Dental Surgical Assistant

Dental Surgical AssistantLocation: Columbia Oral Surgery, 1000 West Nifong Boulevard, Building 4 Suite 100, Columbia, MO 65203 Hours: Mon-Thurs 6:30am – 3pm. Fridays 6:30a to 1 or 2pm. No weekends or late evenings.Starting pay: $19.00/hour, with compensation commensurate with experiencePosition Purpose: The dental 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 operatoriesMaintained equipment and adequate suppliesSupport monthly office safety and compliance checks, including:Crash cartsFire extinguishersEmergency preparedness attestationsX-ray unit calibrationOmni-cam calibrationControlled substance inventory and drug book accuracyOxygen tank readinessPrinting and maintaining controlled substance invoicesTeam 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 requiredExperience as an oral surgery assistant or dental assistant is preferred. (Will train the right candidate.)Basic life support certification – Employer will assist if not completedPerformance Requirements:Skills/Abilities:Strong computer skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to handle multiple tasks, prioritize effectivelyAbility to work in a fast-paced environmentAnalytical and detail-orientedAble to work independently with exceptional initiative and sound judgmentPositive attitude, change advocate, able to lead by exampleStrong Knowledge of oral surgery proceduresStrong problem-solving and decision-making abilitiesCommitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safetyWork environment/Conditions:Fast-paced dental office environmentOvertime is sometimes required as needed to perform job functionsSome travel as needed for training and to perform job functionsSafety procedures required, including protection to minimize the risks from X-raysPotential long hours standing.DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. OPS's management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.