Dental Assistant- Pediatrics

Position Overview

Under the general supervision of a Dentist, the Pediatric Dental Assistant provides chairside clinical support while creating a positive, compassionate, and engaging experience for infants, children, adolescents, and their families. This role combines excellent clinical assisting skills with the ability to reduce anxiety, build trust, and help children develop positive lifelong attitudes toward oral health.

The Pediatric Dental Assistant assists during dental procedures, manages patients before and after treatment, maintains infection prevention standards, and supports efficient clinical operations. This position may provide care in traditional clinic settings as well as school-based dental programs.

Education & Experience

High School Diploma or GED required.

Current CPR certification required.

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) preferred.

Radiation Safety Certification (South Carolina) required or obtainable upon hire.

Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification required or obtainable within established timeframe.

Two (2) years of chairside dental assisting experience preferred.

Pediatric dental assisting experience preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrates patience, compassion, and professionalism when caring for children and families.

Ability to establish rapport with pediatric patients while helping ease fear and anxiety.

Skilled in behavior guidance techniques appropriate for children of varying developmental stages.

Maintains a calm, reassuring presence during challenging patient encounters.

Strong verbal communication skills with both children and parents/caregivers.

Prepares operatories, instruments, and dental materials according to established infection prevention standards.

Produces high-quality diagnostic digital radiographs while following ALARA radiation safety principles.

Demonstrates knowledge of OSHA, CDC, HIPAA, and South Carolina Board of Dentistry regulations.

Maintains accurate documentation within the electronic dental record.

Works effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Essential Functions

Welcome pediatric patients and families while creating a warm, supportive, and child-friendly environment.

Conduct pre-treatment intake including medical history review, vital signs when indicated, and patient preparation.

Explain procedures to children and caregivers using age-appropriate communication.

Prepare treatment rooms with appropriate instruments, materials, barriers, and equipment.

Assist the dentist using effective four-handed dentistry techniques while anticipating provider needs.

Support behavior guidance techniques that promote positive patient experiences.

Obtain high-quality diagnostic digital radiographs with minimal retakes.

Assist during restorative, preventive, emergency, and surgical dental procedures.

Provide post-operative instructions to patients and caregivers and ensure a smooth handoff to the front office.

Maintain and monitor sterilization processes and documentation.

Clean, disinfect, and prepare operatories in accordance with CDC and OSHA guidelines.

Monitor laboratory cases and assist with impressions, models, temporary appliances, and other laboratory procedures.

Maintain adequate inventory of supplies and notify leadership of replenishment needs.

Assist with dental charting during restorative, preventive, and hygiene appointments.

Support efficient patient flow by anticipating clinical needs and assisting teammates as needed.

Participate in quality improvement initiatives that promote safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care.

Participate in school-based dental programs and community outreach events as assigned.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties for Certified Dental Assistants

(As permitted by South Carolina law and organizational policy)

Polish clinical crowns to remove stains and soft deposits.

Apply topical fluoride varnish and pit-and-fissure sealants.

Remove surgical sutures.

Place and remove gingival retraction cord.

Fabricate temporary crowns.

Apply topical medications as directed.

Remove excess cement from restorations and orthodontic bands.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

The ideal candidate:

Enjoys working with children of all ages.

Remains calm and positive during difficult or emotional situations.

Is dependable and adaptable in a busy clinical environment.

Anticipates provider needs rather than simply reacting to them.

Communicates respectfully with families and teammates.

Takes pride in delivering exceptional patient care.

Is committed to continuous learning and professional growth.

Physical Requirements:

Hearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone. Must be able to tolerate high pitched noises from handpieces and other dental equipment. Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone. Vision: Visual acuity adequately to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens. Other: Requires occasional lifting and carrying items weighing up to 10 pounds unassisted in normal daily activities and up to 30 lbs. for other required work activities. Additionally, requires frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand movements (especially if keyboarding and writing), standing, walking, squatting, and sitting, with some lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a regular work shift.