Registered Dental Assistant

University of Southern California

Last Updated: 11/17/2025 1:32:49 AM

Position Closed

Live Market Data for this Exact Role

These metrics reveal the true, unfiltered history of this specific position. We track the exact number of days the requisition has been active and monitor real salary range fluctuations over time, helping you verify compensation trends before applying.

Current Days Open
11
Reqs Seen
4
Current Min Salary
$25.67 (Hourly)
Current Max Salary
$25.67 (Hourly)
Historical Time to Fill
71.3
First Seen
11/7/2025
Lowest Min Salary Seen
$22.00 (Hourly)
6/24/2026
Highest Max Salary Seen
$26.50 (Hourly)
5/17/2026

Full Job Description

This is a 6-month fixed-term position with the possibility of transitioning to regular full-time employment. Since 1897, the Ostrow School of Dentistry has shaped talented students into outstanding dentists and dental hygienists. Our challenging clinical education and our expert faculty members provide future oral health professionals with the skills they need to become the best. We, at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, are all committed to maintaining an environment of excellence and eminence, and this commitment shines through in all that we do. Advanced Orthodontic Program at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is looking for a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). The RDA provides both administrative and comprehensive chair-side assisting services for patients during dental treatment procedures for clinical faculty, doctoral dental students, and post-doctoral students in clinical unit(s) and/or affiliated practices. Ensures adherence to strict principles of the standard of care, cleanliness, and infection control. Ensures that all communication provided to patients/parents, residents, clinic employees, and faculty is presented in a professional and friendly manner. No travel to other locations for work, and this position does not supervise other employees. Job Accountabilities: Observes dental assisting employees and students to ensure adherence to strict principles of the standard of care, cleanliness, and infection control. Reports noncompliance to supervisors and/or faculty. Prepares treatment/clinical areas for patient care. Organizes and prepares trays for dental procedures, readies, and mixes materials, and maintains adequate inventories in each operatory. Preps patients and assists dentists with procedures. Obtains vital signs and monitors patients for complications. Cleans up following procedures, disposes of waste, disinfects area after each patient, and sets up for next patient in accordance with established procedures. Maintains inventory of disposable materials, medications, dental instruments, equipment, and supplies in the dental operatory and those required for daily operation. Organizes supplies and equipment to minimize loss and maximize utilization. Performs regular audits to ensure the removal of expired materials. Maintains a clean and orderly clinic. Sterilizes and disinfects instruments and equipment in accordance with established procedures. Prepares materials for making impressions and restorations, as needed. Exposes and processes digital radiography or traditional x-rays. Practices radiation safety always when using dental radiographs generators. Assists Residents with explaining treatment instructions and treatment plans to patients and parents of Spanish speaking families. Leads other dental assistants in the absence of the supervisor as needed. Provides administrative support (e.g., schedule, attendance records) and problem resolution as required. Assists with patient registration, appointment scheduling, billing, filing, scanning, and other related administrative support duties as required. Obtains dental history, records from patients, and ensures health histories are recorded and current. Provides patient education and treatment planning information as directed by attending faculty providers, or by students. Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics. What makes you stand out? Demonstrated excellent bilingual skills in English and Spanish (written and verbal) Demonstrated collaborative work style. Previous work experience in orthodontic patient care The Trojan Family Rewards: We pride ourselves in creating the BEST USC EXPERIENCE, and that begins with our employees! We offer a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families. For more information, please visit http://benefits.usc.edu This support advocates work-life balance and employee well-being. As members of the Trojan family, employees are connected by the traditions and history that make us proud to be Trojans! As an equal opportunity employer, USC values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. The work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and constructive collaboration amongst all its members. USC has great minds that transform the world with their talents and research. Will you be one? Join us! FIGHT ON! The hourly rate range for this position is $25.67 - $28.47. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidates work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. Minimum Education: Specialized/technical training Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Three years chairside experience directly in a dental environment or private practice in one or more recognized dental disciplines (general/prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, pedodontics, orthodontics, special patients). Working knowledge of HIPAA compliance, PPO and dental terminology. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal patient service skills, and ability to multi-task. Working knowledge of proper sterilization and instrument management techniques. Demonstrated experience in a high volume, fast paced environment. Demonstrated team-oriented and collaborative work style. Ability to travel to and from various local locations. Possesses a current California Registered Dental Assistant License, current California X-Ray Certificate, current CPR Certification, and current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Certification. USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USCs Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$135663.htmld USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work. Application help If you need assistance during the application process, see our application help. (If you already work for USC, see Your USC career.) At any point you may also contact our HR Service Center for help at (213) 821-8100 or uschr@usc.edu. Don't see the dream job you are looking for? Drop off your contact information and resume and we will reach out to you if we find the perfect fit!

Similarity vs. Compensation Matrix

How to read this chart:

This interactive scatter plot benchmarks the compensation for this position against the broader market. The vertical Golden Line represents the midpoint salary for the current requisition, while the Blue Dots map competing open roles based on their semantic match and pay scale.

Click any dot to investigate a competitor. For the best leverage, target roles in the top-right quadrant—these are highly relevant positions offering above-average compensation.

Lower Match, Higher Pay Higher Match, Higher Pay
Lower Match, Lower Pay Higher Match, Lower Pay

Similar Open Roles & Salary Benchmarks

Don't limit your search to a single application. Below is a curated list of active openings across the market. To ensure high-quality leads, we enforce a strict 70% similarity threshold—meaning these aren't just superficial keyword matches, but genuinely viable career alternatives. Use these competing benchmarks to confidently negotiate your salary expectations or apply directly to higher-paying offers.