Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of modern healthcare, the focus on Pediatric Dental Public Health Officers has never been more significant.
As healthcare evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and maintain effective oral health programs for children grows increasingly strong.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply intrigued by the field of pediatric dental public health,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer Duties and Responsibilities
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officers focus on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases in children.
They design public health programs to promote dental health among children and adolescents, providing education on oral hygiene and dental care.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing oral health programs for children and adolescents in the community
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive healthcare services to children
- Conducting research to study the prevalence and causes of oral diseases in children
- Identifying, diagnosing and managing dental health problems in children and adolescents
- Providing education and counseling to children and their parents about dental hygiene, diet and other factors affecting oral health
- Advocating for public policies that improve dental health among children
- Planning and participating in community-wide oral health education campaigns
- Working closely with schools and other community organizations to ensure access to dental care for all children
- Maintaining accurate records of services provided and outcomes achieved
- Keeping abreast of the latest research and developments in pediatric dentistry and public health
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer to join our team.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for promoting and maintaining oral health within the pediatric community through comprehensive educational programs, policy development, and community-based efforts.
A Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer’s duties include the collection and analysis of oral health data, planning and implementing pediatric oral health initiatives, and providing oral health education and preventive dental care.
Responsibilities
- Collect and analyze oral health data from various pediatric communities
- Develop and implement strategies to improve pediatric oral health
- Conduct regular dental check-ups and preventive procedures
- Provide oral health education to children, parents, and caregivers
- Collaborate with schools, community groups, and other healthcare providers
- Advocate for policies that reduce oral health disparities and improve access to dental care
- Keep up-to-date with the latest research in pediatric dentistry and public health
Qualifications
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree
- Specialization in Pediatric Dentistry
- Board certification in Dental Public Health
- Proven experience working with children and adolescents
- Knowledge of public health principles and practice
- Excellent communication skills to effectively educate children and parents about oral health
- Ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals and community leaders
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Continuing education opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer
- Work Environment: This role will require work in both an office setting and community locations. Some travel may be required to reach different community locations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Pediatric Dentistry or Public Health Director.
- Salary: Salary is based on experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $100,000 minimum to $250,000 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 Public Health Officer Do?
A Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer is a specialized professional within the field of dentistry who focuses on the oral health and well-being of children and adolescents within the community.
Their primary responsibility is to develop, implement, and evaluate policies and programs that improve the oral health of children.
This includes designing and overseeing community dental health programs aimed at preventive care, such as fluoridation of water or dental sealant programs in schools.
They often work closely with other healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders to promote good oral hygiene habits and practices among the young population.
This may involve organizing and conducting educational seminars, workshops, and health fairs.
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officers are also involved in research.
They study dental disease patterns and trends in children, the effectiveness of preventive and treatment methods, and other factors that affect children’s oral health.
They provide guidance and consultation to pediatric dentists and other dental professionals on public health matters, helping them to integrate public health principles into their practice.
Lastly, they also play a significant role in advocating for public policies that improve children’s access to dental care, especially those from low-income families and underserved communities.
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer Qualifications and Skills
A Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer should possess the skills and qualifications necessary for providing dental care to children and promoting dental health in the community.
These include:
- Specialized knowledge in pediatric dentistry and public health to provide optimal dental care to children and adolescents. This includes understanding the unique dental issues that children face and how to address them effectively.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with children and their parents effectively, explaining dental procedures and providing advice on dental care in a clear and understandable manner.
- Strong organizational and planning skills to implement and manage public health programs aimed at promoting dental health among children.
- Ability to perform dental procedures on children, such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions, with precision and care.
- Empathy and patience to deal with children who may be scared or uncomfortable during dental procedures.
- Proficiency in using dental software for record keeping, scheduling appointments, and managing patient information.
- Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat dental issues in children efficiently and effectively.
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry and public health.
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer Experience Requirements
The journey to becoming a Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer starts with obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree, typically in a science-related field.
After this, aspiring Pediatric Dental Public Health Officers need to attend dental school, which is a demanding 4-year program, and further specialize in pediatric dentistry and public health, which typically requires an additional 2-3 years of specialized training.
This means that, on entering the field, these professionals already have 6-7 years of focused academic and clinical experience.
During dental school and their specialization period, they gain significant practical experience treating dental issues in children and understanding public health concerns.
They may also gain experience through internships at dental clinics, hospitals, or public health organizations.
For those looking to further advance in the field, experience in research or policy-making in dental public health may be required.
This could be gained through roles such as a Research Associate in Dental Public Health, Policy Analyst in a health-related government department, or similar roles.
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officers with more than 5 years of experience in the field may have developed their skills in managing health programs, supervising teams, and making strategic decisions related to dental health policies.
These professionals are well suited for leadership roles in the field.
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer Education and Training Requirements
A Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school.
After obtaining their dental degree, these professionals are required to complete an additional two to three years of specialized pediatric dental residency training.
This pediatric dental program incorporates medical, behavioral, and therapeutic aspects of dentistry, all of which are specifically catered to the treatment of children and adolescents.
To become a Public Health Officer, an additional degree, such as a Master’s in Public Health (MPH), is often required.
This degree focuses on health management, policy, and education, which are crucial for a career in public health dentistry.
Moreover, all states require dentists to be licensed.
Licensing requirements typically involve graduating from an accredited dental school and passing written and practical exams.
In addition, pediatric dentists may choose to become board certified by passing an examination from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Continuing education is important in this role as the officer needs to stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and procedures in pediatric dentistry as well as public health policies and practices.
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer Salary Expectations
A Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer earns an average salary of $176,000 (USD) per year.
However, this salary can vary widely depending on the individual’s years of experience, level of education, and the location in which they practice.
Additional factors like the size and setting of the employing organization can also influence salary expectations.
Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer need?
A Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer needs to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with children and their parents effectively.
They must have a thorough knowledge of dental health practices and procedures, especially in relation to children.
They should be good at problem-solving and have the ability to analyze public health data to develop effective programs.
What qualifications does a Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer need?
A Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer typically needs a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.
In addition to this, they need specialized training in pediatric dentistry and public health.
This is often obtained through a dual degree program which combines pediatric dentistry and public health.
What should you look for in a Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer resume?
Look for a strong educational background with a specialization in pediatric dentistry and public health.
Experience in pediatric dental practices, especially in public health settings, is also important.
Further, look for demonstrated skills in communication, program development, data analysis, and public speaking, as these are critical for this role.
What qualities make a good Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer?
A good Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer is empathetic and patient, as they often deal with children who may be scared or anxious.
They should be passionate about improving dental health in their community and have the ability to communicate complex health information in a way that can be easily understood by the public.
They should also have strong leadership skills to implement and manage public health programs.
Is it difficult to hire a Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer?
The recruitment of a Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer can be challenging as it requires a combination of dental expertise, pediatric specialization, and public health knowledge.
However, offering competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for continued education and training, and a positive work environment can attract qualified candidates.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve demystified the vital role of a Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer.
You know what?
It’s not just about filling cavities.
It’s about shaping the oral health future of our youngest generation, one tooth at a time.
Armed with our Pediatric Dental Public Health Officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.
But why not go further?
Take a deep dive with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precise job listings or finessing your resume to excellence.
Remember:
Every tooth you care for contributes to the bigger picture.
Let’s create that healthier future. Together.
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