Lead Surgical Assistant

Description

Position Summary : We seek a dedicated and detail-oriented Surgical Assistant to join our dynamic team at Cleburne Oral Surgery in Cleburne, Texas In this role, you will support our oral surgeons critically, ensuring efficient workflow and delivering exceptional patient care throughout the surgical process. The ideal candidate will be passionate about patient comfort and safety, with strong technical skills and a collaborative spirit.

Requirements

Leadership Responsibilities

• Own clinical flow: keep operatories ready, cases moving, and the surgical day running on time

• Lead and train the assistant team; set the clinical standard and hold the team accountable to it

• Protect quality and safety: oversee sterile technique, instrument handling, inventory, and protocol compliance

• Run the back office like a business: manage supply costs, vendor relationships, and prevent downtime

• Serve as the clinical–front office link: catch problems early and keep surgeons fully supported

Core Clinical Responsibilities

Preoperative Duties

• Prepare and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment according to OSHA and infection-control guidelines

• Set up the operatory with necessary tools, supplies, and medications, and review the details of each upcoming case

• Review and update patient medical histories, allergies, and pre-operative instructions

• Provide pre-operative patient education and answer patient questions regarding surgical procedures

• Ensure all patients have reviewed and given appropriate consent prior to the doctor initiating surgical procedures

• Take and record medical/dental histories and vital signs

Intraoperative Duties

• Assist the surgeon chairside by handling instruments, retracting tissue, and ensuring clear visibility

• Actively provide instruments and materials to the surgeon as needed to maintain patient comfort and surgeon efficiency

• Monitor patients for safety during and after administration of anesthetics, sedatives, nitrous oxide, and other medications

• Manage suction and irrigation to maintain a clean surgical field

• Maintain compliance with infection-control and safety protocols throughout the procedure

Postoperative Duties

• Assist in patient recovery and monitor post-anesthesia conditions

• Instruct patients on post-operative care and general oral health as directed by the clinician; schedule follow-up visits

• Clean and restock the operatory/surgical suite for subsequent procedures

• Ensure proper disposal of biohazardous materials and adherence to safety regulations

Documentation, Radiography & Supply Management

• Record treatment information accurately and in a timely manner in patient records

• Take dental diagnostic X-rays and cone beam CT scans in compliance with radiographic safety protocols

• Take preliminary alginate and digital impressions and occlusal registrations; create study casts when indicated

• Polish custom healing abutments

• Perform routine equipment maintenance and determine when further service is needed

• Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering supplies to keep the clinic well-stocked

• Keep workspaces clean, presentable, and organized per office protocol

Other Essential Qualifications

• Time management — excels at directing one's own time (and, for the Lead role, the time of others)

• Active listening — gives full attention to others, asks clarifying questions, avoids interrupting

• 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

• Must always represent the practice in a professional, pleasant, and cooperative manner

• Must maintain regular, consistent, and punctual attendance per the assigned schedule and time-off policy

Required Experience, Certifications & Systems

• Current RDA license required

• ACLS certification required

• DAANCE certification preferred

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience required; 5–10 years pays $25/hr, 10+ years pays $27/hr

• Demonstrated ownership of a room, team, or inventory without being directly managed

• High-volume surgical or multi-doctor experience strongly preferred

• Practice software/equipment used: WinOMS and CareStream

Preferred (Nice-to-Have) Qualifications

• PALS certification

• BLS certification

• DAANCE certification

• Bilingual

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods, including up to 8 hours on your feet

• Moderate noise levels from dental and lab equipment

• Comfortable medical office/surgical suite setting; potential occupational exposure to trace amounts of nitrous oxide

• Exceptional hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to handle instruments and place materials on tools and in mouths

• Near vision sufficient to work within a few feet for mixing and placing materials

• Frequent bending, twisting, and position changes

• Minimum lifting requirement of 35 lbs to transfer equipment and pack/unpack supplies

• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively in a team setting under a fast-paced, deadline-driven schedule

Benefits

• 401(k)

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account

• Short-term and long-term disability

• Company-paid and voluntary life insurance

• Paid time off