Oral Surgery Dental Assistant

Plum Dental Group; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical with HSA/FSA

Dental plan options

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Continuing education

Bonuses & incentive pay

Job summary

Plum Dental Group is seeking an Oral Surgery Dental Assistant to support the clinical team with chairside assistance, room preparation, and infection control at our Rhode Island practice.

The role emphasizes patient comfort, accurate documentation, and collaboration with the oral surgeon to deliver high-quality surgical care in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of dental assisting experience required.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification required.
• Active X-ray and radiology certification where applicable by state.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and patient privacy standards.
• Proficient with Carestack or similar dental software.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist during examinations and procedures.
• Provide chairside support and anticipate the needs of the dentist throughout procedures.
• Prepare and sterilize instruments and treatment rooms before and after patient visits.
• Ensure and assist in proper sterilization, maintenance, and organization of instruments and equipment for the practice team.
• Ensure all materials, instruments, and equipment are properly prepared for each procedure.
• Take and record patient information, including medical histories, vital signs, radiographs, and intraoral photographs.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation within Carestack software.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, post-operative instructions, and pre/post-treatment care as directed by the provider.
• Maintain compliance with infection control, sterilization, OSHA, HIPAA, and safety standards.
• Support efficient patient flow to help maintain on-time scheduling and a positive patient experience.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of operatories and clinical areas.
• Assist with inventory monitoring and notify leadership of supply needs as appropriate.
• Other related duties as assigned to support practice operations and patient care.

Skills

Dental terminology

Instruments handling

Communication skills

Organizational skills

HIPAA knowledge

Carestack

Fast-paced environment

Interpersonal skills

CPR/First Aid

Education

AAOMS DASNCE program

Tools

Carestack or similar dental software

Job description

Job Title: Oral Surgery Dental Assistant

Department: Clinical Operations

Reports To: Practice Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule

Monday through Friday

Position Summary

The DAANCE Certified Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant (Oral Surgery Dental Assistant) supports providers and the clinical team in delivering efficient, high-quality patient care while maintaining a safe, organized, and patient-focused clinical environment. This role is responsible for assisting during dental procedures, preparing operatories, maintaining infection control standards, and supporting overall practice flow.

The Oral Surgery Dental Assistant supports the oral surgeon in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care. This role is responsible for preparing treatment rooms, assisting during surgical procedures, maintaining a sterile environment, educating patients, monitoring patient comfort, and ensuring compliance with infection control and safety protocols. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, compassionate, and thrives in a fast-paced clinical setting while providing exceptional patient care and teamwork.

The Oral Surgery Dental Assistant plays an important role in creating a positive patient experience by helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout their visit. This position requires teamwork, attention to detail, adaptability, and a commitment to clinical excellence.

About Us

We are a growing, dentist-owned dental group dedicated to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care. Our team is built on collaboration, clinical excellence, and a shared commitment to creating a positive experience for both patients and team members.

We foster a supportive and engaging environment where team members can thrive and continue to develop their skills. Our practices are equipped with advanced technology, including intraoral cameras, digital scanners, and Dexis digital x-ray sensors. We utilize Carestack, a modern, cloud-based practice management platform, and prioritize ongoing training and professional development for all team members.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Assist the dentist during examinations and dental procedures.
• Provide chairside support and anticipate the needs of the dentist throughout procedures.
• Prepare and sterilize instruments and treatment rooms before and after patient visits.
• Ensure and assist in proper sterilization, maintenance, and organization of instruments and equipment for the practice team.
• Ensure all materials, instruments, and equipment are properly prepared for each procedure.
• Take and record patient information, including medical histories, vital signs, radiographs, and intraoral photographs.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation within Carestack software.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, post-operative instructions, and pre/post-treatment care as directed by the provider.
• Maintain compliance with infection control, sterilization, OSHA, HIPAA, and safety standards.
• Support efficient patient flow to help maintain on-time scheduling and a positive patient experience.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of operatories and clinical areas.
• Assist with inventory monitoring and notify leadership of supply needs as appropriate.
• Other related duties as assigned to support practice operations and patient care.

Additional Oral Surgery DA duties

• Prepare and assist in the administration of medications
• Adjust the rate of IVF fluids infusion beyond a keep-open rate
• Adjust an electronic device to provide medications
• Assist with the preparation, delivery, infusion, and administration of emergency medications to assist the OMS in an emergency
• Discontinue an IV line for a patient who has received IV medications, sedation, or general anesthesia
• Adjust the rate of IV fluids infusion only to maintain or keep the line patent/open
• Make medications readily available for review, inspection, and use by the OMS

Characteristics

• Strong knowledge of dental instruments and procedures.
• Ability to anticipate provider needs and work efficiently during procedures.
• Professional, punctual, and dependable.
• Friendly demeanor with strong interpersonal and patient service skills.
• Comfortable communicating with patients and helping them feel at ease.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced setting.
• Collaborative team player with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and compassionately with patients and team members.
• Support a positive, collaborative, and team-oriented work environment.
• Work closely with providers and front office team members to ensure seamless patient care and scheduling coordination.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and responsiveness in daily operations.
• Assist in maintaining consistency in patient care standards and workflows across the practice.
• Provide support in covering operational needs as necessary to ensure smooth office flow.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of dental assisting experience required
• Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, and clinical procedures.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification required.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA and patient privacy standards.
• Basic computer proficiency required; experience with Carestack or similar dental software preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Commitment to delivering excellent patient care and professionalism.

Certifications

• Current CPR/First Aid certification required.
• Active X-ray and radiology certification required, where applicable by state.
• DAANCE
• ACLS
• Certified as a dental anesthesia assistant by the AAOMS

Education

• Successful completion of a DASNCE program accredited by the AAOMS

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and work chairside for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to operate dental instruments and equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.
• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits for full-time team members (30+ hours), including:
• Medical coverage with HSA or FSA options
• Dental plan options
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Company-sponsored continuing education
• Opportunities for additional bonuses and incentive pay

Work Schedule

• Full-time and part-time opportunities available; schedules may vary based on patient volume and office needs.
• Flexibility may be required to support operational and patient care needs across Plum practices.
• Promote and attend CE events