Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the emphasis on private pediatric dental practitioners is more crucial than ever.

As the dental health industry progresses, the demand for skilled professionals who can effectively treat and safeguard our children’s oral health continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a private pediatric dental practitioner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of pediatric dentistry,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s get straight to it.

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner Duties and Responsibilities

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioners specialize in the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years.

They have advanced skills and training to deal with a child’s behavior, growth, development, and specific dental health issues.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting oral examinations to assess the dental health of children and identify issues or conditions
• Diagnosing and treating oral health issues in children such as tooth decay and gum disease
• Performing dental procedures like fillings, extractions, and root canal treatments in children
• Advising and educating parents and children on oral hygiene practices and preventative dental care
• Applying dental sealants and topical fluoride to children’s teeth
• Interpreting dental x-rays and diagnostic tests
• Managing dental and medical emergencies by providing vital primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care
• Working closely with other dental specialists and healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care
• Keeping records relating to the oral health of patients and the treatments given to them

 

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a compassionate, patient-focused, and experienced Pediatric Dentist to join our private practice.

The ideal candidate should be specialized in providing both preventative and therapeutic oral health care to children from infancy through adolescence.

Pediatric Dentist responsibilities include diagnosing oral diseases, promoting oral health such as cleanings and fluoride treatments, and treatment of conditions such as cavities or traumatic injury.

They should also be skilled in managing child behavior during dental procedures to ensure a positive dental experience for each child.

 

Responsibilities

• Examining patients to assess oral health and diagnose dental conditions
• Developing treatment plans for patients
• Performing routine dental procedures, such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions
• Administering sedation for patients when necessary
• Collaborating with dental hygienists and assistants
• Ensuring a safe and effective dental service is provided to children
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest treatments in pediatric dentistry
• Building relationships with children and parents to promote trust and a comfortable environment

 

Qualifications

• A Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree
• Completion of a Pediatric Dentistry Residency program
• Current, valid license to practice dentistry in the state
• Exceptional attention to detail and excellent hand-eye coordination
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with children, parents, and staff
• Experience in a pediatric dental practice is preferred

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus structure
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner
• Work Environment: Private dental practice. This position may require working evenings and weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Practice Owner or designated Lead Dentist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $130,000 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 practice. 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 Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner Do?

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioners are specialized dentists who provide oral health care to infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs.

They work either in their private clinics or in private hospitals.

They are responsible for diagnosing and treating dental issues such as tooth decay, gum diseases, oral injuries, and other related conditions in children.

This may include procedures like fillings, tooth extractions, and applying sealants or fluoride treatments.

These dental practitioners also guide children and their parents about proper oral hygiene habits, diet, and preventive dental care to maintain good oral health.

They may use digital imaging technologies to diagnose dental issues and plan treatments.

In addition to clinical duties, they also manage the administrative tasks of their practice which may include managing patient records, scheduling appointments, billing, and maintaining a safe and clean clinical environment.

Dealing with pediatric patients often requires additional patience and skills to ensure the child’s comfort and cooperation during dental procedures.

Many pediatric dental practitioners use games, storytelling, and other techniques to alleviate children’s fears and anxieties about dental procedures.

They also work closely with pediatricians and general dentists to provide comprehensive healthcare for their young patients.

 

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner Qualifications and Skills

A private pediatric dental practitioner should have the skills and qualifications to handle the unique oral health needs of children, such as:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from an accredited dental school, including specialization in pediatrics.
• Active state license to practice dentistry and additional certification in pediatric dentistry.
• Strong knowledge of child psychology to understand and handle children in a patient and compassionate manner during dental procedures.
• Excellent communication skills to explain dental procedures and oral care strategies to children and their parents in an understandable and reassuring way.
• Manual dexterity and attention to detail to perform precise dental procedures, often in small mouths and tight spaces.
• Interpersonal skills to build long-term relationships with young patients and their families, promoting oral health care from infancy through adolescence.
• Patient and calm demeanor to help reduce anxiety or fear in young patients and create a positive dental experience.
• Ability to make quick decisions and perform under pressure, particularly in emergency situations.
• Staying updated with the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry and child-related health issues.

 

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner Experience Requirements

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioners are generally required to have completed a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) program, which typically lasts four years.

These programs provide significant theoretical and practical experience in general dentistry.

Following dental school, these individuals must complete a specialized pediatric dentistry residency program, which typically lasts two to three years.

This residency allows for the development of skills and knowledge specifically related to treating children and adolescents, including those with special healthcare needs.

Entry-level private pediatric dental practitioners may have recently completed their residency and will have gained a significant amount of hands-on experience through this program.

They may also have experience through internships or part-time work in dental offices during their schooling.

Candidates with more than 3 years of professional experience in pediatric dentistry have likely developed a deeper understanding of their field and may be ready to take on more complex cases.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may also have experience in managing a practice, as many private pediatric dental practitioners own their own practices.

These individuals may have additional experience in business management, staff supervision, and administrative tasks related to running a dental practice.

 

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner Education and Training Requirements

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioners typically begin their education with a bachelor’s degree in pre-dental studies or a related field.

These aspiring dental practitioners then need to pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to be accepted into dental school.

Dental school usually takes four years to complete and includes coursework in health sciences as well as practical training.

After graduating from dental school with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree, those wishing to specialize in pediatric dentistry will need to complete a pediatric dental residency program.

These programs last for two to three years and provide specialized training in managing and treating children’s oral health needs.

Once the residency is complete, practitioners must pass a specialized board certification exam in pediatric dentistry to become a board-certified pediatric dentist.

This certification demonstrates a dentist’s expertise in providing high-quality dental care to children.

Continuing education is also important in this field due to constant advancements in dental technology and treatment options.

Many pediatric dentists pursue additional courses and seminars to stay updated on the latest practices and techniques in pediatric dentistry.

In addition, all states require dentists to be licensed to practice.

The licensing requirements typically involve passing a state-specific or regional clinical exam, along with a written test.

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioners, like all dentists, should also have good manual dexterity, strong interpersonal skills, and a desire to help children maintain good oral health.

 

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner Salary Expectations

A Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner makes an average salary of $178,040 (USD) annually.

However, the earnings can vary significantly based on years of experience, specializations, location, and the nature of the dental practice.

 

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner need?

Private Pediatric Dental Practitioners need excellent manual dexterity for precision when working with small tools in a child’s mouth.

They also need strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with children and their parents.

Patience and the ability to keep a child calm during procedures are crucial as well.

 

Do Private Pediatric Dental Practitioners need a degree?

Yes, all dentists, including pediatric specialists, need to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Following this, they must complete a 2-3 year pediatric residency program.

They also need to pass state licensing exams.

 

What should you look for in a Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner resume?

A resume for this role should include a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited school, completion of a pediatric residency program, and evidence of passing state licensing exams.

They should also have experience working with children, and any additional certifications or training related to pediatric dentistry can be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Private Pediatric Dental Practitioner?

Good Pediatric Dental Practitioners are empathetic, patient, and friendly to ensure children feel comfortable during their visits.

They need to have excellent communication skills to explain dental procedures and advice to children and parents in a simple, understandable way.

Additionally, they should be dedicated to continuing education to stay updated with the latest practices and techniques in pediatric dentistry.

 

Is it difficult to hire Private Pediatric Dental Practitioners?

Hiring for this role can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required.

The position requires a professional who is not only technically proficient but also has the right interpersonal skills to effectively work with children.

This combination can make finding the right candidate difficult.

Offering competitive compensation and a supportive work environment can help attract suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a private pediatric dental practitioner.

And guess what?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about sculpting the dental health of the future, one child’s smile at a time.

With our reliable private pediatric dental practitioner job description template and real-life examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why halt your journey there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for refining your job listings or tailoring your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every child’s smile is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.