Surgical Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a detail-oriented and compassionate Surgical Assistant to join our periodontal practice. This role supports clinical operations, patient care, and office coordination. The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, collaborative and comfortable working in surgical environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist chairside during surgical and non-surgical procedures
• Take patient blood pressure and monitor vitals
• Take dental x-rays and impressions
• Retrieve and manage x-rays via Eaglesoft and email
• Coordinate implant cases from consultation through final stages
• Order and maintain clinical supplies
• Clean and sterilize instruments and operatories
• Answer phone calls from general dentists and patients
• Address patient questions and concerns professionally
• Fax clinical notes to referring general dentists’ post-appointment
• Support the Scheduler in building and adjusting the daily schedule
• Rotate cleaning of common areas, especially during heightened health protocols (e.g., COVID)
• Participate in general office cleaning and upkeep
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

* Experience in dental or surgical assisting preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn is essential
• Works to gain respect and a relationship with others by showing regard and empathy and can engage well with customers. Can be a team player.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication for team collaboration and documentation.
• Maintains accuracy in documentation, measurements and data entry.
• Familiarity with Eaglesoft or similar dental software
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and work collaboratively with clinical and administrative teams

SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION

Activities performed by this position that could cause serious injury or death to the operator, other employees and/or other individuals if not used/performed properly or safely:

• Assisting during surgical procedures, where precision and focus are critical
• Monitoring patient vitals, such as blood pressure, which requires accuracy and attentiveness
• Handling and sterilizing instruments, which must be done to exact standards to prevent infection
• Taking and managing x-rays, which involves radiation safety protocols
• Coordinating implant cases, where errors could affect treatment outcomes
• Maintaining infection control standards, especially during heightened health concerns like COVID

Due to the nature of these responsibilities, the role requires:

• Full cognitive and physical ability while on duty
• Adherence to all safety and health regulations
• Compliance with any drug-free workplace policies, including potential pre-employment or random drug screening

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Standing and walking for extended periods during procedures and patient care
• Bending, reaching, and lifting to assist with equipment, supplies, and patient positioning
• Manual dexterity for handling instruments, taking impressions, and operating dental equipment
• Visual acuity to read charts, take x-rays, and manage digital records
• Occasional lifting of items up to 25 pounds (e.g., supply boxes, equipment)
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods, including masks, gloves, and eye protection

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Clinical setting with direct patient interaction
• Team-oriented and patient-focused
• Adherence to infection control and safety protocols

WORK SCHEDULE

• The position requires in office work.
• Work week hours are Monday-Thursday, 32 hours.

Padbury Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, PC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.