Pediatric Dental Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving healthcare sector, the demand for Pediatric Dental Therapists is continually growing.

As advancements in pediatric dental care strides forward, there is a rising need for skilled professionals who can provide, enhance, and ensure the dental health of our younger generation.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Dental Therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pediatric dentistry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Pediatric Dental Therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Pediatric Dental Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Dental Therapists focus on providing dental care for children and teenagers.

They play a crucial role in promoting oral health practices and ensuring their young patients maintain good oral hygiene.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting oral examinations to assess the dental health of pediatric patients
• Diagnosing oral diseases and developing treatment plans
• Performing routine dental procedures like cleanings, extractions, and fillings
• Applying preventive materials to the teeth such as sealants and fluorides
• Providing guidance to patients and parents on proper brushing, flossing, and dietary habits to promote oral health
• Identifying malocclusion issues and recommending orthodontic interventions if necessary
• Managing children’s behavior during dental visits to ensure a positive dental experience
• Collaborating with pediatric dentists to create comprehensive dental care plans
• Keeping accurate and detailed patient records for future reference and treatment planning
• Adhering to all safety and sanitation regulations within the dental office

 

Pediatric Dental Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Pediatric Dental Therapist to join our dental healthcare team.

The Pediatric Dental Therapist will be responsible for providing preventive and therapeutic oral care to pediatric patients.

You should be experienced in handling dental procedures like teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealant application, and basic restorative work.

The ability to interact with children and make them comfortable is crucial for this role.

Ultimately, the role of the Pediatric Dental Therapist is to ensure our youngest patients maintain good oral health and have a positive dental experience.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform dental health examinations and diagnose oral diseases
• Provide preventive dental care and advice on oral health
• Administer local anesthesia for dental procedures
• Carry out agreed clinical treatments such as dental sealants, fluoride therapies, and basic restorative work
• Establish a positive rapport with children and parents
• Work closely with dentists and other team members
• Ensure that dental equipment is cleaned and sterilized after use
• Help maintain patient dental records
• Adhere to all safety and health regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Dental Therapist, preferably in pediatrics
• Degree in Dental Therapy or equivalent
• Valid license to practice dental therapy
• Excellent knowledge of dental procedures, hygiene products, devices, and solutions
• Good understanding of health & safety regulations
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Attention to detail
• Stamina to meet the physical demands of the job

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Dental Therapist
• Work Environment: Dental clinic setting. No travel required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Dentist or Dental Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 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 Therapist Do?

Pediatric Dental Therapists specialize in providing oral healthcare to children and adolescents.

They work in dental clinics, hospitals or private practices, often as part of a pediatric dental team.

Their primary role includes preventive and therapeutic dental procedures.

This often involves applying sealants, performing cleanings, and treating cavities in young patients.

Pediatric Dental Therapists are skilled in managing children’s behavior during dental procedures, creating a positive dental experience and educating children and their parents about the importance of oral health.

They also perform oral examinations and assess dental development and growth in children.

They are responsible for diagnosing oral diseases and creating treatment plans tailored to each child’s specific needs.

Additionally, Pediatric Dental Therapists often collaborate with Pediatric Dentists, especially for complex cases, and refer patients to specialists when necessary.

 

Pediatric Dental Therapist Qualifications and Skills

Pediatric Dental Therapists must have the necessary skills and qualifications to work with children and their dental care, such as:

• Advanced knowledge of pediatric dentistry, including the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases and conditions in children.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children of all ages, helping them feel comfortable and safe during dental procedures.
• Communication skills to effectively communicate with both children and their parents, explaining procedures and providing advice on dental care and hygiene.
• Compassion and patience to deal with children who may be nervous or fearful, ensuring a positive dental experience.
• Manual dexterity and attention to detail for performing precise dental procedures.
• Problem-solving skills to accurately diagnose and treat dental issues in children.
• Organizational skills to manage patient records, appointment scheduling, and follow-ups effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of dental professionals, including dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists.

 

Pediatric Dental Therapist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Dental Therapists typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or a related field, followed by a specialized training program in pediatric dentistry.

The specialized training program provides the necessary clinical experience for working with children and their specific dental needs.

Entry-level Pediatric Dental Therapists are usually expected to have at least 1 to 2 years of hands-on experience.

This can be gained through internships, practical trainings, or part-time roles in a dental clinic or hospital, working under the supervision of experienced dental professionals.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience are often considered more proficient in handling pediatric dental issues, as they’ve had more time to perfect their skills and techniques.

They are also expected to be adept in handling pediatric patients and managing their dental health effectively.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may possess a significant amount of expertise in pediatric dental care and may have had opportunities to handle complex dental cases.

They may also be ready for leadership roles, such as supervising a team of dental hygienists or managing a pediatric dental clinic.

In addition to this, continued learning through workshops and additional certifications in pediatric dentistry can increase a candidate’s experience and expertise, making them more suitable for advanced roles in the pediatric dental field.

 

Pediatric Dental Therapist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Pediatric Dental Therapist, an individual needs to have completed an accredited dental hygiene program, typically resulting in an associate degree.

The coursework in these programs usually covers subjects such as radiography, oral pathology, community dental health, pain management, and pediatric dentistry.

After graduation, aspiring Pediatric Dental Therapists need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination or a similar state-level examination to be licensed to practice.

This licensure is mandatory in all states.

In addition to a dental hygiene degree and licensure, some states require Pediatric Dental Therapists to complete a dental therapy program, which generally takes an additional two years of study.

This program focuses on pediatric-specific dental care and often includes supervised practical experience.

Continuing education is vital in this role as it ensures that the Pediatric Dental Therapist is up-to-date with the latest practices and developments in pediatric dentistry.

This could include advanced courses or seminars on topics such as child psychology, dental trauma in children, and specific techniques for treating children.

Some Pediatric Dental Therapists may choose to pursue a master’s degree in dental therapy or a related field, although this is not usually a requirement for the role.

However, having a master’s degree may demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to the field and potentially offer more opportunities for advancement.

 

Pediatric Dental Therapist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Dental Therapist earns an average salary of $78,390 (USD) per year.

The earnings can greatly differ based on qualifications, years of experience, the size and location of the dental practice, as well as the complexity of the procedures undertaken.

 

Pediatric Dental Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Dental Therapist need?

Pediatric Dental Therapists should have excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for detailed work.

They should also possess strong interpersonal skills to interact with children and their parents, making their visits comfortable and less stressful.

They should have a good understanding of child psychology and the ability to explain dental procedures and oral hygiene in a way that children can understand.

 

What educational qualifications does a Pediatric Dental Therapist need?

Pediatric Dental Therapists typically require a degree in Dental Therapy or a related field.

Additional specialization in pediatric dentistry through further education or training is desirable.

They also require licensing according to the regulations of the region they wish to practice in.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Dental Therapist’s resume?

A Pediatric Dental Therapist’s resume should highlight their educational qualifications and any specialized training in pediatric dentistry.

It should also detail their experience working with children in a dental setting.

Look for any additional certifications or memberships of professional organizations that indicate their commitment to their profession and continuing education.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Dental Therapist?

A good Pediatric Dental Therapist has a genuine interest in working with children and a friendly, approachable demeanor.

They have excellent communication skills, enabling them to explain procedures and dental health in an age-appropriate and reassuring manner.

They are patient, empathetic, and are able to comfort and calm nervous young patients.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Pediatric Dental Therapist?

Hiring a Pediatric Dental Therapist can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate who not only has the necessary technical skills and qualifications but also possesses the soft skills necessary for working with children.

This includes patience, understanding, and the ability to communicate effectively with children of different ages and developmental stages.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a pediatric dental therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about safeguarding children’s oral health, one tooth at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric dental therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop at being ready?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating meticulously tailored listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every child’s smile is part of a healthier future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Dental Therapist (Complete Guide)

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