Dental Assistant – Pediatrics
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
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
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).
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