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Pediatric Dental Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Dental Assistant

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Los Lunas, NM

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

Dental Assistant

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients ... CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we ...

The ideal candidate will provide comprehensive pediatric dental services to children (ages infancy through adolescence), while ensuring compliance with legal, ethical, and institutional standards.

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Pediatric Dental Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do pediatric dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for pediatric dental assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pediatric dental assistant do?

A pediatric dental assistant works in a dental office and provides oral health care services for children. As a pediatric dental assistant, your job duties include preparing exam rooms for children, setting up a tray of smaller dental tools, teaching children proper brushing and flossing practices, taking and developing X-rays of children’s teeth, and applying dental sealants. You also assist pediatric dentists during teeth and oral health examinations. The position requires excellent interpersonal, communication, and technical skills, along with the ability to work with children of all ages.

What does a pediatric dental assistant do?

A Pediatric Dental Assistant supports pediatric dentists in providing dental care to infants, children, and adolescents. Their duties include preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing dental instruments, assisting during treatments, taking X-rays, and educating children and parents about oral hygiene. They also help manage patient records, comfort anxious young patients, and ensure a child-friendly environment. Pediatric Dental Assistants play a key role in making dental visits positive experiences for children.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pediatric dental assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pediatric Dental Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and pediatric oral health, typically supported by a dental assisting certificate or diploma. Familiarity with dental radiography, electronic dental records, and sterilization equipment is commonly required. Patience, strong communication, and a gentle, child-friendly demeanor are vital soft skills for comforting young patients and collaborating with dental teams. These skills ensure efficient, safe care and help create a positive dental experience for children and their families.

What are some of the unique challenges pediatric dental assistants face when working with children compared to adults?

Pediatric Dental Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing dental anxiety in young patients, communicating effectively at a child’s level, and ensuring the clinic environment is welcoming and non-threatening. They frequently need to employ creative distraction techniques and work closely with both parents and dentists to ease children through procedures. Patience, adaptability, and a calm demeanor are especially important for building trust and providing a positive dental experience for kids.

What is the difference between Pediatric Dental Assistant vs Dental Assistant?

AspectPediatric Dental AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsDental assisting certification, pediatric-specific trainingDental assisting certification
Work EnvironmentChildren's dental clinics, pediatric officesGeneral dental practices, various specialties
Job DutiesAssisting with children's procedures, behavior managementAssisting with general dental procedures, patient care
Industry UsagePrimarily in pediatric dentistryBroadly in all dental practices

The main difference between a Pediatric Dental Assistant and a Dental Assistant lies in their work environment and specialized training. Pediatric Dental Assistants focus on working with children and often have pediatric-specific skills, while Dental Assistants serve a broader range of patients across various dental specialties.

What job categories do people searching Pediatric Dental Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Pediatric Dental Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Pediatric Dental Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Pediatric Dental Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Pediatric Dental Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,276 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

Dental Assistant

Summary:The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; performing procedures in compliance with the New Mexico dental standards. 

At CHOICE Healthcare Services, our mission is to provide everyone access to the healthcare they need. CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we pride ourselves on delivering high quality care to children in our communities. 

What we provide to you as a CHOICE teammate: 

  • Care for your wellbeing and work-life balance 
  • Professional and personal growth 
  • Experienced leadership support 
  • Fun and supportive team dynamic with events and celebrations 
  • Comprehensive benefit package 
Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

  • Assists the doctor in procedures
  • Takes x-rays 
  • Takes IO's 
  • Assist in Prophylaxis cleaning of teeth 
  • Instructs patients on oral hygiene 
  • Charts cavities and teeth with doctor 
  • Sterilizes instruments 
  • Sets up/breakdown and prepares rooms for treatment/hygiene 
  • Charting of patient's treatment and treatment plan with doctor 
Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:  

  • Certification from a dental college OR three to six months related experience and/or training OR equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred

Required Certificates or Licenses:  

  • X-Ray New Mexico certification with license number
  • BLS certification 

Preferred Certificates or Licenses:  

  • Topical Fluoride New Mexico Certification
  • Sealant New Mexico Certification
  • Coronal Polish New Mexico Certification with License number 
Employment Type: FULL_TIME