Associate Dentist - Sonora, CA
Compensation
Pay not listed
The week · per this posting · Monday – Thursday4-day week
Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting, call expectations and time off.
Job Description
Associate Dentist – Sonora, California
Mentorship | Advanced Technology | Four-Day Workweek | Future Partnership Opportunity
Don't Just Practice Dentistry. Build Something Meaningful.
Imagine a career where your patients become familiar faces, your work makes a lasting difference, and your future has room to grow.
What if your next opportunity offered more than a paycheck? What if you could practice comprehensive dentistry, develop your clinical skills, enjoy a four-day workweek, and potentially become a future practice owner?
Sonora Smiles, an established and growing family dental practice in beautiful Sonora, California, is seeking a motivated, personable Associate Dentist who wants to become part of something special.
We're not simply looking for someone to fill a position. We're looking for a dentist who loves what they do, values meaningful patient relationships, and wants to build a long-term future with a practice and community.
A Practice Where You Can Thrive
At Sonora Smiles, you'll join an experienced owner dentist and a positive, supportive team committed to delivering exceptional patient care. Our practice serves patients of all ages and offers a comprehensive approach to dentistry, combining modern technology with personalized treatment.
With five existing operatories and plans to expand to eight, we're creating exciting opportunities for clinical growth, increased production, and long-term success.
What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out?
Advanced Technology: CBCT, CEREC same-day crowns, digital radiography, digital Panorex, diode laser, and 3D printing.
Comprehensive Dentistry: Perform a broad range of procedures, including restorative dentistry, endodontics, extractions, oral surgery, and implant placement, based on your experience and interests.
Meaningful Mentorship: Work alongside an experienced owner dentist who is enthusiastic about helping associates develop their clinical confidence and skills.
Clinical Independence: Enjoy the opportunity to practice quality dentistry, build relationships with patients, and grow professionally.
Established Patient Base: Join a family-focused practice with an existing patient base and opportunities for continued growth.
Exciting Expansion: Planned growth from five to eight operatories offers additional opportunities to expand your clinical practice.
- What If This Could Become Your Practice Someday?
- Here's where this opportunity gets especially exciting.
Sonora Smiles isn't simply looking for an associate dentist. The long-term vision is to find someone who wants to grow with the practice and potentially become a future partner.
Imagine building a loyal patient following, developing your clinical and leadership skills, and eventually having the opportunity to take an ownership role in a practice you've helped grow.
- For the right dentist, this could be the beginning of something much bigger than an associate position.
- Competitive Compensation & Schedule
- Competitive daily guarantee for the first 90 days
- Collections-based compensation with earning potential up to 34% of net collections
- Strong earning potential as your patient base and production grow
- Monday–Thursday schedule, typically 8 AM–5 PM
- Consistent three-day weekends
- Potential future partnership and practice ownership
- Additional incentives may be considered for the right candidate
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for a dentist who genuinely enjoys helping people, takes pride in delivering quality care, and wants to become an integral part of a practice's future.
Our Ideal Candidate
- Holds a DDS or DMD degree and an active California dental license or eligibility for licensure
- Is personable, hardworking, and committed to excellent patient care
- Enjoys building long-term relationships with patients and colleagues
- Has strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
- Is motivated to grow clinically and professionally
- Has an interest in future partnership or practice ownership
New graduates are encouraged to apply! Whether you're just beginning your career or have years of experience, mentorship and professional development opportunities are available.
A Career You'll Love. A Lifestyle to Match.
Nestled in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills, Sonora offers the charm of a historic California town, beautiful mountain surroundings, and a welcoming community.
Enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, local shops, and outdoor adventures, all while building a meaningful career in a place where patients know and appreciate their dentist.
And with a Monday–Thursday schedule, you'll have three-day weekends to enjoy everything the area has to offer!
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
You don't have to choose between professional success and a fulfilling lifestyle.
At Sonora Smiles, you'll have the opportunity to practice dentistry you're proud of, work with a team that supports your growth, become part of a wonderful community, and potentially build a future as a practice owner.
Come practice with purpose. Grow with a community. Build your future at Sonora Smiles.
Apply today to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
Key Responsibilities
Perform a broad range of dental procedures including restorative work, endodontics, and oral surgery while building long-term patient relationships. Collaborate with the owner dentist to provide exceptional care and contribute to the practice's growth and future expansion.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a DDS or DMD degree and possess an active California dental license or be eligible for licensure. The role is open to both new graduates and experienced dentists who are motivated to grow clinically and professionally.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Key Skills
General Dentistry Career Context
American Dental Companies holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 72/100, 26 active listings.
Of the 50 active Dentist listings this role was benchmarked against, 36% have no call, 78% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 3.9 / 10 · above average in dentist | ranked against 3,154 Dentist listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | not listed | Dentist median $221k (middle half $192k–$275k)55 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost of living | California index 110.7 | US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Dentist listings in California | 583 active | 5,724 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 36% no call · 78% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | California healthcare professional listings: 13% state a sign-on bonus (median $15k) · 4% offer loan repayment583 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New General Dentistry listings | 589 in the last 30 days | 418 the 30 days before (+41%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| American Dental Companies | silver tier, 72/100 | Top Employers work-life index26 active listings |
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