Dental Assistant - Pediatrics
Listed compensation
$18-$30/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
At Carolina Orthodontics and Children's Dentistry, our top priority is to provide our patients with the highest quality care in a friendly, fun, state-of-the-art environment with unmatched professional service. Our specialists and the entire team are proud to offer outstanding orthodontic and children's dental care.
Are YOU
- Passionate
- Empathetic
- Dynamic
- Outstanding
WE are:
- Compassionate
- Authentic
- Rowdy (at times)
- One-of-a-kind
- Leaders
- Inclusive
- Nurturing
Appreciative
At Carolina Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry we believe that every person, every job and every day is important! If you believe that too, we'd love to meet you!
PTO * Health/Vision/Dental * 401k
Position Summary
The job of a pediatric dental assistant is to ensure that each patient consistently receives outstanding, individualized service at each treatment appointment.
Responsibilities
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of each clinical day engaged and ready to participate in team morning meeting
- Welcome patients to the dental office with a smile and positive energy
- Prepare patients for treatments or checkups ensuring their comfort
Ensure that patients have an excellent experience by providing care in a patient-friendly environment. This includes bringing patients back on time for their scheduled appointment and greeting and acknowledging each patient by name at the treatment appointment
The goal of the assistant is to, over time, get to know the patients and interact with families on an individual level (i. e. team member remembers things about each patient)
Serve as chairside clinical assistant, demonstrating proficiency in all areas of pediatric dental assisting including, but not limited to: photographs, x-rays, assist the dentist through 4-handed dentistry, select and set up instruments, equipment and material needed, any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the doctor
Demonstrate proficiency in dental language and terminology such that clinical assistant can type chart notes using the terms and abbreviations used by the practice
Demonstrate proficiency in practice management software such that assistant can schedule appointments and cover telephones to help the administrative team when necessary
- Maintain accurate patient records and assist with payment procedures
- Efficiently run clinical chair to see 12-15+ patients per day in a timely manner
- Provide instructions to patients/parents throughout dental treatment
- Sterilize instruments according to regulations via cold sterile, dry-heat, and autoclave methods and undertake lab tasks as instructed
- Work with other team members, both clinical and administrative, to help the day run smoothly
- Provide oral hygiene and post-operative care instructions
- Keep the dental room clean and well-stocked
Qualifications
- Training Requirements (licenses, programs, or certificates)
- Dental x-ray certification
- Proven experience as dental assistant
- Knowledge of dental instruments and sterilization methods
- Understanding of health & safety regulations
- Ability to perform regulated non-surgical tasks like coronal polishing is a plus
- Good computer skills
- Excellent communication and people skills
- Attention to detail
- Well-organized and reliable
- High school diploma; graduating from dental assistant school is preferred
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Pediatrics Career Context
The cost-of-living index for North Carolina is 94.3 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$50k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $53k in an average-cost state. 59.2% of North Carolina clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $37k–$62k | Dental Assistant median $47k (middle half $44k–$54k)159 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$53k in purchasing power | North Carolina index 94.3 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Dental Assistant listings in North Carolina | 202 active | 5,775 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | North Carolina healthcare professional listings: 36% state a sign-on bonus (median $15k) · 5% offer loan repayment202 active listings, Oct 2026 |
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