Dental Assistant Training Program

The application process is now closed for this unique on-the-job training program, where successful candidates will be paid to become a dental assistant. Upon completion of the 1-year program, participants will get a guaranteed wage increase, and can pursue a fulfilling and rewarding career path with increased responsibilities and pay along the way.

  Due to a large response, applications are no longer being accepted for the January program. Thank you!

We’re looking for candidates who love working with people, helping our community and are good with their hands. Throughout the next several weeks, applications will be reviewed, candidates screened and then a group will be invited for an in-person interview.

As a UR employee, you'll get full-time pay and benefits, including paid vacation and holidays, health insurance and retirement plans--all while you train and gain working experience as a Dental Assistant. Successful candidates will experience classroom learning, observation, and hands-on training. After a few months, Dental Assistant trainees start to master their skills by assisting dentists independently. No mandatory homework.

Candidates must be 17 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent GED, and should have an interest in healthcare and working with the public. The University of Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Openings are filled using an unbiased selection process without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, veteran status or marital status.

What You Need to Know

Q. What does a Dental Assistant do?
A. Dental assistants are a critical and valuable part of the dental team! A wide range of duties includes assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures, taking x-rays, sterilizing equipment, work in the lab and with dental materials, comforting patients during and after treatment, teaching appropriate oral hygiene, providing patients with oral care instructions following dental treatments and performing office management tasks that often require using a computer.

Q. Is Dental or Healthcare Experience Required?
A. No prior dental or health experience necessary! We’re looking for those who love working with people, helping our community and are good with their hands.

Q. Where will the on-the-job training occur?
A. The training will be conducted in Eastman Dental’s General Dentistry Department at 625 Elmwood Ave, near Strong Memorial Hospital.

Q. Does this job include benefits?
A. Absolutely! If you are selected, you immediately will become an employee of the University of Rochester, and enjoy all the wonderful benefits, including paid vacation and holidays, health insurance and retirement plans. After completion of the program, you will receive a wage increase.

Q. Who is eligible?
A. Candidates must be 17 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent GED, and should have an interest in healthcare and working with the public. The University of Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Openings are filled using an unbiased selection process without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, veteran status or marital status. People with a DDS, DMD, or BDS do not qualify for the Dental Assistant Program and instead are encouraged to consider a preceptorship or residency program offered to dentists trained outside the U.S. or Canada.

Q. Do you support a student visa?
A. Unfortunately, no we do not support a student visa.

Q. How long is the program?
A. One year

Q. What are the required hours?
A. Your schedule will be 40 hours a week, with an occasional opportunity for overtime. Because the Clinic is open during the day, some evenings and Saturdays, each Dental Assistant trainee’s 40 hours will be distributed throughout the times when the Clinic is open: Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., one required 12:00 – 9:30 p.m. shift per week, and one Saturday a month, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Q. What are trainees responsible for?
A. Trainees accepted into the program will be responsible for purchasing scrubs to be worn each day. In addition, trainees (along with all University employees) are responsible for paying for parking (discounts are provided for carpooling). Eastman Dental is also on a bus line for those who choose not to drive.

Q. Is this a licensed program?
A. This Dental Assistant Training Program is not licensed, but a certificate of completion will be provided. This program will grant you 1-year of experience as a Dental Assistant for General Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Endodontic procedures, along with Radiography & Sterilization.  

Applications are no longer being accepted for the January program.

1. Visit this link. Please note if you have applied to other positions at the University of Rochester, you should already have a log in and password. If not, click on New User and follow the prompts to set up your registration.

2. Once registered, go to Search Jobs and enter Job #231610 into the text field. This will take you to the Dental Assistant training position. Follow the prompts to complete the application process. 

3. QUESTIONS? Please send an email.  Unfortunately, we're unable to accept or respond to phone calls at this time. Thank you for your interest in the program!