Surgical Assistant

Location: Olympia, Washington, United States

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Accurately document patient encounters and surgical procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and regulatory standards.
• Maintain controlled substance safety protocols and documentation.
• 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
• Promote a collaborative work environment focused on teamwork, efficiency, and exceptional patient care.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required (some college preferred).
• Basic life support certification required (employer will provide training if the candidate is not current).
• Previous dental experience preferred but not required.
• Experience as an oral surgery assistant or dental assistant is preferred (will train the right candidate).

Skills

• Strong computer skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and 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

• 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans for full-time employees (two out of the three medical plans include Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility).
• Company-paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• Additional Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance for you and your family.
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance available.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401(k) retirement plan with immediate eligibility and employer contribution/profit sharing after six months of employment.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and 8 paid holidays for full-time employees.