Pediatric Oral Health Advocate Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of pediatric health, the role of a Pediatric Oral Health Advocate is becoming increasingly crucial.

As awareness about children’s oral health issues grows, so does the demand for passionate individuals who can champion, promote, and secure the oral health of our youngest population.

But what does a Pediatric Oral Health Advocate really do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker curious about the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of pediatric oral health advocacy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive Pediatric Oral Health Advocate job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Oral Health Advocate Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Oral Health Advocates focus on promoting and improving oral health for children.

They provide preventive care, educate families about oral hygiene practices, and advocate for policies that improve pediatric dental care access.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing oral health screenings and preventive care to children
• Educating children and families about proper oral hygiene habits and techniques
• Collaborating with schools, community organizations, and health clinics to organize oral health programs
• Advocating for oral health policies that improve access to dental care for children
• Referring children and families to appropriate dental care providers when necessary
• Assisting families in understanding dental insurance and exploring payment options for dental care
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge about pediatric oral health issues, trends, and best practices
• Tracking and reporting on oral health outreach activities and outcomes
• Participating in continuing education and training programs related to pediatric oral health

 

Pediatric Oral Health Advocate Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Oral Health Advocate to join our team.

The Pediatric Oral Health Advocate’s responsibilities include promoting oral health education and prevention strategies, coordinating oral health care services for children, and providing support to families in maintaining their child’s oral health.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, knowledgeable about pediatric oral health, and is experienced in advocating for children’s health issues.

 

Responsibilities

• Promote oral health education and prevention strategies among families and communities.
• Coordinate oral health care services for children.
• Advocate for pediatric oral health policies and programs.
• Work closely with families to help them understand and maintain their child’s oral health.
• Provide oral health education in schools and community settings.
• Refer children to appropriate dental care services.
• Develop and implement oral health promotion programs.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations to improve children’s oral health outcomes.
• Monitor and report on children’s oral health trends and issues.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in pediatric health advocacy or a similar role.
• Degree in Dentistry, Public Health, Nursing or a related field.
• Knowledge of pediatric oral health issues and prevention strategies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Strong advocacy and coordination abilities.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Ability to travel to schools and community events.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Oral Health Advocate
• Work Environment: Office setting with regular travel to schools and community events. Some weekend work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pediatric Oral Health Program Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 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 Oral Health Advocate Do?

A Pediatric Oral Health Advocate is a professional who is passionate about promoting oral health and hygiene in children.

Their primary role involves educating families, pediatricians, and communities about the importance of good oral health in children.

This includes guidance on proper brushing techniques, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and educating on the effects of diet on oral health.

They often work closely with dentists, schools, and community health organizations to develop and implement programs that encourage good dental habits from a young age.

Pediatric Oral Health Advocates also help in identifying children at risk of dental diseases and refer them to appropriate dental professionals for treatment.

They may also advocate for policies and legislation that improve access to dental care for children, especially those in low-income families or in underserved areas.

In many cases, Pediatric Oral Health Advocates work to address disparities in dental health, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

 

Pediatric Oral Health Advocate Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Oral Health Advocate should have the skills and qualifications that align with this unique job role, such as:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of pediatric oral health to effectively promote and advocate for the oral health of children
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey complex dental health information to children, parents, and caregivers in a comprehensible manner
• Interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships with children and their families, encouraging their participation in oral health practices
• Ability to educate and inform through various means such as workshops, presentations, and one-on-one consultations
• Knowledge of and ability to work within the frameworks of healthcare policies and regulations, particularly those related to children’s oral health
• A commitment to promoting the importance of oral hygiene and preventative dental care to minimize oral health problems in children
• Awareness of cultural and socioeconomic factors that could impact a child’s oral health, and ability to tailor strategies accordingly
• Collaborative skills to work effectively with other healthcare professionals, educators, and community groups in the promotion of pediatric oral health
• Problem-solving skills to identify barriers to children’s oral health and develop innovative solutions to overcome them

 

Pediatric Oral Health Advocate Experience Requirements

Entry-level Pediatric Oral Health Advocates typically hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, such as public health, nursing, or dental hygiene.

They often gain experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time roles in public health organizations, dental clinics, or hospitals dealing with children’s oral health.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may have worked in roles such as Dental Hygienist, Pediatric Dental Assistant, or Community Health Worker.

These roles help them gain practical experience in oral health care, patient education, and advocacy.

Those with over 3 years of experience have often fine-tuned their knowledge of pediatric dental health, developed their communication and advocacy skills, and gained a deep understanding of community resources and health systems.

They may have also gained experience in conducting oral health screenings, educational workshops, and community outreach programs.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in this field are usually considered senior Pediatric Oral Health Advocates.

They may have experience in leading community oral health initiatives, developing oral health policies, or managing oral health programs.

They may be ready for leadership roles within public health organizations or dental clinics.

 

Pediatric Oral Health Advocate Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Oral Health Advocate, often starting their journey with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences, public health, or a related field, typically focuses on understanding healthcare and the specific oral health needs of children.

In addition to their degree, advocates often need to have a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) credential to provide basic oral healthcare services in a pediatric setting.

This requires the completion of an accredited dental hygienist program and passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

Further, the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) certifications are beneficial for this role as they demonstrate a commitment to the advocate’s professional development and understanding of public health education.

Knowledge in pediatric oral health, dental procedures, and health insurance policies is essential.

Some Pediatric Oral Health Advocates may also gain experience and knowledge through volunteering or internships at dental clinics, schools, or community health centers.

Since this role involves working closely with children and their families, strong communication skills, compassion, and patience are paramount.

Advocates often participate in workshops and training programs to improve these soft skills and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and research in pediatric oral health.

Lastly, although not typically required, a master’s degree in public health, dental health, or healthcare administration could be beneficial for those looking to advance in their careers and take up leadership roles in this field.

 

Pediatric Oral Health Advocate Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Oral Health Advocate typically earns an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary significantly based on the individual’s level of experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Additionally, working for larger organizations or in areas with higher costs of living could potentially result in a higher salary.

 

Pediatric Oral Health Advocate Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Oral Health Advocate need?

Pediatric Oral Health Advocates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be working with children, parents, and healthcare providers.

They should be knowledgeable about oral health and pediatric dentistry, and have the ability to educate others about these topics.

They should also have strong advocacy skills to ensure that children’s oral health needs are met and their rights are upheld.

 

Do Pediatric Oral Health Advocates need a degree?

While a degree may not be explicitly required, a background in health, social work, or a related field can be beneficial.

Many Pediatric Oral Health Advocates have degrees in fields such as nursing, public health, or healthcare administration.

Additionally, specific training or certification related to pediatric oral health may be preferred.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Oral Health Advocate resume?

A Pediatric Oral Health Advocate’s resume should demonstrate experience in health advocacy, preferably with a focus on pediatrics or oral health.

They should show a history of working with children, families, and healthcare providers, as well as experience in education or counseling.

Any relevant certifications or continuing education in these areas should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Oral Health Advocate?

A good Pediatric Oral Health Advocate is passionate about children’s health and is dedicated to improving access to quality oral healthcare.

They should be empathetic, patient, and able to establish trust with children and their families.

They should also have strong problem-solving abilities, as they will often need to navigate complex healthcare systems and address barriers to care.

 

How does a Pediatric Oral Health Advocate support children’s oral health?

A Pediatric Oral Health Advocate supports children’s oral health by educating families about the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

They also advocate for children’s oral health at the policy level, working to improve access to dental care and insurance coverage.

Additionally, they often serve as a liaison between families and healthcare providers, ensuring that children receive the care they need.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the true essence of being a Pediatric Oral Health Advocate.

Surprise?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

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

Armed with our handy Pediatric Oral Health Advocate job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to embark on this fulfilling career journey.

But don’t stop there.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards creating accurate job postings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

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

Let’s create that future. Together.

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