Jobs › Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Aspen Dental · Gurnee, IL · $18.00–$23.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role doesn't need dental experience. What made you want to start a career in dental assisting?

What they are checking: Whether they have a real reason for choosing dental work, which predicts whether they finish the training.

Tell me about a time you learned a hands-on skill quickly.

What they are checking: Whether they learn well by doing, since most training happens chairside.

How do you build a good rapport with patients of all ages?

What they are checking: Whether they can connect with kids, adults and older patients, which the posting specifically mentions.

Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team to take care of someone.

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate well, since assistants support dentists and the whole office.

What would you do

You'd be working toward your CDA through DANB and getting radiology and safety certification. How do you plan to keep up with studying while working full time?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic plan for completing required certifications on time.

A patient in the chair tells you they're terrified of the dentist. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can calm anxious patients with empathy, which is a daily part of the job.

You're not sure how to do something the dentist just asked for. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will ask for help instead of guessing, which matters for patient safety.

About the work

Why do you think infection control is such a big part of a dental assistant's job?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that sterilizing instruments protects patients and staff from real harm.

How would you make sure the operatory is ready before the next patient comes in?

What they are checking: Whether they think about setup and cleanliness as part of keeping the schedule moving.

Why do you think accurate patient charting matters?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that charting records care and supports billing and future treatment.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Aspen Dental from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Aspen Dental.

Entry-Level Dental Assistant No dental experience or certification is required to apply. As an Entry-Level Dental Assistant , you’ll get paid, hands-on training through our partnership with the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and a clear path toward becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) — all while working alongside a team that helps patients in your community every day. Salary: $18 - $23 / hour Job Type: Full-Time Schedule: Varies by independently owned and operated location; part-time, full-time, and flexible scheduling available* What You’ll Do Day-to-Day: • Assist during a variety of treatment procedures • Set up and breakdown operatory post treatment • Manage infection control – prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment • Supports patient charting for Doctors • Perform various office tasks as necessary • Collaborate with other members of the dental team to provide exceptional patient care Qualifications: • High school diploma or equivalent • Obtain your radiology and safety certification within the required timeframe for the state of practice • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients of all ages and backgrounds • Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development At Aspen Dental, we put You First. We offer: • Paid Certified Dental Assistant training through Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) sponsored by Aspen. • Part-time, Full-time, flexible scheduling available* • Paid training to become radiology and safety certified through our partnership with DANB. • Paid time off and holidays, Health, Vision, and 401(k) savings plan • Free Continuing Education (CE) through TAG U • Paid annual CDA certification renewal once earned How You’ll Make a Difference At Aspen Dental, we put You First, offering the security and job stability that comes with working with a world-class dental service organization (DSO). Our best-in-class training program, generous benefits package, and flexible scheduling will help you thrive in your career. As an Entry-Level Dental Assistant , you will have the support and training you need to succeed, no matter your level of expertise, and the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients’ lives. We are committed to promoting from within to allow you to expand your career and your life. You can help make a difference in your community one smile at a time. Aspen Dental-branded practices are independently owned and operated by licensed dentists. The practices receive non-clinical business support services from Aspen Dental Management, Inc., a dental support organization. *May vary by independently owned and operated Aspen Dental locations. ADMI Corp., d/b/a TAG-The Aspen Group, its affiliates, related companies and independently owned supported clinical practices are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers and welcome everyone to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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