Surgical Dental Assistant

4M Dental Implant Center; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

4M Dental Implant Center in Sacramento, CA, is seeking a Surgical Assistant to support doctors during dental implant, oral surgery, and related restorative procedures, ensuring a safe, patient-focused experience.

You will prepare operatories, assist during procedures, maintain sterile technique, document clinical information, and provide preoperative and postoperative instructions, with strict adherence to scope of practice and dental board regulations.

Qualifications

• Valid Registered Dental Assistant certification.
• Experience in oral surgery, implants, or related procedures is required.
• Knowledge of dental imaging and planning technologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare surgical suites and instrument trays for each case.
• Assist doctors during dental implant placement and related procedures.
• Maintain sterile technique and proper infection control throughout the day.
• Document clinical information in the practice-management system.
• Provide preoperative and postoperative instructions to patients.
• Assist with patient positioning, suction, and other chairside tasks as permitted by law.

Skills

RDA certification

Implant dentistry experience

Intraoral scanners

Cone-beam CT experience

Bilingual helpful

Education

Dental Assisting Certification

CPR/BLS Certification

California radiation safety training

Job description

Description

The Surgical Assistant supports doctors during dental implant, oral surgery, and related restorative procedures while helping provide an exceptional and safe patient experience.

This position prepares operatories and surgical suites, assists during procedures, maintains sterile technique, processes instruments, documents clinical information, and provides patients with preoperative and postoperative instructions.

The ideal candidate is dependable, attentive, compassionate, and comfortable working in a fast-paced surgical environment. This individual must demonstrate professionalism, strong teamwork, sound judgment, and strict adherence to clinical protocols and the permitted scope of practice under applicable law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Surgical and Clinical Support

• Prepare surgical suites, operatories, instruments, equipment, and materials before each procedure.
• Assist doctors during dental implant placement, extractions, bone grafting, full-arch procedures, and other oral surgery and restorative treatments.
• Anticipate the doctor’s needs and provide appropriate instruments and materials throughout procedures.
• Maintain proper sterile technique and support a clean, organized, and safe surgical environment.
• Assist with patient positioning, retraction, suctioning, irrigation, and other legally permitted chairside functions.
• Take dental radiographs and scans when properly trained, certified, and authorized.
• Obtain and accurately document patient information, medical histories, vital signs, medications, and allergies.
• Enter complete and accurate clinical notes, procedure details, and other required information into the practice-management system.
• Assist with the preparation and handling of surgical materials, implant components, specimens, and laboratory cases.
• Monitor patients before, during, and after procedures within the employee’s training, certifications, and legally permitted scope of practice.
• Promptly notify the doctor or appropriate clinical leader of patient concerns, changes in condition, or potential complications.
• Provide patients with doctor-approved preoperative and postoperative instructions.
• Assist with emergency procedures in accordance with training, certification, and established protocols.
• Perform only those duties permitted by law and authorized by the supervising licensed provider.

Sterilization and Infection Control

• Clean, disinfect, package, sterilize, and properly store instruments and equipment.
• Follow all infection-control, bloodborne-pathogen, sharps-safety, and exposure-control procedures.
• Maintain sterilization logs and complete required biological and chemical monitoring.
• Clean and disinfect surgical suites and operatories between patients and at the end of each day.
• Properly handle and dispose of biohazardous materials, sharps, and regulated waste.
• Follow OSHA requirements, CDC guidance, company policies, and all applicable dental-board regulations.
• Immediately report exposure incidents, safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, or breaches in infection-control procedures.

Patient Experience and Team Support

• Welcome patients and help them feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout their visit.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, families, doctors, and team members.
• Protect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and company policy.
• Support efficient patient flow and help keep the clinical schedule running on time.
• Collaborate with front-office, treatment-coordination, laboratory, and clinical team members.
• Participate in morning huddles, team meetings, training, and continuing-education activities.
• Maintain a professional appearance and follow company dress-code and attendance expectations.
• Provide support at other 4M Dental Implant Center locations when assigned.
• Perform other job-related duties consistent with the position and the employee’s legally permitted scope of practice.

Required Qualifications

• Registered Dental Assistant certification.
• Previous dental-assisting experience in oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, or implant dentistry required.
• Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination certification, when applicable to assigned duties.
• Experience assisting with dental implant placement, full-arch rehabilitation, extractions, bone grafting, and sedation cases.
• Experience with intraoral scanners, cone-beam computed tomography equipment, and dental-practice software.
• Bilingual skills are helpful but not required.
• Current Basic Life Support/CPR certification from an approved provider.
• Current California Dental Board–required certifications applicable to the duties performed, including radiation safety certification when taking dental radiographs.
• Current infection-control and Dental Practice Act training, as required by California law.
• Knowledge of dental terminology, surgical instruments, sterilization procedures, and infection-control standards.
• Ability to follow clinical instructions and respond appropriately in urgent situations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidential patient and business information.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

4M Dental Implant Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Sacramento, In person