When looking for dentist job openings, it’s important to consider who your patients will be. Not all companies that hire dentists are looking for people to fill general dentist jobs; some specifically focus on pediatric dentist jobs instead. Searching for a job in pediatric dentistry requires a slightly different skill set and personality than general dentistry, and understanding this could make the difference in landing the position.

Patience

When working with younger children, dentists need to be incredibly patient. Children tend to have more anxiety when visiting the dentist than adults do, and dealing with upset or anxious children is likely to be a regular occurrence in pediatric dentist jobs. A good pediatric dentist needs to be patient in order to help young patients overcome their dental anxiety so they can get the dental care they need.

Efficiency

Children should start seeing a dentist at a young age, with some parents even bringing in their toddlers for regular dental care. While this is great for their oral hygiene, it can make a pediatric dentist’s job complicated. Kids don’t like to sit still for long. While it’s important for every dentist to do their job as quickly and efficiently as possible, it’s especially necessary for a pediatric dentist to work quickly for children who won’t hold still.

Social Skills

There’s a reason dentistry is considered one of the ten most trusted and ethical professions in the United States. Working as a dentist requires strong social skills in order to interact well with patients, but this is even more important in pediatrics. In addition to working with nervous children, you’ll also be working with their parents. Parents care deeply about their child’s health and safety, and so might be a bit more nervous when interacting with you than if they were there for their own dental care.

Pediatric dentist jobs require a very particular skill set that differentiates them from general private dentist jobs. Understanding what makes pediatric dentistry unique can help you land your dream dental position. For more tips and information on dental positions and dental opportunities, contact Henry Schein Nationwide Dental Opportunities today.