Oral Surgery Clinical Assistant

Job purpose

This individual is responsible for supporting our oral surgeons and overall clinical assistant team before, during, and after each dental procedure.  Responsibilities will include taking scans, taking X-rays, preparing surgical equipment, and tending to patients through the entire lifecycle of their experience. You will also be required to monitor inventory levels and replenish our dental supplies, as needed and as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma, some college preferred.
• Dental assistant certification preferred.
• CPR Certified.
• Radiography Certified.
• DAANCE certification is required – or the ability to be certified within two years of hire.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• MUST possess the ability to be a leader and advocate in positive culture change for the entire team.
• Ability to always maintain patient and employee confidentiality and for all situations.
• Sound knowledge of how to use surgical equipment, instruments, and materials.
• A keen understanding of surgical techniques, chairside responsibilities, and health and safety protocols.
• An excellent understanding of dental records, charts, and documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Empathetic personality to give attention to patients’ needs and concerns.
• Ability to provide excellent patient care, even under stressful circumstances.
• Consistent professionalism in appearance and attitude.
• Ability to work as a positive team member.
• Computer literacy.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Communication & Patient Care:
   1. Interacts with all patients using the level of respect and professionalism required by this practice.

1. Performing administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling, charting, and filing – as needed.
2. Preparing patient charts, recording treatment plans, and updating dental records.
3. Operating X-ray and 3D scanning equipment and developing radiographs for diagnostic purposes.
4. Preparing and sterilizing surgical instruments, materials, and equipment in accordance with infection control and biohazard protocols.
5. Assisting the surgeon with all chairside procedures including operatory setup, anesthesia administration, and cleanup.
6. Preparing patients for surgery and monitoring vital signs during procedures.
7. Providing patients with information on oral health care, treatment plans, and postoperative outcomes.
8. Monitoring our stock of surgical supplies and medication and replenishing these, as needed.
9. Ensuring that instruments and equipment are effectively maintained.
10. Always providing excellent patient care.
11. Other tasks specific to the physician’s needs or as assigned.

1. Instrument Maintenance:
   1. Troubleshoots instrument repairs as necessary.
      • Checks connections.
      • Reports continued difficulty to clinical operations manager/practice director.

1. Triage:
   1. Determines which patient should be called next from the waiting room to have testing/procedure initiated.
   2. Escorts patients from the waiting room.
   3. Makes patients comfortable during the wait following testing/procedure.
   4. Maintains a smooth flow of patients to the physician, altering the test sequence as required.
   5. Escorts patients from the clinical area to the check-out desk, when necessary.
   6. Provides telephone support regarding emergencies, prescription refills, and patient care questions.
   7. Communicates with reception and leads to facilitate proper patient flow.

1. Administrative:
   1. Audits clinical supply levels, communicating to leads and manager which items fall below par level and maintains cleanliness.
   2. Performs other duties, as required.
       
2. Additional Essential Requirements:

1. Position requires a great deal of initiative and the flexibility to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
2. Employee must maintain patient confidentiality.
3. Given the level of training required in this position, the employee will be expected to work well independently.

Physical requirements

Physical Abilities:

• Must be able to walk and stand for entire work shift.
• Must be able to move frequently from standing to sitting, depending on exam room/procedure room configuration during clinic sessions.
• Must be able to type or write legibly in a dimly lit setting.
• Must be able to hear softly spoken words.
• Must be able to add support for elderly patients getting in and out of exam chairs.
• Lifting required up to 50 pounds.

Direct reports

None

This position description is not intended to detail every aspect of your position or list every task you may perform. It is provided as a general overview of the duties and responsibilities and skills required to perform successfully in this position.