Wave Dental Specialists logo
Wave Dental Specialists
Dearborn Heights, Michigan

Dental Assistant – Pediatrics

Dental Above average in Pediatrics (Dental)Full-Time

Listed compensation

$20–$26 per hour

Listing transparency3 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and nights and shift pattern.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Includes weekends
Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

  • Description
  • Dental Assistant – Pediatrics
  • Wave Dental Specialists | Dearborn Heights, MI
  • $20–$26/hour | Full-Time

Do you love working with children and want to be part of a supportive, fast-paced specialty practice? Wave Dental Specialists is looking for a compassionate, energetic Dental Assistant to join our pediatric team! If you're patient, upbeat, and enjoy helping children feel comfortable during their dental visits, we'd love to meet you.

Our office is part of a multi-specialty practice, giving you the opportunity to work alongside experienced specialists in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics—all while being connected to our general dentistry office next door. It's a collaborative environment with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.

What You'll Do

  • Assist the pediatric dentist during a variety of procedures
  • Anticipate the needs of the dentist to ensure efficient patient care
  • Take quality digital radiographs, including bitewings, PAs, and panoramic X-rays
  • Prepare treatment rooms and maintain proper infection control standards
  • Educate and encourage young patients while creating a fun, positive experience
  • Perform expanded functions, including coronal polishing and, if qualified, sealants
  • Help maintain smooth clinical flow while providing exceptional patient care

What We're Looking For

  • Previous dental assisting experience required
  • Previous pediatric dental experience strongly preferred
  • Expanded Functions certification preferred
  • Comfortable taking digital X-rays (bitewings, PAs, and panoramic)
  • Coronal polishing experience required; sealant experience is a plus
  • Patient, kind, positive, and enjoys working with children
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Someone who is proactive and able to anticipate the provider's needs
  • Reliable, organized, and eager to grow professionally

Schedule

  • Full-time position
  • One to two Saturdays per month
  • When you work a Saturday, you'll receive a weekday off, helping maintain a great work-life balance

Compensation & Benefits

  • $20–$26 per hour, based on experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Monthly continuing education opportunities
  • Supportive leadership and opportunities for career growth

If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in children's lives while working alongside an outstanding specialty team, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Wave Dental Specialists family!

#indeedwavedp

Requirements

  • Education and Training
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

Minimum one-year related experience and/or training or the equivalent of a combination of education and experience in the dental profession.

  • Valid X-ray certificate.
  • Current license if CDA, RDA, or EFDA (per state requirements).
  • CPR & first aid certificate.
  • FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
  • Reports to: Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities

The dental assistant will support pediatric dentists during various procedures and ensure efficient patient care by preparing treatment rooms and maintaining infection control. They will also educate young patients to create a positive experience and perform expanded functions like coronal polishing and sealants.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure

Key Skills

Pediatric dental assistingDigital radiographySealant applicationPatient educationClinical flow managementX-ray certificationCPR certificationFirst aid certification

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Dental Assistant – Pediatrics at Wave Dental Specialists a 6.4 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Pediatrics (Dental) — ranked against 295 active Pediatrics (Dental) listings on WeekdayDoc.

Pediatrics Career Context

The cost-of-living index for Michigan is 96.2 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$48k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $50k in an average-cost state. 61.8% of Michigan clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Pediatrics Jobs

6 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution5 jobs

1
$52k
2
$62k
2
$70k-80k

Annual compensation range

Work-Life Balance Distribution6 jobs

0
1-2
0
3-4
1
5-6
4
7-8
1
9-10

Higher = better work-life balance

#1

Pediatric Licensed Dental Assistant

Apple Tree Dental · Saint Paul, Minnesota

$27.5-$35/hr
#2

Dental Assistant (Pediatrics)

CHAS Health · Spokane, Washington

$23.75-$33.86/hr
#3

Certified Pediatric Dental Assistant

$26-$30/hr
#4

Certified Pediatric Dental Assistant

$26-$30/hr
+ 4 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

6.4/ 10
Listing-based score

Above average in Pediatrics (Dental)

  • Includes weekends

Living in Dearborn Heights

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$220k
Typical market rent
$1,458/mo
Residents’ average commute
24 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
100.3
State income tax
Up to 4.3%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

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About Wave Dental Specialists

Benefits & Perks

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Life insurance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Monthly continuing education opportunities