Dental Assistant (Periodontics)
How this pay compares
This posting does not state an hourly rate. Open dental assistant jobs in Texas post a median of $23 an hour, the middle half $21.88–$24.63, across 16 jobs that state their pay. Dental assistants employed in Texas earn a median of $21.84 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, opens in a new tab), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, opens in a new tab).
About the job
Under direct supervision, supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments and materials. Provides assistance to faculty, residents and students in respective clinic. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.
- Sets up treatment rooms for planned procedures including trays, instruments, materials and supplies; cleans and wraps chairs before and after appointments in preparation for next patient.
- Takes and develops digital x-rays, assist with oral examinations and patient charting.
- Receives and prepares patients for dental treatment including taking vitals.
- Passes instruments and materials and performs routine procedures.
- Manages and schedules patient appointments; maintains an active inventory of equipment and supplies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Must have good hand skills to work in tight quarters on small part of the body, using precise tools and instruments. Ability to work closely with patients, faculty and students.
- Must have good listening skills. Detail oriented with the ability to organize and coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to monitor important and complex projects concurrently.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Lotus Notes/other email software.
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, to include writing and preparing memorandums, letters, and other official correspondence.
EDUCATION
- High school diploma or GED is required.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
- Registry with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is required (Candidates hired as a Dental Assistant for the first time are not required to have a registered license but shall be required to obtain said license within one (1) year of the date of completion on certificate.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence - advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture .
Benefits Overview
UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.
Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.
Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.
Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.
Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.
FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.
Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:
- Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
- Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
- Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
- Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.
Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.
EEO Statement
UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
From UT Health San Antonio's job posting, checked Oct 29, 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About UT Health San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio hires nurses, medical assistants and front-office staff in San Antonio, Texas.
Hires in TexasPay on its listings: 0% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
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