Hiring Dental Assistants: Immediate Start + Guaranteed Growth to $30+/Hr
No experience required. Your attitude is the experience you need.
The Problem With Most Dental Jobs
Stuck at Low Pay
Hired at whatever wage they can
get away with
Poor Training
Basic training from whoever happens
to be available
No Clear Path
Maybe a small raise after a year.
Maybe not.
Kristen, Business Owner
Pequannock Valley Dental Associates
How We Do Things Differently
Be trained by Experts
Professional coaching team led by Dr. Brian Marino and his wife, Kristen Marino
Structured Development System
Level Up Dental Assistant Program with clear progression and mentorship pairing
Amazing Culture
Growing team that genuinely cares about families, where your success matters to everyone
You Always Know What's Next
Never wondering "when will I get a raise?" - your entire career progression is mapped out
The Story Behind Our Approach
When I left the education field and started working with my husband, Dr. Brian Marino, I immediately noticed the need for proper training in the dental space - especially hands-on training and real coaching.
Most dental offices were hiring good people but failing to develop them properly. There was no structured approach, no real professional development - just hoping people would figure it out as they went.
That's when we completely reimagined how to develop dental professionals and created our Level Up Dental Assistant Program.
We built a structured system where you get paid right away while being trained by our professional coaching team - led by Dr. Brian Marino and myself (I have a Master's in Education).
You're part of an amazing culture with a growing team that genuinely cares about families, where your success matters to everyone.
The difference is you always know what's next. You're never wondering, "When will I get a raise?"
Let me explain…
We've already mapped out your entire career progression. Every level is defined, every skill is identified, and every milestone is clear.
Level 1-2
Foundation Builder
Master sterilization, terminology, and patient interaction (patient experience and communication) with your dedicated mentor. We've designed this pairing system from the ground up to guarantee your success.
Level 3-4
Chairside Professional
Real procedures, equipment mastery, patient confidence building. Every skill builds on the last one, this is intentional progression.
Level 5-6
Independent Practitioner
Working independently with X-ray certification and handling complex procedures. You've become the skilled healthcare professional you trained to be.
Level 7-8
Advanced Specialist
$30+ an hour, assisting with implants, cosmetic procedures, and potentially training newer assistants. You've become the kind of professional that patients specifically request.
This entire system exists because we thought through what dental assistants actually need to succeed.
Every transition, every skill, every level up - we've already figured it out for you.
BONUS Benefits
#1: Profit Sharing Program
When our office hits its goals, everyone wins! All full-time team members participate in our profit-sharing program - because your success is our success.
#2: We Invest in Your Future
For new hires, we'll pay for the cost of your X-ray certification, understanding that you'll be committed to our team for a minimum of 2 years. We believe in investing in people who want to grow with us.
Why Professional Coaching Matters
Here's something most dental offices get wrong: they think anyone can train a dental assistant.
But there's a huge difference between someone who's good at dental assisting and someone who's good at teaching dental assisting.
I have a Master's degree in Education and understand how people actually learn, how to build skills progressively, and how to coach someone to excellence.
When I'm developing your skills, you're not just memorizing procedures - you're understanding the thinking behind them. That's what turns you into a real professional instead of just someone who follows instructions.
The Multi-Practice Advantage
We operate multiple dental practices, which gives you something most assistants never get: variety and opportunity.
Practice Focus #1
High-volume general dentistry environment where you'll master efficiency and patient flow.
Practice Focus #2
Family and comprehensive care specializing in building long-term patient relationships.
Plus, when you're ready to advance, you have multiple locations where opportunities might open up. You're not stuck waiting for the one lead assistant position at a single practice.
Ready to Actually Grow Your Career?
We have 4 positions available right now. The application takes a few minutes.
We'll call you within 24 hours, and if we're a good fit, you can start getting paid this Monday while working toward $30+.
MEET THE Doctor
Dr. Brian Marino, DMD
Dr. Brian Marino grew up in Oakland, NJ, and now lives in Wyckoff with his wife Kristen, their three children (James, Elizabeth, Madelyn), and their Golden Retriever, Ryder. Outside the office, he enjoys family time, cheering at his kids’ soccer and lacrosse games, and rooting for the New York Yankees. A passionate outdoorsman, he loves fly fishing in the West, the Catskills, and Flat Brook with his son and brother, as well as traveling, biking, and paddleboarding at his favorite Cape Cod.
Dr. Marino opened Pequannock Valley Dental Associates in 2007 to provide quality patient care in a welcoming environment. With Kristen, he expanded to Montville Center for Dentistry (2021), Whitehouse Station Center for Dentistry (2023), and The Center for Dentistry of Vernon (2023). These locations feature updated facilities, advanced dental technology, and skilled teams dedicated to patient care.
A Rutgers College honors graduate with a BA in Biology, Dr. Marino earned his DMD as a Dean’s Scholar at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine). He completed his residency at Hackensack University Medical Center, New Jersey’s top-rated hospital. A lifelong learner, he exceeds continuing education requirements, with expertise in Invisalign (a provider since 2004), CEREC same-day crowns, and advanced restorative dentistry. He has studied at the Dawson Center, Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, and Schuster Center and implant dentistry training in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Marino is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA).
Dr. Marino and his team are committed to personalized, high-quality dental care for you and your family.
MEET THE Doctor
Kristen Marino
Kristen, married to Dr. Marino since 2000, is a devoted mother to their three children, James, Elizabeth, and Madelyn. She loves cheering for her family, cooking for them, and making memories during annual travels. An avid skier and nature enthusiast, Kristen finds joy in hiking national parks, skiing, or collecting shells at Cape Cod.
Professionally, Kristen has been Dr. Marino’s business partner since 2007, when they acquired Pequannock Valley Dental Associates, followed by Montville Center for Dentistry (2021), Whitehouse Station Center for Dentistry (2023), and The Center for Dentistry of Vernon (2023). Originally a teacher with a degree in education and an M.ED. in Developmental Disabilities, Kristen transitioned to dentistry, bringing a unique perspective. Her eye for design helps create welcoming dental spaces, while her teaching background drives her to develop team members, systems, and procedures. Passionate about growth, she mentors staff with a servant’s heart, always learning alongside top dental industry leaders.
Montville Center for Dentistry
Whitehouse Station Center for Dentistry.
Pequannock Valley Dental Associates
The Center for Dentistry of Vernon
What You're Probably Wondering
Do I need dental experience?
Nope. We actually prefer to train people our way from the start. If you have a high school diploma, reliable transportation, and you're willing to learn, that's enough.
Can I apply if I already have dental experience?
If you fit the culture and have a growth mindset, that's a YES.
What are the hours like?
Most offices are open between the hours of 9am to 6pm, with hours based on practice location. No weekends. After your initial training period, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
How much can I really make?
You start getting paid your first day. Most people advance significantly within 3-6 months. Our top assistants make $30+ an hour, and if you want to move into management, those positions pay $55-65K+ annually.
What if I want to go back to school?
We've supported assistants through hygiene school and even dental school. We'll work with your schedule and support your goals.
What's a typical day like?
You get to work around 8am , set up your rooms, review the day's schedule with the team. Then you're chairside with patients - helping with cleanings, fillings, procedures. Every day is different depending on what's scheduled. Lunch break, more procedures in the afternoon, then cleanup and prep for tomorrow.
Will I actually advance or is this just talk?
Here's the thing - your growth is 100% up to you. You can advance as fast as you're willing to learn and grow. We've built the system, we provide the coaching, but how quickly you move through the levels depends on your effort and commitment.
What does the training and support look like?
Our Level Up program includes structured coaching, dedicated mentorship pairing, and hands-on learning with our education-trained team. You shadow experienced assistants and get real-time feedback.
Can you describe the team dynamic?
We're a family-focused culture where assistants, hygienists, and doctors collaborate closely. Everyone supports each other's growth and success.
What skills are you looking for?
Positive attitude, willingness to learn, reliability, and good communication with patients. We'll teach you the technical skills.
What does a successful first 90 days look like?
You'll complete Level 1-2 training, be comfortable with sterilization and basic procedures, and start transitioning to chairside assisting.
Are there opportunities for complex procedures?
Absolutely. As you advance through our levels, you'll assist with implants, cosmetic procedures, and specialized treatments.
How do you help someone transition into dental if they're new?
Our entire Level Up program is designed for this. Structured learning, mentorship, and gradual skill building make the transition smooth and confident.