Surgical Assistant

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

• Assist oral surgeons during surgical procedures.
• 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
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Emergency preparedness attestations
  • X-ray unit calibration
  • Omni-cam calibration
  • Controlled substance inventory and drug book accuracy
  • Oxygen tank readiness
  • Printing and maintaining controlled substance invoices

Team Collaboration & Professionalism

• 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 – Required
• Experience as an oral surgery assistant or dental assistant is preferred. (Will train the right candidate.)
• Basic life support certification – Employer will assist if not completed

Performance Requirements:

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong computer skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, 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/Conditions:

• Fast-paced dental office environment
• Overtime is 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.