Dental Assistant

PEDIATRIC DENTAL CENTERS OF FLORIDA LLC•North Lauderdale, FL

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant position is an on-site role located in North Lauderdale (ZIP Code 33068), focusing on pediatric dental care. The assistant will be responsible for preparing young patients for procedures, assisting pediatric dentists chairside with a variety of treatments including exams, cleanings, sealants, pulpotomies, crowns, and extractions. Key duties also involve taking and processing digital x-rays, maintaining strict sterilization and infection control standards, and educating children and parents on oral hygiene and post-operative care. The role requires accurate documentation, monitoring patient comfort and safety, and potentially assisting front desk staff during downtime. Strong soft skills such as compassion, patience, excellent communication, and organizational abilities are essential for working effectively with children and parents in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Florida Dental Radiography Certification (mandatory).
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification in Florida (mandatory).
Minimum 1 year of experience in a dental office.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited Dental Assisting Program.
Pediatric experience strongly preferred.
Experience with dental software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental).
Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Creole).
Nitrous monitoring certification.
Knowledge of Medicaid/CHIP pediatric dental benefits.
Prior work experience in community clinics or high-volume pediatric settings.

Responsibilities

Greet and prepare pediatric patients for dental procedures in a calm and friendly manner.
Assist pediatric dentists with chairside procedures including exams, cleanings, sealants, pulpotomies, crowns, and extractions.
Take and process digital x-rays (bitewing, periapical, panoramic).
Maintain and sterilize instruments and operatories according to OSHA and CDC guidelines.
Provide age-appropriate education to children and parents on oral hygiene and post-operative care.
Document procedures and patient interactions accurately in the dental record.
Ensure infection control standards are met or exceeded.
Monitor patient comfort and safety during treatment; offer support and reassurance to anxious children.
Take dental impressions when needed.
Manage patient flow and support front desk staff during downtime, if needed.