Dental Assistant Careers

Dental Assistant Jobs in New Jersey

New Jersey dental assistant market is one of largest in nation. Northern NJ accesses NYC market with premium wages. Central Jersey serves diverse suburbs. Shore communities have seasonal tourism. Rutg...

Start Free Training
New Jersey
1860+
Annual Openings
$44K
Median Salary
8%
Job Growth
Self-Paced
Free Training

Start free with EHired Open Access Education. Build real-world clinical skills—chairside assisting, infection control, radiography safety, dental anatomy—then explore externships, jobs, and, upon completing requirements, the ability to challenge a national entry-level certification exam.

✓ Free enrollment ✓ Self-paced learning ✓ Certification prep included ✓ Job & externship resources

Free Training

Complete dental assistant curriculum with chairside skills, infection control, radiography, and professional certification prep—at no cost.

Certification Ready

Training aligned to national entry-level certification standards so you're prepared when you choose to schedule your exam.

Externships & Jobs

Use our state resources to identify externship options and entry-level roles while you study, so you can build experience.

Who This Training Is For

Already have dental experience? If you've worked in a dental office or have hands-on clinical exposure, this program will enhance your knowledge and prepare you for a national entry-level certification exam—helping you stand out to employers.

New to the field? If you have no prior experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship to build hands-on confidence needed to complete the program and prepare to challenge a national entry-level certification. EHired does NOT arrange, manage, or monitor externships. Students have full freedom to set up their own externship experience.

Dental Assistant Job Market in New Jersey

New Jersey dental assistant market is one of largest in nation. Northern NJ accesses NYC market with premium wages. Central Jersey serves diverse suburbs. Shore communities have seasonal tourism. Rutgers School of Dental Medicine creates academic opportunities. Diverse population makes bilingual skills valuable. High wages reflect metro area costs.

New Jersey dental industry employs approximately 11,500 dental assistants. Dense population creates strong demand. Rutgers School of Dental Medicine provides academic training. High wages reflect NYC and Philadelphia metro influence. Diverse population with bilingual opportunities.

Top Job Markets in New Jersey

Region Openings Share
Northern NJ (Bergen, Essex, Hudson) 650+ 35%
Central NJ (Middlesex, Somerset) 370+ 20%
South Jersey (Camden, Burlington) 280+ 15%
Jersey Shore 185+ 10%
Morris/Sussex 185+ 10%
Other New Jersey 190+ 10%

Dental Assistant Salary in New Jersey

Entry-Level
$34K
per year
Mid-Level
$44K
per year
Experienced
$52K
per year

Salary Factors in New Jersey

Northern NJ pays highest with NYC influence. Bergen and Morris counties premium. Shore areas pay seasonally higher. South Jersey lower but Philadelphia accessible. Bilingual Spanish valuable in diverse communities.

Top Dental Assistant Employers in New Jersey

New Jersey features Rutgers dental school and dense suburban practice networks:

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

Newark

New Jersey's dental school with teaching clinics. University benefits.

Address: 110 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103

Phone: (973) 972-4242

Est. Annual Hires: 20+

Why Apply: Academic environment, Rutgers benefits, Newark location.

Aspen Dental

Statewide (50+ locations)

National DSO with extensive NJ presence. Structured training.

Address: Multiple NJ locations

Phone: (800) 277-3367

Est. Annual Hires: 150+

Why Apply: 50+ locations, structured training, statewide.

Bergen County Private Practices

Bergen County

Affluent NYC suburbs with premium wages and professional clientele.

Address: Various Bergen County locations

Phone: Various

Est. Annual Hires: 100+

Why Apply: Premium wages, affluent patients, NYC access.

Heartland Dental (NJ)

Multiple NJ locations

Large DSO with extensive NJ presence. Comprehensive benefits.

Address: Various locations

Phone: (844) 432-7826

Est. Annual Hires: 80+

Why Apply: DSO benefits, training, multiple locations.

Morris County Private Practices

Morris County

Affluent suburbs with corporate professional clientele.

Address: Various Morris County locations

Phone: Various

Est. Annual Hires: 60+

Why Apply: Affluent area, corporate patients, premium wages.

Eric B. Chandler Health Center

New Brunswick

FQHC serving diverse central NJ communities. Federal benefits.

Address: 277 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Phone: (732) 235-6700

Est. Annual Hires: 10+

Why Apply: FQHC benefits, diverse community, New Brunswick.

Jersey Shore Practices

Monmouth, Ocean Counties

Shore communities with seasonal tourism and beach lifestyle.

Address: Various Shore locations

Phone: Various

Est. Annual Hires: 50+

Why Apply: Beach lifestyle, tourism, shore communities.

South Jersey Private Practices

Camden, Burlington, Gloucester

Philadelphia suburbs with more affordable living.

Address: Various South Jersey locations

Phone: Various

Est. Annual Hires: 70+

Why Apply: Philadelphia access, more affordable, growing area.

CAMcare Health

Camden area

FQHC serving Camden communities. Federal benefits and mission.

Address: Various Camden locations

Phone: (856) 583-2400

Est. Annual Hires: 12+

Why Apply: FQHC benefits, Camden service, community mission.

Private Practice Network

Statewide

New Jersey practices offer major metro wages and diverse communities.

Address: Various private practices

Phone: Various

Est. Annual Hires: 600++

Why Apply: Major market, NYC/Philly access, diverse settings.

Dental Assistant Career Path in New Jersey

Entry-Level DA

$34,000-$38,000

Chairside assisting, sterilization, patient prep in NJ practice.

Experienced DA (2-3 years)

$40,000-$46,000

Advanced skills, radiography certified, specialty exposure.

Senior DA/Lead (3-5 years)

$46,000-$52,000

Team leadership, expanded functions, training responsibilities.

Office Manager/EFDA (5+ years)

$52,000-$62,000

Practice management or expanded functions advancement.

Dental Assistant Success Stories in New Jersey

M

Maria C.

Dental Assistant - Bilingual • Bergen County

"Bergen County pays really well because of NYC influence. Speaking Spanish is a huge advantage with diverse patients. I work in Hackensack serving professional families. The commute from NYC would be brutal so I live in Jersey. Best of both worlds."

Started at $42K in Bergen County with language premium.

M

Mike T.

Dental Assistant • Jersey Shore

"Working at the Shore is amazing. Summer is busy with tourists but I love the beach lifestyle. Winter is slower but steady with locals. My practice in Point Pleasant serves families year-round. Jersey Shore living is underrated."

Earning $40K at Jersey Shore with beach lifestyle.

Dental Assistant FAQ for New Jersey

Common questions about dental assistant careers in New Jersey:

What certification does New Jersey require?

New Jersey requires radiography certification for X-rays. National entry-level certification recommended. Registration with NJ State Board of Dentistry required.

Why are New Jersey wages high?

NYC and Philadelphia metro influence, affluent suburbs, and 115% cost of living drive wages. Northern NJ among highest-paying dental markets nationally.

How does North Jersey compare to South Jersey?

North Jersey pays more with NYC influence but higher costs. South Jersey more affordable with Philadelphia access. Central Jersey balances both.

Is bilingual ability valuable in New Jersey?

Very valuable. Spanish essential in diverse communities. Large Hispanic, Korean, and other immigrant populations. Language premiums common.

What about Jersey Shore opportunities?

Monmouth and Ocean counties have beach community practices. Seasonal tourism variation. Year-round residents provide stable base. Beach lifestyle appeal.

What is the job outlook for dental assistants in New Jersey?

Strong at 8% growth. Dense population maintains demand. Diverse communities need dental services. Good outlook through 2034.

Are there academic dental opportunities?

Yes. Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in Newark offers teaching clinic positions with university benefits.

ℹ️

About Externships

EHired does NOT arrange, manage, or monitor externships. Students have full freedom to set up their own externship experience.

Start Your Dental Assistant Career in New Jersey

New Jersey offers dental assistant careers in major metro market with diverse opportunities. 1,860+ annual openings from Bergen County to the Shore. Free training prepares you for Garden State success.

Start Free Training Today

Dental Assistant Interview Tips

? Common Interview Questions

  • •Describe your experience with chairside assisting and four-handed dentistry.
  • •How do you ensure proper infection control and sterilization procedures?
  • •Tell us about a time you helped calm an anxious patient.
  • •What dental software and digital imaging systems have you used?
  • •How do you handle a busy schedule with multiple patients?

✓ Interview Success Tips

  • •Research the dental practice's specialties and patient demographics.
  • •Bring copies of your certifications, X-ray license, and CPR card.
  • •Prepare specific examples of your clinical skills and patient care.
  • •Demonstrate knowledge of OSHA and HIPAA compliance requirements.
  • •Ask about continuing education opportunities and career advancement.

A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant

7:30 AM
Morning Prep

Arrive early to sterilize instruments, prepare treatment rooms, and review the day's patient schedule and procedures.

9:00 AM
Patient Care

Greet patients, take X-rays, assist dentist with procedures, pass instruments, and provide suction during treatments.

1:00 PM
Afternoon Procedures

Continue chairside assistance, take impressions, apply sealants, and educate patients on oral hygiene and post-care.

4:30 PM
Closing Tasks

Clean and sterilize equipment, restock supplies, update patient records, and prepare rooms for the next day.

Most dental assistants work 36-40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, with occasional Saturday shifts.