Surgical Assistant

Texas A&M University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established academic health center seeks a dedicated Surgical Assistant to join its Periodontics and Endodontics department. This role involves providing critical support in a high-volume environment, assisting during surgeries, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and organizational skills, along with a solid foundation in dental procedures. Join a prestigious institution committed to excellence and community, where your contributions will directly impact patient outcomes and educational missions. If you thrive in dynamic settings and are passionate about oral health, we encourage you to apply and be part of a collaborative team.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Vacation

Retirement Plan

Tuition Assistance

Professional Development Opportunities

Health and Wellness Programs

Qualifications

• High School graduation or equivalent required.
• Two years of experience in a dental surgeon's office.

Responsibilities

• Assist during periodontal surgery and monitor sedated patients.
• Coordinate doctor and clinic schedules with patient records.
• Serve as a liaison between patients and providers.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Knowledge of Dental Procedures

Experience in Dental Office

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree (Preferred)

Tools

Spreadsheet Software

Presentation Software

Word Processing Software

Job description

Job Title

Surgical Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Department

Periodontics

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Dallas, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents, and lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who we are

A part of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Texas A&M School of Dentistry in Dallas was founded in 1905 and is a nationally recognized center for oral health sciences education, research, specialized patient care, and continuing dental education. As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, the Texas A&M University Health Science Center encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research, and team-based health care delivery.

What we want

We are looking for a Surgical Assistant to serve in the Periodontics and Endodontics department. We desire an individual who subscribes to and supports our commitment as stated above. The successful applicant will bring an expert level of experience to the position and understand the demands of supporting executives in a fast-paced environment. This person must be professional, enjoy working in a high-volume environment, and be able to apply strong organizational skills while being flexible in their daily routine. If this describes you, we invite you to apply to become a member of our team!

What you need to know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate with the selected hire’s experience.

Work Schedule/Location: Located in Dallas, Texas, this is an on-site role with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume will assist us in our review of your application materials. These can be uploaded on the application under CV/Resume.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education: High School graduation or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Experience: Two years of experience in a dental surgeon's office
• Licenses/Certifications: Registered Dental Assistant in Texas and CPR certified
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing software programs. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to plan and organize effectively.

*Preferred Qualifications: The well-qualified candidate will also possess a Bachelor's degree and five years of experience in a dental surgeon's office.

Responsibilities

• Clinical: Coordinate doctor and clinic schedules with patient records. Prepare patients and assist during periodontal surgery and with monitoring sedated patients. Record pertinent clinic data including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, and diagnostic aids. Perform indirect patient care procedures, including preparing the patient and treatment room for specific appointments. Respond to student and patient inquiries regarding clinical policies and dental procedures not requiring the advice of a dentist. Provide radiographic services and assist with oral photography. Operate dental radiograph equipment to take intraoral radiographs. Assist in obtaining pre-treatment and post-insertion photographic records, including retraction and mirror positioning. Provide direct chairside assistance to graduate students during patient examinations and treatments. Utilize four-handed dentistry procedures, anticipating suction and retraction needs without interfering with the graduate student's access or vision. Perform disinfection/sterilization of the operatory, instruments, and equipment according to OSHA and local policies. Prepare dental materials and instruments for procedures, ensuring setups are appropriate. Prepare, mix, and assist in the use of various materials following manufacturer guidelines. Package tissue and biopsy specimens for pathology. Change dressings, clean wounds or surgical sites, and remove sutures as directed by the graduate student in accordance with TSBDE rules. Provide patient information to families, including written and oral post-operative care instructions.
• Administration: Oversee and ensure the cleanliness and sterility of exam and treatment rooms are maintained at the highest standards to prevent infection and ensure protocols are followed. Monitor supplies in patient care areas and nurses' stations to ensure availability for patient care and compliance.
• Communication: Serve as a liaison between patients and providers. Communicate respectfully and promptly with team members, patients, and families.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life, AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance, with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and life premiums.
• 12-15 days of paid holidays annually.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Health and wellness programs, including free exercise programs and release time.
• Professional development opportunities, including free LinkedIn Learning access, webinars, and support for conferences and workshops.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for employees pursuing degrees.
• Living Well program, developed by employees for employees.

Instructions to Applicants: Please ensure all application data is complete and upload a resume or LinkedIn profile. Incomplete applications may be rejected. All positions are security-sensitive and require criminal history checks. Employment is contingent upon credential verification and other institutional procedures.

We are an equal opportunity employer, welcoming veterans and individuals with disabilities.