Surgical Dental Assistant

Surgical AssistantWe are seeking a full-time Surgical Assistant. The Surgical Assistant is receiving patients, viewing charts and beginning patient preparation. Often the assistant will make notes about performed procedures, progress, recommendations and other subjects in the patient's charts. Surgical assistants must ensure that surgical tools are properly cleaned and sterilized before procedures begin. Working with x-rays is common, as is processing items such as removable dental appliances and casts or impressions. Surgical assistants do not perform any actual surgery upon patients, but they may be responsible for tasks such as checking vital signs or maintaining IV fluid flows during procedures.Surgical Assistant Responsibilities:Setting up and preparing the surgery before the start of each sessionClean and disinfect all equipment and working surfaces to the required standards at the end of each sessionKeep the clinical areas and all equipment and instruments clean, tidy and sterile as appropriate according to the practice's health and safety and infection control procedures and manufacturers' instructionsUse all equipment and machinery in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and ensure that they are maintained regularly and in good working orderProvide chairside assistance, ensuring that the correct equipment is availableAlways ensure the care and welfare of patients in a friendly, helpful and courteous mannerAccurately complete patient clinical records as directedObserve patient confidentiality at all timesPerform chaperoning duties for dentists, hygienists/therapists when treating patientsHandle all substances in accordance with Health and Safety policiesBe familiar and comply with all Health and Safety rules and guidance infection control, and ensure safe disposal of sharps and clinical wasteComplete laboratory request forms, keep records of work sent, received and fittedEnsure adequate stocks of materials and other items within the surgeryEnsure computer/written records are accurately maintained and securely storedLiaise with reception to ensure smooth patient communications and transfer of recordsOther duties as necessary for the efficient operation of the practice, including the duties and tasks of receptionist as requiredAttend and participate in practice meetingsUndergo training as may be required to develop your skills and abilitiesAttend refresher and update training for medical emergencies and CPRAct in accordance with the practice rules and code of conductAssist in keeping clean the surfaces, sinks, floors of the surgeries and common areas of the practice reception, office, and staff roomNeeds to anticipate the Doctor in being one step ahead of him/her knowing what he/she will need so the surgery runs smoothlyIn an emergency situation react quickly to change/assemble equipment such as full face mask, laryngoscope, endotracheal tubes, etc.Knowledge of all emergency algorithms, medications and equipmentAble to take x-rays: panorex and periapicalsHave x-ray license.* Surgical Assistant Work Environment:Dental assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment.Work area is usually near the dental chair to allow for arranging instruments, materials, and medication and handing them to the dentist when needed.Dental assistants must wear gloves, masks, eyewear, and protective clothing to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.Follow safety procedures to minimize the risks associated with the use of x-ray machines.Surgical Assistant Experience:2 years of Oral Surgical Assistant experienceSome prosthodontic experienceCertified by the State of MA as a Dental AssistantDAANCE Certified AssistantSurgical Assistant Physical Requirements:Regularly required to work in an office environment at both his/her own and others' desks/officesRequired daily to walk the floor, sometimes for extended periods and be able to help wherever neededAble to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 poundsAble to stand for extended periods of timeAble to keep hand and arm steady while moving arm or while holding arm and hand in one positionAble to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate or assemble very small objectsAble to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine to exact positionsAble to bend, stretch, twist and/or reach with your body, arms and/or legsMust possess good multi-limb coordination – i.e. the ability to coordinate two or more limbs while sitting or standingMust possess good trunk strength – i.e. the ability to use abdominal or lower back muscles to support part of the body continuously or repeatedly over time without "giving out" or fatiguingAble to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of informationGood manual dexterity required to enable safe, skillful use of instruments while working in the mouth