Dental Assistant

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription: Job SummaryThe Pediatric Dental Assistant supports pediatric dentists in delivering high-quality, compassionate oral healthcare to infants, children, and adolescents. This role requires a strong commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and child-centered care. The Pediatric Dental Assistant is responsible for preparing treatment rooms, assisting during procedures, ensuring patient comfort, and maintaining strict infection control standards. Work ContextWork is performed primarily in a pediatric dental clinical setting.Frequent direct interaction with infants, children, adolescents, and their parents or guardians.Regular exposure to dental instruments, equipment, and materials, including sterilization chemicals and radiographic devices.Work involves close physical proximity to patients and other clinical staff.Position requires adherence to strict infection control, safety, and confidentiality standards.Fast-paced environment with multiple patients scheduled throughout the day.Requires the ability to manage emotionally sensitive situations, including anxious or uncooperative pediatric patients.Standing, sitting, bending, and reaching are required for extended periods.May require assisting patients with special healthcare needs.Work hours may include early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends, depending on practice operations.Scheduling may include working at two seperate office locations. Primary Job DutiesPrepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.Taking patient x-rays.Record treatment information in patient records.Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.Clean and polish removable appliances.Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory. ActivitiesAssist the pediatric dentist during examinations, cleanings, restorative procedures, and minor oral surgeries.Prepare and organize treatment rooms, instruments, materials, and equipment before and after patient visits.Take, process, and document dental radiographs in accordance with safety and regulatory standards.Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and operatory areas following established infection control protocols.Escort pediatric patients and their families to and from treatment areas and help position patients for procedures.Provide age-appropriate explanations of dental procedures to patients and parents to support understanding and comfort.Apply preventive dental treatments as permitted by state regulations, such as fluoride varnish and sealants.Monitor patient comfort and behavior during treatment and promptly report concerns to the dentist.Maintain accurate patient records and update clinical documentation in the practice management system.Support daily clinic operations, including supply management, operatory turnover, and team coordination. Tools and TechnologyDental hand instruments, including mirrors, explorers, scalers, and forceps.Chairside dental equipment such as dental chairs, delivery units, suction systems, and curing lights.Dental radiography equipment, including digital X-ray sensors, intraoral cameras, and panoramic imaging systems (as applicable).Sterilization and infection control equipment, including autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and instrument cassettes.Preventive care materials and tools, including fluoride varnish applicators and sealant delivery systems.Personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, face shields, and protective eyewear.Dental practice management software for scheduling, charting, and patient records.Electronic health record (EHR) systems and digital imaging software.Standard office equipment, including computers, printers, phones, and scanners. NoteThis job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.Requirements: Education and ExperienceHigh School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)Post-Secondary CertificateSome College CoursesKnowledgeKnowledge of pediatric dental procedures, instruments, materials, and terminology.Understanding of child behavior management techniques used in pediatric dentistry.Knowledge of infection control standards, including OSHA, CDC, and HIPAA regulations.Familiarity with dental radiography principles and radiation safety practices.Knowledge of preventive dental care practices, including fluoride application and sealants, within state scope-of-practice guidelines.Basic understanding of oral anatomy, tooth development, and common pediatric dental conditions.Awareness of emergency procedures and patient safety protocols in a dental clinical setting.Working knowledge of dental practice management software and electronic health records (preferred).SkillsStrong ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and caregivers in a calm, reassuring manner.Excellent chairside assisting skills, including instrument transfer, suctioning, and patient monitoring.Ability to manage pediatric patient behavior and reduce anxiety through empathy and positive reinforcement.Proficiency in taking and processing dental radiographs while adhering to safety standards.Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced clinical environment.Attention to detail and accuracy in clinical procedures and documentation.Ability to work collaboratively as part of a dental healthcare team.Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling dental instruments and materials.Basic computer skills, including use of dental practice management and imaging software.Ability to adapt to changing schedules, patient needs, and clinical priorities.