Pediatric Dental Assistant

Daniel M Etheridge D D S Ltd; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Greenbrier Dental Center, a private general/pediatric practice in Chesapeake, seeks a Pediatric Dental Assistant to support pediatric dentists. You will prepare rooms, take intraoral x-rays and photos, chart patients, and assist with restorative procedures, ensuring a kid-friendly, hygienic environment.

The role requires collaboration with a team of dental professionals, scheduling, and maintaining records. Minimum 2 years’ pediatric experience and VA X-ray certification are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• X-ray Certificate for Virginia.
• Completion of an accredited dental assistant program.
• CDA or equivalent credential recognized in the United States.
• Current Healthcare Provider BLS for children and adults.
• Minimum of 2 years dental assisting experience.
• Experience with children in a healthcare setting.
• Typing 35-40 words per minute.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and sterilize dental instruments and equipment before and after procedures.
• Assist the pediatric dentist during examinations and treatments by handing instruments and managing suction devices.
• Perform pediatric coronal polishing and sealant placement.
• Expose intraoral and panoramic x-rays.
• Take pediatric photos and intraoral full mouth photographs.
• Create a welcoming, calming environment to reduce anxiety in children.
• Educate children and parents on proper oral hygiene and post-treatment care.
• Maintain accurate patient records and treatment details.
• Schedule appointments and manage front desk duties as needed.
• Ensure infection control protocols and safety regulations for pediatric care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Dental equipment operation

Dental software knowledge

Typing 35-40 wpm

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Virginia X-ray Certificate

Accredited dental assistant program

CDA or equivalent credential

BLS certification (children and adults)

Minimum 2 years dental assisting experience

Experience with pediatric patients

Tools

Eaglesoft

Job description

Greenbrier Dental Center is a single office, privately owned, full service general and pediatric dental practice serving the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake, Virginia since 1985.

Our dental office has four general dentists, one pediatric dentist, five hygienists, seventeen dental assistants and twenty office administrators making us one of the most successful dental practices in Hampton Roads.

We work hard to as a team to ensure our patients receive the best dental care possible. We strive to keep the most up to date equipment, allowing us to communicate and educate our patients as well giving them all of the comforts of home.

Thank you for considering being apart of our wonderful team. We strive to build close work family relationships that will last many years to come.

Greenbrier Dental Center is a people-oriented privately owned dental practice that encourages personal growth and values hard working individuals with a heart for dentistry.

About the Role:

The Pediatric Dental Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting pediatric dentists by providing exceptional care and comfort to young patients during dental hygiene and restorative procedures. This position involves preparing treatment rooms, taking intraoral x-rays and photos, pediatric dental charting and treatment planning, performing pediatric prophies, assisting the pediatric dentist with restorative procedures and passing of dental instruments, and ensuring a safe and hygienic environment tailored specifically for children. The role requires effective communication skills to ease children's anxieties and educate parents about oral health practices. The Pediatric Dental Assistant also manages administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. Ultimately, this role contributes significantly to delivering a positive dental experience that promotes lifelong oral health habits in children.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• X-ray Certificate for the State of Virginia (required)
• Completion of an accredited dental assistant training program.
• Certification as a Dental Assistant (CDA) or equivalent credential recognized in the United States.
• Current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for both children and adults. (required)
• Minimum of 2 years dental assisting experience (required)
• Experience or demonstrated ability to work effectively with children in a healthcare setting.
• Able to keyboard blind-touch type 35 - 40 words per minute with accuracy.
• Must be able to work a 4 day work week of 35 - 37 hours to include 3 evenings until 6:00pm (required)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience specifically in pediatric dental assisting.
• Knowledge of pediatric dental terminology, teeth letters/numbers and procedures.
• Familiarity with Eaglesoft dental practice management software.
• Additional certifications such as Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA).
• Strong background in child psychology or pediatric patient communication techniques.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and sterilize dental instruments and equipment before and after procedures.
• Assist the pediatric dentist during examinations and treatments by handing instruments and managing suction devices.
• Performing pediatric coronal polishing and placement of sealants
• Exposure of intraoral and panoramic x-rays
• Taking of pediatric photos and intraoral full mouth photographs
• Create a welcoming and calming environment to help reduce anxiety in young patients.
• Educate children and their parents on proper oral hygiene techniques and post-treatment care.
• Maintain accurate patient records, including treatment details and medical histories.
• Schedule patient appointments and manage front desk administrative duties as needed.
• Ensure compliance with infection control protocols and safety regulations specific to pediatric dental care.

Skills:

The Pediatric Dental Assistant utilizes strong interpersonal skills daily to build trust and comfort with young patients and their families, which is essential for successful treatment outcomes. Attention to detail is critical when preparing instruments and maintaining sterile environments to ensure patient safety. Effective communication skills are employed to clearly explain procedures and oral care instructions to children and parents. Organizational skills are necessary to manage appointment scheduling and maintain accurate patient records efficiently. Additionally, technical skills related to dental equipment operation and software use support smooth clinical and administrative workflows.