veterinary Dental Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Veterinary Dental Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Dental Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Southern California Veterinary Dental Specialties Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Dental Specialties is a specialty referral practice dedicated exclusively to veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. Our team is committed to providing exceptional patient care through advanced diagnostics, state-of-the-art equipment, and collaboration between board-certified veterinary dentists, anesthesiologists, and highly skilled technicians.


We are seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join our Irvine team. This position is ideal for a technician with strong anesthesia skills who enjoys working in a faced paced environment and is interested in expanding their knowledge of veterinary dentistry.


Position Responsibilities

  • Prepare patients for anesthesia, including IV catheter placement and pre-anesthetic assessments
  • Induce, monitor, and recover patients under general anesthesia
  • Monitor and record anesthetic parameters, including ECG, blood pressure, SpO₂,EtCO₂, temperature, and ventilation
  • Administer anesthetic and analgesic medications, including CRIs, under veterinarian supervision
  • Recognize and respond appropriately to anesthetic complications and emergencies
  • Assist with advanced dental and oral surgery procedures
  • Perform dental radiographs and dental prophylaxis (preferred but notrequired)
  • Assist with Cone Beam CT (CBCT) imaging (experience is a plus)
  • Maintain accurate medical, anesthetic, and diagnostic records
  • Assist with inventory management and equipment maintenance
  • Support the training and mentoring of veterinary assistants and students
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
  • Communicate effectively with doctors and team members to ensure excellent patient care

Qualifications

Required

  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
  • Minimum of 3 years+ of veterinary technician experience
  • Strong anesthesia and patient monitoring skills
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team

Preferred

  • Specialty or referral hospital experience
  • Veterinary dentistry experience
  • Dental radiography
  • Dental prophylaxis

Candidates should be willing to travel occasionally to one of our other hospital locations, with travel compensation provided. Opportunities are also available to participate in volunteer dentistry events with local wildlife rescue organizations and zoological facilities.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (full-time)
  • State RVT license reimbursement
  • Continuing education reimbursement
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Uniform allowance
  • Paid Time Off and paid sick leave
  • Paid holidays
  • Employee discounts on veterinary services, products, and laboratory work
  • Supplemental insurance options, including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, disability, legal plan, and life insurance (full-time)
  • Up to three weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child (full-time employees after one year of service)

Schedule

  • Tuesday–Friday
  • Four 10-hour shifts
  • No weekends
  • Paid holidays

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent (Required)
  • Registered Veterinary Technician (Required)

If you are an experienced RVT looking to further develop your anesthesia and specialty nursing skills while working alongside board-certified specialists, we encourage you to apply.