Pediatric Dental Assistant
Listed compensation
$20-$23/hr
The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Accent Dental St. Louis - 1405 S Hanley Rd Ste 100, Brentwood, MO 63144
Full-time: Monday - Friday
We are looking for a friendly, detail-oriented Pediatric Dental Assistant to join our pediatric dental team. The ideal candidate is passionate about working with children, skilled in patient care, and able to create a positive and comfortable experience for both patients and families. This role primarily focuses on pediatric polishings, charting, preventive care, and chairside support while helping our clinical team keep each day running smoothly.
Key Responsibilities
Pediatric Patient Care & Chairside Assistance
- Assist with basic pediatric dental care, including polishings, charting, and preventive procedures
- Prepare treatment rooms and provide chairside support to the dentist as needed
- Help children feel safe and comfortable before, during, and after their appointments
- Anticipate clinical needs and maintain an organized treatment environment
Patient & Parent Communication
- Greet and prepare children for treatment in a friendly, reassuring manner
- Review medical histories and update patient records
- Provide age-appropriate oral hygiene education and communicate care instructions with parents or guardians
Sterilization & Infection Control
- Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment according to OSHA and CDC guidelines
- Organize and maintain dental supplies and instruments
- Ensure operatories are clean, stocked, and ready between appointments
Administrative Support (as needed)
- Assist with patient charting and treatment documentation
- Schedule appointments and confirm visits as needed
- Provide additional front-office support when needed
Qualifications
- Dental Assistant certification required
- X-ray certification as required by state regulations
- Pediatric dental experience preferred, but not required
- Knowledge of dental practice management software
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable working with children and communicating with parents or guardians
- Compassionate, patient-focused, and team-oriented
- Ability to stay organized and work efficiently in a fast-paced pediatric environment
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand or sit for extended periods
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
Key Skills
Pediatrics Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Missouri is 90.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$45k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $49k in an average-cost state. 60.1% of Missouri clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 3.9 / 10 · above average in dental assistant | ranked against 342 Dental Assistant listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | $42k–$48k | Dental Assistant median $48k (middle half $44k–$54k)172 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$49k in purchasing power | Missouri index 90.8 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Dental Assistant listings in Missouri | 142 active | 5,781 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
Top Pediatrics Jobs
5 matches · ranked by paySalary Distribution
5 jobsAnnual compensation range
Work-Life Balance Distribution
5 jobsHigher = better work-life balance
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (Pediatrics)
Smilist · Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Dental Assistant - Pediatrics
STRIDE Community Health Center · Aurora, Colorado
Pediatric Dental Assistant
$20-$24/hrPediatric Dental Assistant III
$21.51 hourly