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 – preferred not 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.

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.

Schedule

Mon–Thurs 6:30am – 3pm. Fridays 6:30am to 1 or 2pm. No weekends or late evenings.

Location

1000 West Nifong Boulevard, Building 4 Suite 100, Columbia, MO 65203