We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and detail-oriented Oral Surgery Assistant to join our oral and maxillofacial surgery team. The Oral Surgery Assistant plays an important role in providing safe, efficient, and compassionate care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment, communicates well with patients and team members, maintains excellent attention to detail, and remains calm and professional when assisting with surgical procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Care & Preparation
- Welcome and prepare patients for examinations, consultations, and surgical procedures.
- Review and document patient medical and dental histories.
- Obtain and record vital signs as directed.
- Explain routine pre- and post-operative instructions to patients.
- Help patients feel comfortable and reduce anxiety before and after procedures.
- Maintain patient privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
- Observe patients for changes in condition and promptly communicate concerns to the surgical team.
Surgical Assistance
- Assist the oral and maxillofacial surgeon during examinations and surgical procedures.
- Prepare treatment rooms, surgical trays, instruments, and equipment.
- Anticipate the surgeon's needs during procedures and maintain an organized surgical field.
- Pass instruments and supplies as directed.
- Assist with procedures such as extractions, wisdom tooth removal, implants, biopsies, bone grafting, and other oral surgical procedures within the assistant's permitted scope of practice.
- Assist with patient positioning and post-procedure care.
- Prepare rooms efficiently between patients and procedures.
Sterilization & Infection Control
- Clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize instruments according to practice protocols and applicable requirements.
- Maintain appropriate infection-control procedures.
- Monitor and maintain surgical equipment and supplies.
- Ensure treatment rooms are properly prepared and stocked.
- Follow OSHA, CDC, state dental-board, and practice infection-control requirements applicable to the position.
Imaging & Clinical Support
- Obtain dental radiographs/X-rays as permitted by state law and applicable credentials.
- Assist with imaging and other diagnostic procedures.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
- Prepare laboratory materials, impressions, supplies, and other clinical items as directed.
- Monitor inventory and notify management when supplies need to be reordered.
Sedation & Anesthesia Support
- Assist the surgical team with patient preparation for sedation and anesthesia as permitted by training, credentials, and state regulations.
- Prepare and check appropriate equipment and supplies.
- Assist with patient monitoring according to the practice's protocols and the assistant's authorized scope of practice.
- Maintain awareness of emergency procedures and assist the surgical team during emergencies as directed.
Important: Specific anesthesia-related duties must be performed only when permitted by applicable state law, the assistant's training/credentials, and the supervising surgeon's authorization. AAOMS offers the DAANCE credential specifically for oral surgery assistants involved in anesthesia practices.
Administrative & Team Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate patient records and documentation.
- Assist with scheduling and patient flow when needed.
- Communicate professionally with patients, families, referring dental offices, and team members.
- Answer patient questions within the scope of the position and refer clinical questions to the appropriate provider.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional clinical environment.
- Participate in staff meetings and required training.
- Follow all practice policies, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Previous dental assisting experience preferred. (At least one year)
- Experience in oral surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or another surgical dental specialty is highly preferred.
- Current CPR/BLS certification or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in a surgical environment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a clinical team.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and assist with physically demanding clinical duties.
- Ability to follow detailed safety, sterilization, and infection-control procedures.
Dental-assisting requirements vary by state, including permitted duties, education, radiography credentials, and registration/licensure requirements, so the position should be tailored to the state where the practice operates.
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2+ years of dental assisting experience.
- Oral surgery or oral and maxillofacial surgery experience.
- Experience assisting with IV sedation or anesthesia.
- Experience with surgical procedures and sterile technique.
- Experience obtaining dental radiographs.
- DAANCE certification or willingness to obtain it when applicable.
- Current BLS/CPR certification.
- Experience working with nervous, anxious, or medically complex patients.
Ideal Candidate
- Patient-focused and compassionate.
- Comfortable working around blood and surgical procedures.
- Highly organized and dependable.
- Able to anticipate the needs of the surgeon.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- A strong team player.
- Professional and respectful with patients and coworkers.
- Committed to infection control, patient safety, and excellent patient care.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive hourly compensation
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Retirement plan / 401(k)
- Employer contribution or match, if applicable
- CPR/BLS training
- Continuing education opportunities
- Opportunities for professional development
- Employee benefits and discounts, if applicable
Summary
We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and detail-oriented Oral Surgery Assistant to join our oral and maxillofacial surgery team. The Oral Surgery Assistant plays an important role in providing safe, efficient, and compassionate care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment, communicates well with patients and team members, maintains excellent attention to detail, and remains calm and professional when assisting with surgical procedures.