Pediatric Dental Associate Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the emphasis on pediatric dental associates has never been greater.

As dental health awareness grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can maintain, enhance, and protect the oral health of our children.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a pediatric dental associate?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager creating the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of pediatric dentistry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric dental associate job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Dental Associate Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Dental Associates specialize in providing oral health care to infants, children, and adolescents.

They work in a dental practice and are often part of a team of dental professionals.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the dental health of children and adolescents
• Diagnosing dental conditions and planning appropriate treatments
• Performing dental procedures, such as fillings, extractions, and root canals
• Administering sedatives and anesthesia for certain procedures
• Providing preventive dental care and education, including regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and advice on diet and oral hygiene
• Managing child behavior during dental procedures to ensure their comfort and safety
• Collaborating with orthodontists or other dental specialists for complex cases
• Keeping records of patient treatments and progress
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of developments in pediatric dentistry
• Adhering to regulations regarding patient confidentiality, infection control, and other health and safety guidelines.

 

Pediatric Dental Associate Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Dental Associate to join our dynamic team.

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for providing dental care to children from infancy through adolescence, including preventive and restorative dental care and counseling on oral health practices.

Our ideal candidate is patient-oriented, has excellent manual dexterity and the ability to communicate effectively with both children and their parents.

 

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and provide appropriate dental treatment to pediatric patients, including regular cleanings and preventive care education.
• Interact with patients in a friendly and professional manner.
• Create treatment plans for patients.
• Collaborate with dental assistants and other team members.
• Follow all health and safety regulations to provide safe treatment.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry.
• Communicate with parents or guardians regarding the dental health of patients.
• Perform dental procedures, such as extractions, fillings, and root canals.
• Provide sedation dentistry when required.

 

Qualifications

• DDS/DMD degree from a dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
• State license to practice dentistry.
• Completion of a Pediatric Dental Residency program.
• Experience in pediatric dentistry.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong diagnostic skills and proficiency in dental procedure software.
• Compassionate and understanding when handling children.
• Excellent manual dexterity and physical stamina.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Dental Associate
• Work Environment: Dental practice with standard office hours. Evening and weekend availability may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Pediatric Dentist or Dental Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $120,000 minimum to $200,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Dental Associate Do?

A Pediatric Dental Associate is a professional who specializes in the oral health of children and teenagers.

They work in pediatric dental clinics or health establishments offering dental care services to young patients.

Their main responsibility is to provide preventative and therapeutic dental care to children.

This includes routine check-ups, teeth cleaning, and the identification and treatment of tooth decay.

They also educate children and their parents about the best practices for oral hygiene and nutrition to prevent dental issues.

Pediatric Dental Associates often work with other dental professionals, such as dental hygienists and dental assistants, to ensure the smooth running of the clinic and the provision of high-quality dental care.

They are trained in managing children’s behavior during dental procedures to make them comfortable and reduce their fear.

They may use specific techniques or tools designed for children to make the process more enjoyable.

In some cases, they may be required to diagnose and manage oral health issues more specific to children such as gum diseases, ulcers, short frenulae, and pediatric periodontal disease.

Overall, the role of a Pediatric Dental Associate is crucial for instilling good oral habits in children, preventing dental problems from an early age, and ensuring the proper development and maintenance of children’s oral health.

 

Pediatric Dental Associate Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Dental Associate should possess a mix of technical expertise, excellent patient care skills and a good understanding of child psychology.

The skills and qualifications may include:

• Deep understanding of dental procedures and child oral health maintenance
• Strong analytical skills to diagnose and treat dental issues specific to infants, children, adolescents and special-needs children
• Excellent interpersonal skills to deal with young patients and their parents, building trust and reducing the fear of dental procedures
• Patience and a compassionate approach to deal with children who may be anxious or scared
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and parents, explaining treatment plans and oral health care in a manner that is easy to understand
• Problem-solving skills to deal with unexpected situations or complications that may arise during treatments
• Manual dexterity and precision necessary for performing dental procedures on smaller, more delicate oral structures
• Customer service skills for booking appointments, managing patient records and maintaining a positive dental office environment
• Physical stamina to stand and perform procedures for extended periods

 

Pediatric Dental Associate Experience Requirements

To qualify for the role of a Pediatric Dental Associate, candidates should ideally have graduated from an accredited dental school and have completed a Pediatric Dentistry Residency program.

This ensures they have the required theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experience to treat children’s dental issues.

Entry-level Pediatric Dental Associates may have 1 to 2 years of post-residency experience, typically obtained through work in dental clinics or hospitals.

They should be experienced in providing primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a broadened understanding of pediatric oral health care.

They may also be skilled in managing more complex cases and have exposure to different techniques and treatments for various dental conditions and anomalies specific to children.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have significant patient management experience and may have had the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams.

They may also have some leadership experience and be prepared for supervisory roles.

In addition to these experience requirements, all Pediatric Dental Associates should have current licensure and certification in pediatric dentistry.

They should also demonstrate a strong commitment to child-friendly practices and the ability to communicate effectively with children and their parents.

 

Pediatric Dental Associate Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Dental Associates must typically hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, aspiring Pediatric Dental Associates must attend dental school, which generally lasts for four years.

Courses in dental school often include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and biochemistry.

Upon graduation from dental school, they must undergo an additional two to three years of specialized training in pediatric dentistry.

This specialization program focuses on the oral health of children, adolescents, and individuals with special needs.

Every state requires Pediatric Dental Associates to be licensed to practice.

The licensure process usually involves passing the National Board Dental Examinations, which consist of written and practical tests.

In addition to the basic dental license, Pediatric Dental Associates may also need a specialized pediatric dentistry certification, which can be obtained through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Pediatric Dental Associates should also have a keen understanding of child psychology and behavioral management techniques, as their patients are often young and potentially anxious or uncooperative.

Furthermore, they often engage in continuing education and training to stay updated with the latest advancements in pediatric oral healthcare.

This continuing education can range from new dental procedures, treatments and technologies, to advancements in patient care and communication.

 

Pediatric Dental Associate Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Dental Associate can expect to earn an average salary of $178,670 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can significantly vary depending on factors such as years of experience, specialization, geographical location, and the type of healthcare institution they are associated with.

 

Pediatric Dental Associate Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Dental Associate need?

Pediatric Dental Associates should have excellent manual dexterity, good physical stamina and a keen attention to detail to perform dental procedures effectively.

They should also possess strong communication skills to explain procedures and treatments to children and their parents in a non-intimidating way.

Furthermore, they should have a natural affinity and patience towards children, which would help in making their dental visit less stressful.

 

What qualifications does a Pediatric Dental Associate need?

A Pediatric Dental Associate needs to have a degree in dentistry from an accredited dental school.

They should also have completed a pediatric dentistry residency program.

All states in the U.S. require dentists to be licensed, so it’s essential that they pass the National Board Dental Examinations and meet other state-specific requirements.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Dental Associate resume?

In a Pediatric Dental Associate’s resume, look for formal education and completed residency in pediatric dentistry.

Check for their licensure and any additional certifications related to pediatric dentistry.

Also, consider any experience they have working with children in a dental setting, and any specific skills they may have such as knowledge of sedation dentistry or experience with special needs patients.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Dental Associate?

A good Pediatric Dental Associate is patient, compassionate, and has a friendly demeanor that helps children feel comfortable.

They should also be skilled in managing anxious or uncooperative young patients.

Strong decision-making skills and the ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively are also important.

Additionally, staying up to date with the latest pediatric dentistry advancements and techniques ensures they provide the best care for their patients.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pediatric Dental Associate?

Hiring a Pediatric Dental Associate can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required for the role.

It’s crucial to find a candidate who not only has the necessary technical skills, but also a knack for working with children.

Offering competitive salaries, good work-life balance, and continuous learning opportunities can make the position more attractive to potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we gave you a sneak peek into what it truly means to be a pediatric dental associate.

And you know what?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about shaping the future of children’s oral health, one patient at a time.

With our ready-made pediatric dental associate job description template and real-world examples, you’re now prepared to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient you treat contributes to a bigger picture.

Let’s sculpt that future. Together.

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