Periodontal Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of oral healthcare, the demand for skilled Periodontal Assistants has never been greater.

As dental health awareness improves and technologies advance, the need for proficient individuals who can contribute to, enhance, and maintain a patient’s periodontal health grows stronger.

So, what’s truly expected from a Periodontal Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of periodontal assistance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive and customizable Periodontal Assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Periodontal Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Periodontal Assistants play a crucial role in dental health care teams, providing support to periodontists, who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease.

Their duties often involve patient care, as well as office and laboratory responsibilities.

A Periodontal Assistant’s key duties and responsibilities include:

• Assist the periodontist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Set up and sterilize dental instruments and equipment
• Prepare patients for treatment, taking medical histories and blood pressure readings
• Take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Make impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts
• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, such as tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• Perform office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer
• Communicate with patients and suppliers, scheduling appointments, managing supplies, etc.

 

Periodontal Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Periodontal Assistant to join our dental team.

The responsibilities of a Periodontal Assistant include assisting periodontists during procedures, preparing and sterilizing instruments, and educating patients on periodontal disease and oral hygiene.

Our ideal candidate has excellent communication skills, is detail-oriented, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-focused environment.

The role requires knowledge of dental instruments and procedures, as well as the ability to put patients at ease during treatment.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist the periodontist during dental procedures
• Prepare and sterilize dental instruments
• Provide patient education on periodontal disease and oral hygiene
• Manage patient records and information
• Take dental radiographs/x-rays
• Make impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts
• Handle laboratory duties such as pouring and trimming models
• Schedule patient appointments and follow-ups

 

Qualifications

• Completion of a Dental Assisting program from an accredited institution
• Certification as a Dental Assistant (CDA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
• Experience working in a dental office, specifically with periodontal procedures
• Knowledge of dental instruments and sterilization methods
• Understanding of health & safety regulations
• Good interpersonal skills and communication
• Computer skills; experience with healthcare databases and applications
• Ability to work well under pressure and keep calm in stressful situations

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Periodontal Assistant
• Work Environment: Dental office setting. Protective safety wear is required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Periodontist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $31,500 minimum to $48,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 Periodontal Assistant Do?

Periodontal Assistants are specialized dental professionals who provide assistance to periodontists, dentists who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease.

They assist during procedures that deal with the structures supporting the teeth, such as gums, alveolar bone, cementum and periodontal ligament.

Their duties may include preparing the patient for the periodontal procedure, setting up the equipment, and making sure that the dentist has easy access to the necessary tools during the procedure.

A Periodontal Assistant may also be responsible for taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays), taking impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts, and providing patients with oral hygiene and postoperative care instructions.

They are also often tasked with administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, updating medical records, and processing billing and payments.

In addition, they must adhere to safety guidelines and maintain a clean and sterile environment to prevent infections and ensure patient safety.

 

Periodontal Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A competent periodontal assistant should possess the following skills and qualifications that are crucial to fulfill job requirements:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of dental practices, procedures and terminology to assist the periodontist effectively.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and dexterity to handle dental instruments accurately and safely.
• Good interpersonal skills to interact with patients, making them feel comfortable before, during and after dental procedures.
• Outstanding communication skills to understand and convey patient concerns, medical history and treatment plans clearly to the periodontist and other members of the dental team.
• Capable of operating and maintaining dental equipment, including X-ray machines, sterilizers, and dental tools.
• Efficient time management skills to ensure patient appointments are adequately scheduled and managed.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure, especially in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of dental software programs for recording patient information, scheduling appointments and processing insurance claims.
• Understanding of safety and sanitation standards as per health regulations in the dental office.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods of time during procedures.

 

Periodontal Assistant Experience Requirements

Entry-level periodontal assistant candidates typically need to have completed a dental assistant program at a community college, technical school, or vocational school, where they gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field.

These programs usually include internships or clinical practice, during which students gain hands-on experience in a dental office setting.

The length of these programs varies but most can be completed in a year or two.

Some dental offices may also offer on-the-job training for periodontal assistants where they can gain experience in a practical setting.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often have a wider range of skills including taking and developing dental radiographs (X-rays), sterilizing instruments and equipment, and making impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth).

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have experience with more complex tasks such as assisting periodontists during procedures, providing patient care, and educating patients on postoperative care and oral health strategies.

Senior periodontal assistants may also have some managerial experience, such as overseeing other dental assistants, managing inventory of dental supplies, and coordinating patient schedules.

 

Periodontal Assistant Education and Training Requirements

To become a Periodontal Assistant, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically the first step.

Following this, aspirants must complete an accredited dental assisting program.

These programs are generally available at community colleges, technical schools, and universities and take about one year to complete.

They provide both classroom instruction and practical training, giving students a solid foundation in dental anatomy, radiography, and anesthesia among other topics.

Most states require Periodontal Assistants to be licensed or registered.

The requirements for licensure and registration vary by state but typically involve passing the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination.

To be eligible for the DANB CDA exam, an individual must have a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of a dental assisting program, and current CPR certification.

In addition to these basics, many Periodontal Assistants opt to pursue further education and certification in specialized areas such as periodontal disease, dental implants, and oral hygiene to provide the best possible care to patients.

Continuing education is also important, as it keeps Periodontal Assistants up to date with the latest techniques, treatments, and technologies in the field.

It can also provide opportunities for career advancement.

 

Periodontal Assistant Salary Expectations

A Periodontal Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $42,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary based on the level of experience, specific skills, location, and the type of dental office where they are employed.

 

Periodontal Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Periodontal Assistant need?

Periodontal Assistants should possess strong manual dexterity as they will need to handle dental tools within a patient’s mouth.

Good interpersonal and communication skills are also vital to explain procedures to patients, alleviate their fears, and provide aftercare instructions.

They should be detail-oriented to maintain accurate patient records and follow strict health and safety protocols.

 

Do Periodontal Assistants need a degree?

While a degree isn’t necessarily required, Periodontal Assistants generally need to complete a dental assisting program from an accredited institution.

After completion of the program, they must also pass a state exam to earn licensure or certification to work as a dental assistant.

Some states require further specialized training for Periodontal Assistants.

 

What should you look for in a Periodontal Assistant resume?

When reviewing a Periodontal Assistant resume, look for a completion certificate from an accredited dental assisting program.

Make sure they possess the required state licensure or certification.

Practical experience in a dental setting, knowledge of dental software, and specific periodontal training are valuable.

Other relevant skills may include patient care, radiography, and equipment sterilization.

 

What qualities make a good Periodontal Assistant?

A good Periodontal Assistant should be empathetic and patient-centric, ensuring the comfort and ease of patients throughout their visit.

They need to be detail-oriented, as they will have to follow stringent protocols and work with precision.

They should also be adaptable and able to think on their feet as dental procedures can sometimes become unpredictable.

 

How important is experience for a Periodontal Assistant?

Experience is highly valuable for a Periodontal Assistant.

While formal education provides the necessary foundation, hands-on experience helps in applying learned concepts and techniques in real-world scenarios.

Experienced Periodontal Assistants are more familiar with dental office workflow, patient management, and emergency handling.

Employers often prefer candidates with some experience, especially for roles that involve specialized procedures.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a periodontal assistant.

And you know what?

It’s not just about assisting with dental procedures.

It’s about fostering oral health and brightening smiles, one patient at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive periodontal assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for sculpting laser-focused job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient cared for is a step towards a healthier world.

Let’s create that world. Together.

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