Dental Assistant

About the Role:

The Oral Surgery Assistant plays a critical role in supporting our oral surgeon during surgical procedures by preparing the treatment room, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring all necessary materials are readily available. This position requires close collaboration with the surgical team to facilitate efficient and safe patient care, contributing to successful surgical outcomes. The assistant is responsible for maintaining strict infection control protocols to protect patients and staff from potential contamination. Additionally, the role involves providing compassionate support to patients before, during, and after procedures, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote comfort. Overall, the Oral Surgery Assistant ensures a smooth workflow in the surgical environment, enhancing both patient experience and clinical efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certification or diploma in Dental Assisting from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and oral surgery procedures.
• Training in sterilization techniques and infection control protocols.
• Ability to perform body motions required for assisting in surgical procedures.
• Strong communication skills and a compassionate approach to patient care.
• Previous experience as an Oral Surgery Assistant or in a similar dental assisting role.
• Certification in CPR and basic life support.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in ACLS and PALS.
• DAANCE certification.
• Familiarity with Dentrix software and electronic health records.
• Additional training in advanced dental procedures or surgical assistance.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and organize surgical instruments and materials prior to oral surgery procedures.
• Assist the oral surgeon during procedures by passing instruments, managing suction, and anticipating needs.
• Maintain strict sterilization and infection control standards to ensure a safe clinical environment.
• Monitor and support patient comfort and safety throughout the surgical process.
• Document patient information and surgical details accurately in compliance with clinical protocols.
• Collaborate with the dental team to maintain an efficient and organized surgical suite.

Skills:

The required skills such as Dental Assisting and Dental Terminology are essential for understanding surgical procedures and effectively supporting the oral surgeon. Sterilization and Infection Control skills are applied daily to maintain a safe and hygienic environment, preventing cross-contamination. Body Motion skills enable the assistant to perform precise and coordinated movements necessary during surgery, ensuring instruments are passed efficiently and patient safety is upheld. Compassion is vital in providing emotional support to patients, helping to reduce their anxiety and improve their overall experience. Trimming and Dental Care skills are used to maintain and prepare dental appliances and tools, contributing to the smooth operation of the surgical practice.