Surgical Dental Assistant

Oral Surgery Partners; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Company-paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term

Voluntary short-term disability

Immediate 401(k) participation with %

PTO and 8 paid holidays

Job summary

Valley Oral and Facial Surgery in Grand Forks, ND is seeking a Surgical Assistant to support oral surgeons during procedures, ensure safety, and provide high-quality patient care. Responsibilities include patient communication, post-op education, accurate documentation, and ensuring compliant clinical operations.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and Basic Life Support certification; dental experience is preferred but not required, with training provided as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred.
• Basic life support certification required; employer provides training if not current.
• Dental experience preferred but not required; training available for right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Assist oral surgeons during procedures to ensure smooth workflow.
• Communicate with patients in a friendly, professional manner and educate on postoperative care.
• Document patient encounters and surgical procedures accurately in the chart.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and regulatory standards; ensure safety protocols.
• Keep operatories clean, stocked, and compliant with safety checks and equipment calibration.
• Attend team meetings and support a collaborative work environment.

Skills

Excellent communication

Multitasking

Fast-paced environment

Analytical

Initiative and sound judgment

Team collaboration

Oral surgery knowledge

Patient safety

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Basic life support certification

Job description

Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States

Title: Surgical Assistant

Practice: Valley Oral and Facial Surgery

Position Purpose

The surgical assistant is responsible for ensuring the compassionate, effective, and efficient delivery of high-quality clinical care for patients while practicing and providing safety in the work environment. The ideal candidate will assist oral surgeons during procedures, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow in a fast-paced environment. This role requires a strong understanding of surgical procedures, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to providing high-quality patient care.

Essential Functions

Patient Care & Experience

• Ensure all patients receive the highest quality of care and service.
• Communicate with patients in a friendly, professional manner, both in person and by phone.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with patients, staff, and surgeons.
• Assist with postoperative care, including patient education and follow-up instructions.
• Monitor patient vital signs during surgical procedures and provide support as needed.

Clinical & Surgical Support

• Prepare instruments, materials, and equipment required for surgical procedures.
• Support adherence to best practices, established protocols, and the highest patient safety standards.

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately document patient encounters and surgical procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and regulatory standards.
• Maintain controlled substance safety protocols and documentation.

Office Operations & Safety

• Support a clean, professional clinical environment, including clean and stocked operatories, maintained equipment, and adequate supplies.
• Support monthly office safety and compliance checks, including crash carts, emergency preparedness attestations, X‑ray unit calibration, omni‑cam calibration, controlled substance inventory, drug book accuracy, and printing and maintaining controlled substance invoices.
• Promote a collaborative work environment focused on teamwork, efficiency, and exceptional patient care.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings.

Qualifications

Education / Certification

• High School Diploma or equivalent required (some college preferred).
• Basic life support certification required. Employers will provide training if the candidate is not current.

Experience

• Previous dental experience – preferred not required.
• Experience as an oral surgery assistant or dental assistant is preferred; training will be provided for the right candidate.
• Basic life support certification – employer will assist if not completed.

Performance Requirements

Skills / Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Analytical and detail‑oriented.
• able to work independently with exceptional initiative and sound judgment.
• Positive attitude, change advocate, able to lead by example.
• Strong knowledge of oral surgery procedures.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.

Work Environment & Benefits

• Fast‑paced dental office environment.
• Overtime sometimes required as needed to perform job functions.
• Some travel as needed for training and to perform job functions.
• Safety procedures required, including protection to minimize the risks from X-rays.
• Potential long hours standing.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans for full‑time employees (two of three plans include HSA eligibility).
• Company‑paid Life, AD&D, and Long‑Term Disability coverage; additional voluntary life and AD&D insurance for you and your family.
• Voluntary short‑term disability insurance available.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) offered.
• Immediate 401(k) participation with employer contribution and profit sharing after six months of employment.
• PTO and eight paid holidays for full‑time employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.