OPT Pediatric Dentist Jobs
Pediatric dentist roles on OPT require an active dental license in your state, which means coordinating your NCLEX-equivalent dental boards with your OPT authorization timeline. Most positions are full-time clinical roles at private practices, DSO groups, or community health centers, all of which can serve as valid OPT employers.
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Cleveland Dental is dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive dental care delivered by a team of highly trained and licensed dental professionals. Our practice specializes in child dental care, special needs patient care, and utilizes the most advanced technology to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and skilled Pediatric Dentist to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will deliver exceptional dental services tailored specifically for children and adolescents, ensuring their comfort and health. Your expertise will help foster positive dental experiences while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Duties
- Provide comprehensive pediatric dental examinations, diagnoses, and treatment plans tailored to each child's needs
- Perform dental procedures including dental cleanings, restorations, extractions, and pulp therapy with precision and care
- Conduct oral surgery procedures such as dental extractions and other minor surgical interventions using aseptic techniques
- Utilize advanced dental software such as Dentrix for accurate medical documentation and record keeping
- Educate patients and their guardians on oral health practices, preventive care, and treatment options in a clear and compassionate manner
- Collaborate with the dental team to ensure infection control protocols are strictly followed and maintain a sterile environment
- Stay current with developments in pediatric dentistry, including medical terminology, endodontics, prosthodontics, and root canal therapy
Requirements
- Board Certified Pedodontist/Pediatric Dentist from an accredited institution
- Valid state license to practice dentistry with specialization in pediatric dentistry
- Proven experience in pediatric dentistry or general dentistry with a focus on children’s oral health
- Proficiency in dental terminology, medical imaging, and anatomy knowledge relevant to pediatric patients
- Familiarity with dental practice management software such as Dentrix
- Strong understanding of HIPAA regulations and medical documentation standards
- Ability to perform dental extractions, endodontic procedures like root canals, and prosthodontic treatments effectively
- Excellent patient care skills with the ability to assess patient needs accurately and communicate effectively with children and guardians
Join us to make a difference in young patients’ lives by providing top-tier pediatric dental care in a supportive environment that values your expertise!
Job Types
- Full-time
- Part-time
Pay
$500,000.00 - $600,000.00 per year
Work Location
In person
This position will alternate between the Dayton area and Columbus area
Company Overview
Cleveland Dental is dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive dental care delivered by a team of highly trained and licensed dental professionals. Our practice specializes in child dental care, special needs patient care, and utilizes the most advanced technology to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and skilled Pediatric Dentist to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will deliver exceptional dental services tailored specifically for children and adolescents, ensuring their comfort and health. Your expertise will help foster positive dental experiences while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Duties
- Provide comprehensive pediatric dental examinations, diagnoses, and treatment plans tailored to each child's needs
- Perform dental procedures including dental cleanings, restorations, extractions, and pulp therapy with precision and care
- Conduct oral surgery procedures such as dental extractions and other minor surgical interventions using aseptic techniques
- Utilize advanced dental software such as Dentrix for accurate medical documentation and record keeping
- Educate patients and their guardians on oral health practices, preventive care, and treatment options in a clear and compassionate manner
- Collaborate with the dental team to ensure infection control protocols are strictly followed and maintain a sterile environment
- Stay current with developments in pediatric dentistry, including medical terminology, endodontics, prosthodontics, and root canal therapy
Requirements
- Board Certified Pedodontist/Pediatric Dentist from an accredited institution
- Valid state license to practice dentistry with specialization in pediatric dentistry
- Proven experience in pediatric dentistry or general dentistry with a focus on children’s oral health
- Proficiency in dental terminology, medical imaging, and anatomy knowledge relevant to pediatric patients
- Familiarity with dental practice management software such as Dentrix
- Strong understanding of HIPAA regulations and medical documentation standards
- Ability to perform dental extractions, endodontic procedures like root canals, and prosthodontic treatments effectively
- Excellent patient care skills with the ability to assess patient needs accurately and communicate effectively with children and guardians
Join us to make a difference in young patients’ lives by providing top-tier pediatric dental care in a supportive environment that values your expertise!
Job Types
- Full-time
- Part-time
Pay
$500,000.00 - $600,000.00 per year
Work Location
In person
This position will alternate between the Dayton area and Columbus area
See all OPT Pediatric Dentist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Pediatric Dentist
Start your state dental license application before OPT begins
Most states take 8 to 16 weeks to process dental licensure applications. Submit yours as soon as your program director signs off, so your license is active when your OPT start date arrives and you can begin working immediately.
Target DSO groups for stronger sponsorship pipelines
Dental service organizations like Aspen Dental and Pacific Dental Services have dedicated HR and immigration teams. They hire at volume and are more experienced with H-1B visa sponsorship than independent private practices with one or two dentists.
Confirm the employer's NCLEX status before accepting an offer
Some pediatric dental practices work exclusively with state Medicaid, which adds credentialing requirements on top of licensure. Verify those timelines before signing, since credentialing delays can push back your actual start date by weeks.
Frame your pediatric specialty as a genuine clinical differentiator
Pediatric dentistry is a recognized specialty requiring additional residency training. When communicating with employers, lead with your specialty credential, not just your dental degree. It directly addresses their hardest staffing gap and strengthens your sponsorship case.
Get clarity on H-1B sponsorship intent before your OPT ends
Ask hiring managers directly whether the practice has sponsored H-1B visas before and whether they plan to do so for this role. Practices that have done it previously are far more likely to do it again without requiring attorney education.
Apply to community health centers and federally qualified health centers
FQHCs and CHCs often qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning they can file outside the annual lottery. For OPT students in pediatric dentistry, these settings offer a meaningful path to long-term work authorization beyond the standard cap.
Pediatric Dentist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a pediatric dentist on OPT without a state dental license?
No. Practicing dentistry in the United States requires an active state dental license, and OPT work authorization does not waive that requirement. You must hold a valid license in the state where you practice before you can legally begin clinical work. Check your target state's dental board for specific examination and application requirements.
Does pediatric dentistry qualify as a STEM OPT field eligible for the 24-month extension?
It depends on your degree program's CIP code. Some dental degree programs are classified under STEM-eligible codes, but many are not. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. If your program is not STEM-designated, you are limited to the standard 12 months of post-completion OPT.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor pediatric dentists for H-1B status after OPT?
Dental service organizations, federally qualified health centers, and large hospital-affiliated pediatric dental programs are the most consistent H-1B sponsors in this field. FQHCs are particularly valuable because many qualify as cap-exempt employers, meaning they can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery. Browse Migrate Mate to find pediatric dentist roles at employers with sponsorship history.
Can I work at multiple dental practices on OPT, or am I limited to one employer?
OPT does not restrict you to a single employer, but each position must be directly related to your dental degree and involve at least 20 hours of work per week to count as valid OPT employment. If you work at multiple practices, each must be tracked carefully since unauthorized or unrelated work can jeopardize your status. Consult your DSO before taking on concurrent positions.
How far in advance should I start applying for pediatric dentist jobs on OPT?
Start at least four to six months before your intended OPT start date. State dental licensure alone can take three to four months, and many employers will not finalize an offer until they see an active license. Earlier applications give you time to complete both licensing and the OPT application process before your target start date without a gap in employment.