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Veterinary Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Dentist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

Veterinary Dentist Base Salary: $200,000-$275,000 based on experience and qualifications Full-Time ... Health, dental, and vision insurance * FSA options * CE allowance and professional development ...

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Veterinary Dental Assistant information

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How much do veterinary dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.
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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:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Dental Residency - Sponsored

Mission Pet Health

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Mission Pet Health rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 53 rated veterinary

Job description

General Information
Ref #
51058
Department
Specialty
Job Site
Mission Pet Health
Date Published
05-27-2026
Pay Class
Full-Time
Working Arrangement
On-site
Base Min.
$ 45000
Base Max.
$ 50000
Job Description
About the Opportunity
Are you ready to elevate your career and specialize in the vital field of veterinary dentistry? Mission Pet Health is proud to announce an exclusive Veterinary Dentistry Residency Sponsorship. We are seeking a passionate, driven veterinarian-either currently within our family of "teammates" or an external candidate looking to join us-to undergo a formal residency program.
This is more than just a job; it is a fully supported pathway to becoming a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist. We provide the mentorship, caseload, and financial backing to ensure your success in achieving Diplomate status.
Program Start: Summer 2027
The Mission
As a Resident-in-Training, you will focus on mastering advanced oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. You will work alongside experienced clinicians in a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient outcomes and the human-animal bond.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform comprehensive oral health assessments and treatments (COHATs) under specialist supervision.
  • Manage complex dental cases, including maxillofacial trauma, oral tumors, and advanced endodontic procedures.
  • Assist in the training and education of general practice teammates regarding oral health.
  • Complete all requirements set forth by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), including case logs, research requirements, and publication.
What We Offer
  • Full Sponsorship: We provide financial support for the residency program, including exam fees, research funding and required travel.
  • Mentorship: Direct access to board-certified clinicians dedicated to your professional evolution.
  • Agreement to Pay: We offer a competitive compensation package structured as an "agreement to pay" to support you throughout your training.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: Work with advanced dental radiography, high-speed equipment, and specialized surgical suites.
  • Career Path: A guaranteed role as a Board-Certified Clinician within the Mission Pet Health network upon successful completion of the program.
The Ideal Candidate
  • DVM or VMD degree from an accredited university.
  • Ability to obtain a Texas veterinary license.
  • A deep "area of interest" in dentistry and oral surgery.
  • Strong communication skills and a desire to work as part of a high-functioning team.
  • Commitment: This program requires a reciprocal three-year work commitment with Mission Pet Health as a Board-Certified Clinician following the completion of the residency.

Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the autonomy of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Total Wellbeing
Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, and more, plus Maternity Leave and 24/7 TeleDoc access.
Financial Health
Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match, plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance for peace of mind.
Commitment to Growth
Receive a yearly CE allowance with dedicated paid days off. Grow with leadership tracks and structured mentorship.
The Power of a Network
Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration and to explore your unique interests.
Peace of Mind
Company-paid Professional Liability Coverage, so you can focus on what you do best: practicing great medicine.
About Mission Pet Health
Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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