Dentist Jobs in California
Dentist jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with openings spread across private group practices, community health centers, and large dental service organizations serving a population of nearly 40 million. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the heaviest hiring metros, with established employers like Aspen Dental, Pacific Dental Services, and Kaiser Permanente maintaining consistent presence across the state. The most in-demand specialties are general dentistry, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry, with openings at every level from new associate to clinic director. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description: Dentist
Reports to: Dental Director
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary: Provides clinical services within the realm of general dentistry and gives health education information and specialty referrals if needed to patients and the community. Helps to supervise the operations of the dental clinic, supervises the dental staff, and makes recommendations to Dental Director for any quality assurance projects.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provides all phases of general dentistry above the standard of care
- Provides routine and emergency dentistry and refers to specialist if needed/available
- Provides dental education and awareness to patients and community
- Keeps complete and accurate dental records with good documentation
- Ensures adequate follow-up and continuity of care
- Learns Indian Health Center Policy and Procedures and coding
- Helps dental director carry out projects as directed
- Performs other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications, Knowledge & Abilities:
- Possession of Active Dental License in good standing with the State of California and a DEA license
- Successfully completed an American Dental Association accredited dental program (DDS or DMD)
- Knowledge of standard of care and updates in general dentistry
- Knowledge of Infection Control and OSHA requirements
- Knowledge and practice of Confidentiality and HIPAA law
- Knowledge of Dental Law and ethics
- Understanding of American Indian/Alaskan Native Culture and special needs
- Knowledge of and ability to relate to the American Indian Community and conduct community and patient education in culturally appropriate fashion
- Strong customer and results orientation. Ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds (e.g. culture, education, profession)
- Demonstrated ability to perform multiple administrative functions simultaneously in an accurate, organized, and efficient manner
- Ability to function independently and as a team member within diverse environments as well as a diverse staff composition
- Carries out all responsibilities in an honest, ethical and professional manner and demonstrates good judgment
- Interest and commitment to the mission of the Indian Health Center. Experience with nonprofit health organizations desirable
- Knowledge of office systems. Computer literacy and knowledge of Windows environment and popular software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Publisher, Photoshop)
- Knowledge of and ability to work with the American Indian community and other minority populations
- Possession of a valid California Driver License, automobile insurance, and a clean driving record
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
- Team Player
- Fluency in both English and Spanish a plus
Physical Requirements:
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Will be working in a fast paced non-profit community health clinic environment and must be able to:
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sit, stand and walk for extensive periods of time;
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lift up to 35 pounds; and
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stoop, squat, or bend frequently
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Possess the manual and finger dexterity as well as the eye-hand coordination sufficient to accomplish the duties associated with your job description
- Ability to visually observe as well as hear and communicate with patients and professional staff
- Ability to do extensive work on the computer and the telephone in communicating with staff, patients, and vendors
Working Conditions:
- Potential exposure to airborne and blood borne infectious diseases and pathogens
- Normal working hours will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm although hours may vary depending upon business need
- Must be able to work independently and meet deadlines while also being an effective leader and collaborating with the agency-wide management team
Preference is given to qualified American Indians in accordance with the American Indian Alaskan Native Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Sections 472, 473 and 473a). Other than the above, the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley is an equal opportunity employer including minorities, women, disabled and veterans.
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Find Dentist JobsDentist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Dentist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Western Dental Services33

- West Coast Dental Services15

- Western Dental & Orthodontics14

- Clinica Sierra Vista4

- JWCH Institute4

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services70
- Technology & Software12
- Non-Profit & Social Services9
- Education4
- Law & Legal Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in dentist jobs across California.
- Active California dental license issued by the Dental Board of California
- Completion of an accredited Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine program
- Current DEA registration for controlled substance prescribing privileges
- Basic Life Support or CPR certification from an accredited provider
- Proficiency with dental practice management software such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft
- Experience performing routine restorative, preventive, and diagnostic dental procedures
Dentist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a dentist in California?
To become a dentist in California, you must earn a dental degree from an accredited program and pass the National Board Dental Examinations, then obtain a license from the Dental Board of California by completing a clinical examination approved by the board. California does not have a traditional reciprocity license, so out-of-state dentists must meet California's licensing requirements directly. The board also requires proof of completion of an infection control course and a California law and ethics exam before licensure is granted.
How much do dentists make in California?
Dentists in California earn a median of about $165,950 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,510 for the lowest 10% to over $272,730 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire dentists in California?
Employers hiring dentists in California right now include Western Dental Services, West Coast Dental Services, and Western Dental & Orthodontics, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large population and strong network of community health centers, dental service organizations, and integrated health systems like Kaiser Permanente create consistent demand for dentists at both associate and lead levels.
Which California cities have the most dentist jobs?
Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and Sacramento have the most dentist openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego draw the most volume because of their population size and dense concentration of dental service organizations and community clinics, while San Francisco's openings tend to cluster around integrated health systems and specialty group practices serving a high-income urban patient base.
Are there remote dentist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of dentist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which reflects how hands-on the role is by nature. The portions of the job that can shift off-site are typically administrative, such as treatment planning reviews, chart audits, or telehealth consultations for triage and follow-up care.
How can I get hired as a dentist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an associate dentist role with a dental service organization, which typically provides mentorship and a built-in patient base. Pacific Dental Services and Aspen Dental both run structured programs for new graduates in California. Completing a general practice residency at a California hospital or community health center also builds clinical hours that make a new graduate competitive. Holding a current Dental Board of California license and completing any required continuing education requirements signals readiness to hire quickly.
Where can I find and apply to dentist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to dentist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find roles that match your specialty and experience level and apply directly to each one.
See All 112+ Dentist Jobs in California
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