Dental Assistant Jobs in California
Dental assistant jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where large dental service organizations and private group practices maintain steady hiring. Major employers with a lasting presence across the state include Aspen Dental, Pacific Dental Services, and Western Dental, alongside thousands of independent and multi-location practices. Demand is strongest for dental assistants with experience in orthodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 468+ Dental Assistant jobs
Our endodontics dental office is looking for a dental assistant who is motivated, reliable, and a fast learner.
Primary responsibilities will include:
- chairside assisting/taking radiographs/CBCT scans
- sterilization/organization of instruments and supplies
Secondary responsibilities include:
- answering phone calls
-maintaining office
Position is currently full time, plus overtime.
Compensation is competitive.
Please respond with your cover letter and resume/CV. Thank you.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $24.00 - $30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
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Find Dental Assistant JobsDental Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Dental Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- PDS Health45

- Clove Dental33
- Kids Care Dental6
- Choice Healthcare Services6

- Smile Brands5

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in dental assistant jobs across California.
- Dental Assistant Radiation Safety Certificate (DA Res Cert) issued by the California Dental Board
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required for all California dental assistant positions
- Completed accredited dental assisting program or on-the-job training under licensed California dentist
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification from an approved provider
- Experience with dental practice management software such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft preferred
- Strong four-handed dentistry skills and familiarity with infection control protocols
Dental Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a dental assistant in California?
In California, dental assistants who take X-rays must hold a Radiation Safety Certificate issued by the Dental Board of California, which requires completing an approved radiation safety course and passing the board's written and practical exams. No general dental assistant license is required beyond that credential, but most employers expect completion of an accredited dental assisting program or documented on-the-job training under a licensed California dentist. The Dental Board of California oversees all credentialing requirements.
Which companies hire dental assistants in California?
California dental assistant roles are posted by PDS Health, Clove Dental, and Kids Care Dental and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's size and dense urban population support one of the largest concentrations of dental service organizations and multi-location group practices in the country, giving dental assistants a wide range of employer types to choose from.
Which California cities have the most dental assistant jobs?
Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Jose have the most dental assistant openings in California right now. Los Angeles and San Diego anchor hiring simply by population density and the number of group practices and dental service organizations headquartered there, while Bay Area cities like San Jose and San Francisco see strong demand driven by large employer-sponsored dental benefits programs that keep group practices consistently staffed.
Are there remote dental assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they are rare. About 1% of dental assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, which reflects how hands-on the role is by nature. The small share of remote-adjacent work that does exist tends to involve dental insurance coordination, patient scheduling, or treatment plan administration roles at larger dental service organizations.
How can I get hired as a dental assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to dental assistant trainee or dental receptionist roles at large California dental service organizations such as Pacific Dental Services or Western Dental, which regularly bring in candidates without clinical experience and train them on the job under a supervising dentist. Completing a California-approved dental assisting program, even a short certificate program offered at a California community college, gives candidates a clear edge. Lateral moves from dental receptionist or sterilization technician positions at multi-chair practices are also a common on-ramp to chairside assisting roles.
Where can I find and apply to dental assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to dental assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers hiring right now. Search the roles that match your experience level, location, and specialty preference, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 468+ Dental Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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