What Are the Duties of a Pediatric Dental Assistant?

by Beth Greenwood, Demand Media

A dentist would be much less efficient without a dental assistant. This hands-on career requires a strong sense of responsibility, good communication skills and the ability to work with other members of the dental team. Pediatric dental assistants require an extra set of skills because children have special dental needs. Not only are they in the early stages of their physical development, they are also more of a challenge to keep still and calm during dental checkups. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that all dental assistants, regardless of specialty, earned an average annual income of $35,080 as of 2012.


Each state regulates dental assistants, so educational licensing and certification requirements vary by state. Contact your state's governing body for specific requirements. Dental assistants might complete a formal program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or get all their education through on-the-job training. In some states, a passing grade on a state exam is required. States don't differentiate between pediatric and other dental assistants, so a formal education program covers the same information for both. Most accredited programs take a year, though some programs offer a two-year associate degree.

Duties and Tasks

State regulations and responsibilities might vary, but all dental assistants perform the same basic tasks. These include assisting the dentist during procedures, taking and developing X-rays, and teaching patients about oral health strategies such as brushing and flossing correctly. Pediatric dental assistants might also perform some tasks specific to the care of children, such as applying dental sealants. A pediatric dental assistant might also need to modify equipment settings, set out smaller tools or arrange for a booster seat for a child.

Preventive Care and Supervision

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, or AAPD, recommends children start dental visits no later than their first birthday. Pediatric dental assistants are often the best people to talk to parents about preventive care for their children's teeth. Assistants also take over much of the role of supervising children when they are in a dental operatory.

Communication Skills

The ability to communicate with and set children at ease is an important skill for a pediatric dental assistant. Children respond differently according to their stage of development. A toddler, for example, might feel more comfortable being held in a parent’s lap for a dental exam. Older children might respond to puppets who teach them about brushing their teeth. Pediatric dental assistants should be familiar with different tricks and techniques to get children to cooperate during their checkups and ensure the dentist can do her job properly.

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