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Dental

SIGN ON BONUS Dental Assistant - 32 Hours Per Week - Ames Clinic

Primary Health Care$18.65–$27.98/hrAmes, IAFull TimePosted 1mo ago
  • $2,000 sign-on bonus
  • BLS

How this pay compares

This posting states $18.65–$27.98 an hour. Open dental assistant jobs in Iowa post a median of $23.40 an hour, the middle half $23.32–$26.12, across 6 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post. Dental assistants employed in Iowa earn a median of $23.28 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).

Dental assistants in Iowa: pay by town and employer

The Dentists, Hygienists & Dental Assistants job market: pay, applicant demand and hiring, researched nightly

Dentist, dental hygienist and dental assistant jobs in our research

  • How long these jobs stay listed: Still listed at 7 days 89.8%
  • Applicant demand per open job on this site (1.00x is the average job): Index 0.73x · Clicks 11
  • How often these jobs state their pay: Jobs stating any pay 48.1% · Stating an hourly rate 37.2%

From every open job we read and every apply click on this site, as of 5 Nov 2026. Every figure for Dentist, dental hygienist and dental assistant jobs

About the job

This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus, paid as $500 at hire, $500 at 6 months, & $1,000 at one year.

Internal candidates are not eligible for a sign-on bonus.

As a Dental Assistant, you will provide quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists and staff in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties in accordance with all policies, procedures and regulations. You will impact the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate and professional preparation of patients and patient information.

This position typically works at our Story County Dental Clinic in Ames and is scheduled 32 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM with Tuesday/Wednesday off. Our team members are occasionally needed to cover other shifts or to work at other PHC clinics. Mileage reimbursement and/or an out of town travel bonus may apply.

Candidates with Expanded Functions Level I training may be considered for this position and are eligible for a higher pay range.

What You Will Do

  • Facilitates positive patient experiences in the dental clinic while ensuring efficient and productive patient flow.
  • Prepares operatory procedure set up and materials for patient visit.
  • Greets and establishes rapport with patient, ensuring patient is treated with care and compassion throughout visit.
  • Collects and records patient blood pressure, pulse, and health history.
  • Collects and submits all patient services and billing information.
  • Assists the care provider and supports the patient in the provision of optimal comprehensive care, before, during and after procedures.
  • Completes dental x-rays in compliance with regulatory codes.
  • Minimizes risk of radiation exposure to employees and patients applying proper procedures.
  • Supports laboratory by pouring and trimming study models.
  • Performs direct patient care as delegated by the dentist.
  • Instructs patients and family members on general oral health care and information related to post-treatment care.
  • Ensures services and patient education aligned with patient’s age and physical, psychosocial, educational, safety and cultural needs.
  • Prepares and maintains dental instruments, materials, and equipment. Maintains documents for equipment maintenance as well as instrument and supply inventory.
  • Performs pre-cleaning and transport of contaminated instruments and may perform sterile processing of instruments as assigned.
  • Completes and maintains patient records and related documents in compliance with all regulations.
  • Provides backup support for the front desk staff as needed.

Qualifications You Need to Bring

  • Completion of accredited dental assisting program or equivalent training meeting Iowa Dental Board requirements.
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn different software and database systems.
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Detail oriented with high degree of accuracy.
  • Demonstrates professionalism with ability to remain calm in all situations and show empathy.
  • Licenses & Certifications:
  • Current QDA Registration through the Iowa Dental Board
  • *Mandatory Reporter Training: Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the Iowa
  • *Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers Certification

*Must be obtained during introductory period if not current.

We Take Care of Our People

Your experience and skills determine your base pay. The hiring range for this position is typically $19.00 - $23.32 per hour. Candidates with extensive work experience related to this position may be considered for additional compensation up to the pay grade maximum of $27.98 per hour. Candidates with Expanded Functions training are eligible for the next level pay grade.

PHC also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Generous PTO accrual
  • Eight paid holidays
  • License/certification fee reimbursement*
  • Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement*
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • 401k with company match
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life & disability insurance
  • Flexible spending & health savings accounts
  • Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance
  • Discounted pet insurance
  • PHC Pride rewards program

Visit https://phciowa.org/careers for a summary of PHC’s benefits.

*Applies to positions requiring clinical licensure or certification.

^Internal candidates are not eligible for a sign-on bonus.

Grow Your Career with PHC

We take pride in offering development and growth opportunities to our team. Some of our training opportunities include Emerging Leaders, Dental Assitant Trainee Program, & Medical Assistant Trainee Program. In the last year, over 30% of our open positions were filled through promotions or transfers.

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Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

Tuesday/Wednesday Off

32 hours per week

From Primary Health Care's job posting, checked 5 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.

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About Primary Health Care

Primary Health Care hires front-office staff, dental staff and mental health staff in Des Moines, Ames and other towns in Iowa.

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