Lead Surgical Assistant

About the role

The Surgical Assistant plays a vital role in the practice's daily operations by facilitating patient care and supporting the surgical team to ensure a smooth workflow and effective communication. This position involves assisting in patient preparation, managing intraoperative needs, and contributing to a safe and efficient surgical environment. The Surgical Assistant collaborates with surgeons and clinical staff to implement and uphold protocols that align with the practice's goals.

Responsibilities

• Assist with dental and medical procedures and emergencies according to OSHA and office procedures.
• Maintain CPR certification and any current dental assistant certifications.
• Instruct patients in pre-op and post-op.
• Ensure all patients have reviewed and given appropriate consent prior to the doctor initiating surgical procedures.
• Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
• Monitor patients for safety during and after administration of anesthetics, sedatives, and other medications administered in the office.
• Absorb nitrous oxide.
• Record treatment information in patient records.
• Instruct patients on post-operative and general oral health care as directed by the clinician.
• Take dental diagnostic X-rays and cone beam CT scans.
• Actively provide instruments and materials to the surgeon, as needed, during exams and procedures to help maintain patient comfort and the surgeon’s efficiency.
• Must always represent the practice in a professional, pleasant, and cooperative manner.
• Must maintain regular, consistent, and punctual attendance following assigned schedule and time off policies.
• Must be able to comfortably and efficiently handle multiple deadlines and task assignments.
• Must be able to work both independently and cooperatively in team settings.
• Keep workspaces clean, presentable, and organized following office protocol.
• Equipment Maintenance - Perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Prepare for upcoming surgeries by putting together surgical trays and reviewing the details of each case.
• Powder custom healing abutments.
• Other duties and tasks, as assigned periodically.

Other Essential Qualifications

• Time Management – Excels at directing one's own time and the time of others
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
• Leadership and Guidance – Ability to lead effectively
• Responds creatively and constructively with solutions to problems
• Maintains the highest level of confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA standards
• Flexible and willing to perform the duties of others in their absence

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods
• Moderate noise levels from dental and other office equipment
• Comfortable medical office/lab setting
• Exceptional hand-eye coordination and control to use dental implements for exams, provide surgeon assistance, and mix and/or place materials on dental tools, products, and in mouths
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate and lead a team effectively
• Near Vision - Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet) as required for mixing and placing materials on tools and in mouths
• Excellent communication skills - Talking and writing to others to convey information effectively
• Organizational Skills – Ability to create systems and order, break large goals down into achievable tasks
• Stress Management - Ability to maintain productivity and professionalism in a fast-paced environment and stressful situations
• Good reading comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents
• Potential occupational exposure to trace amounts of nitrous oxide
• Minimum lifting requirements of 35 pounds to transfer equipment and pack and unpack supplies.

Experience and Education

• High School Diploma or G. E. D. Certificate
• Surgical assistant experience preferred
• Radiology Certification required

Benefits

• 401 (k)
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Vision Insurance