Dental Assistant (Pediatric) at Lifetime Dental Care PLLC – Woodbridge, Virginia

Are you energetic, compassionate, and passionate about helping children feel safe and confident at the dentist? Our busy, fast-paced pediatric practice is looking for an experienced Pediatric Dental Assistant who thrives in a fun, supportive, child-centered environment. We provide a full range of pediatric dental services, including sedation dentistry, special needs dentistry, and hospital dentistry, and we are looking for a team member who can deliver exceptional care with a smile.

The Pediatric Dental Assistant plays a vital role in supporting our doctors and ensuring smooth, efficient patient care. This position requires someone who is confident working with children, adaptable to a fast-paced workflow, knowledgeable with pediatric procedures, and comfortable assisting during sedation and hospital dentistry cases.

Clinical Assisting
-Assist pediatric dentists with restorative and preventive procedures
-Prepare and set up operatories for pediatric and sedation appointments
-Take high-quality digital X-rays, including bitewings, PAs, occlusals, and panoramic images
-Assist with nitrous oxide monitoring and sedation workflows
-Provide chairside support during emergency visits and urgent care needs
-Deliver post-operative instructions clearly and confidently to parents
-Obtain medical history

Sedation & Hospital Dentistry
-Prepare sedation rooms and hospital cases
-Assist with oral sedation and monitor patient comfort
-Coordinate treatment trays and instruments for hospital operating room days
-Support documentation, consent forms, and pre-op/post-op instructions
-Work closely with anesthesia providers and hospital personnel
-Patient Interaction & Behavior Guidance
-Create a positive, fun, child-friendly experience for every patient
-Utilize age-appropriate behavior management techniques
-Comfort anxious or fearful children and support parents as needed

Sterilization & Organization
-Follow strict sterilization protocols and OSHA guidelines
-Maintain a clean, safe, and organized operatory and work area
-Support instrument turnover in a fast-paced schedule

Team Collaboration
-Work harmoniously with dentists, hygienists, assistants, and front desk staff
-Contribute to a supportive, upbeat practice culture
-Assist with training new team members when needed

Qualifications
-Minimum 4 years of dental assisting experience
-X-ray certification (VA)
-Knowledge of pediatric procedures including SSCs, pulpotomies, extractions, space maintainers, sealants
-Experience with nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and pre/post-op protocols
-Familiarity with hospital dentistry workflows is strongly preferred
-Ability to manage behavior using positive, child-centered techniques
-CPR certification
-Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
-Strong communication skills with both children and parents
-Experience using digital radiography and scanning (preferred)
-Must be reliable, punctual, and able to work well as part of a team