Pediatric Dental Assistant

Lifetime Dental Care Virginia; Woodbridge (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifetime Dental Care Virginia seeks a skilled Pediatric Dental Assistant to join a busy, child-centered practice. You will support dentists in pediatric procedures, manage sedation workflows, and ensure safe, efficient operatories for both routine care and emergencies.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years of dental assisting experience, VA X-ray certification, CPR, and a passion for comforting anxious children while guiding parents through care plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of dental assisting experience.
• X-ray certification (VA) is required.
• Knowledge of pediatric procedures including SSCs, pulpotomies, extractions.
• Experience with nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and pre/postop protocols.
• Familiarity with hospital dentistry workflows is preferred.
• Excellent communication with children and parents.
• CPR certification and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist pediatric dentists with restorative and preventive procedures
• Prepare 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

Skills

Pediatric patient care

Strong communication

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Education

X-ray certification (VA)

Tools

Nitrous oxide equipment

Digital radiography

Pediatric dental instruments

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.

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