Pediatric Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Are you energetic, compassionate, and passionate about helping children feel safe and confident at the dentist? Our busy, fast-paced pediatric practice is looking for an experienced Pediatric Dental Assistant who thrives in a fun, supportive, child-centered environment. We provide a full range of pediatric dental services, including sedation dentistry, special needs dentistry, and hospital dentistry, and we are looking for a team member who can deliver exceptional care with a smile.

The Pediatric Dental Assistant plays a vital role in supporting our doctors and ensuring smooth, efficient patient care. This position requires someone who is confident working with children, adaptable to a fast-paced workflow, knowledgeable with pediatric procedures, and comfortable assisting during sedation and hospital dentistry cases.

Clinical Assisting

• Assist pediatric dentists with restorative and preventive procedures
• Prepare and set up operatories for pediatric and sedation appointments
• Take highquality digital Xrays, including bitewings, PAs, occlusals, and panoramic images
• Assist with nitrous oxide monitoring and sedation workflows
• Provide chairside support during emergency visits and urgent care needs
• Deliver postoperative instructions clearly and confidently to parents
• Obtain medical history
Sedation & Hospital Dentistry
• Prepare sedation rooms and hospital cases
• Assist with oral sedation and monitor patient comfort
• Coordinate treatment trays and instruments for hospital operating room days
• Support documentation, consent forms, and preop/postop instructions
• Work closely with anesthesia providers and hospital personnel
• Patient Interaction & Behavior Guidance
• Create a positive, fun, childfriendly experience for every patient
• Utilize ageappropriate behavior management techniques
• Comfort anxious or fearful children and support parents as needed
Sterilization & Organization
• Follow strict sterilization protocols and OSHA guidelines
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized operatory and work area
• Support instrument turnover in a fastpaced schedule
Team Collaboration
• Work harmoniously with dentists, hygienists, assistants, and front desk staff
• Contribute to a supportive, upbeat practice culture
• Assist with training new team members when needed
Qualifications
• Minimum 4 years of dental assisting experience
• Xray certification (VA)
• Knowledge of pediatric procedures including SSCs, pulpotomies, extractions, space maintainers, sealants
• Experience with nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and pre/postop protocols
• Familiarity with hospital dentistry workflows is strongly preferred
• Ability to manage behavior using positive, childcentered techniques
• CPR certification
• Ability to multitask in a fastpaced environment
• Strong communication skills with both children and parents
• Experience using digital radiography and scanning (preferred)
• Must be reliable, punctual, and able to work well as part of a team