Oral Surgeon Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of advanced medical technology, the significance of oral surgeon assistants has never been more emphasized.

As healthcare evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can assist, facilitate, and ensure the smooth execution of oral surgical procedures is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an oral surgeon assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of being an oral surgeon assistant,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable oral surgeon assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Oral Surgeon Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Oral Surgeon Assistants, also known as Dental Surgical Assistants, play an integral role in oral surgical procedures.

They assist the oral surgeon before, during, and after the surgery, ensuring the comfort and safety of the patient at all times.

The main duties and responsibilities of an Oral Surgeon Assistant include:

• Preparing the surgery room and sterilizing all the required surgical instruments
• Assisting the oral surgeon during the surgical procedure
• Maintaining clear visibility for the surgeon by using suction, water sprays or other equipment
• Handing over the required instruments to the surgeon during the operation
• Ensuring patient’s comfort and safety throughout the procedure
• Taking and processing X-rays as directed by the oral surgeon
• Providing post-operative care instructions to patients
• Maintaining patient records, including treatment plans and surgical notes
• Cleaning and restocking the surgical room after the procedure
• Assisting with the administration of anesthesia and monitoring vital signs during the procedure

 

Oral Surgeon Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a highly skilled and compassionate oral surgeon assistant to join our growing team.

The assistant will work alongside the oral surgeon during dental procedures, offering patient care and ensuring the operating room is safe and clean.

Candidates should be familiar with dental procedures, medical terminology, and patient management.

They should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

The ultimate goal of the oral surgeon assistant is to provide exceptional patient care while supporting the surgeon in all aspects of oral surgery procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare examination and surgical rooms by sterilizing instruments and moving necessary medical equipment into place
• Assist in oral surgery procedures under the supervision of the oral surgeon
• Help manage patient care, before, during, and after procedures
• Maintain patient records and document all procedures performed
• Administer local anesthetic to patients
• Provide post-operative instructions prescribed by the surgeon
• Ensure compliance with all dental office procedures
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an oral surgeon assistant or similar role
• Knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and maintain professionalism
• Excellent patient care skills
• Current CPR certification
• Associate degree or diploma in dental assisting
• Certification as an Oral Surgery Assistant is preferred

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Oral Surgeon Assistant
• Work Environment: Dental office setting. The role may require standing for long periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Oral Surgeon.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $34,000 minimum to $56,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Oral Surgeon Assistant Do?

Oral Surgeon Assistants, also known as oral surgical assistants, play a crucial role in dental surgical procedures.

They are healthcare professionals who work closely with oral surgeons in both preoperative and postoperative care.

Before surgery, they assist in patient preparation, which can include taking patient history, explaining the procedure to the patient, and positioning the patient for surgery.

They also help in sterilizing and preparing the surgical instruments and handing them to the surgeon during the procedure.

During the surgical procedure, they assist the surgeon by providing instruments, suctioning, retracting tissues, and monitoring the patient’s vital signs.

Their main job is to ensure that the surgeon has a clear view of the oral cavity and can perform the operation smoothly.

After the surgery, they are responsible for cleaning the surgical area, disposing of used instruments properly, and preparing the room for the next patient.

They also assist in patient recovery, which may involve providing postoperative instructions and checking on the patient’s healing progress in follow-up appointments.

Some Oral Surgeon Assistants may also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and processing insurance claims.

They have to work in a high-stress environment while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail.

 

Oral Surgeon Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Oral Surgeon Assistant should have the skills and qualifications necessary to assist oral surgeons, patients, and other staff members in a dental office, such as:

• Knowledge of dental surgery procedures and ability to assist the oral surgeon during these procedures
• High level of manual dexterity and the ability to use a variety of dental instruments
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients, explaining procedures and providing comfort and reassurance
• Strong attention to detail to ensure that the correct tools and equipment are prepared and sterilized for each procedure
• Communication skills for effective interaction with oral surgeons, staff, and patients
• Ability to handle emergencies and assist in the management of patient care
• Problem-solving skills to adapt to changing situations and manage unexpected issues that may arise during surgery
• Physical stamina, as the role may require standing for long periods and assisting with heavy or awkward equipment
• Customer service skills for scheduling appointments, following up with patients, and addressing any patient concerns or complaints

 

Oral Surgeon Assistant Experience Requirements

Oral Surgeon Assistants typically need to have completed an accredited dental assisting program or a dental hygienist program, which provides them with foundational knowledge and practical experience in dental care.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through an internship or externship in a dental office.

This hands-on experience allows them to apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, and gain familiarity with various dental procedures and patient care.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have well-developed skills in dental assisting tasks such as sterilizing instruments, preparing patients for surgery, and assisting oral surgeons during procedures.

They may also have experience in administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and managing billing.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are generally well-versed in all aspects of the role of an Oral Surgeon Assistant, and may have supervisory or training experience.

They may also have specialized experience in complex oral surgery procedures and are ready to take on a leadership role in the dental office.

In addition, all Oral Surgeon Assistants need to be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and may also need to have specific state licensure or certification, depending on the requirements of the state in which they work.

 

Oral Surgeon Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Oral Surgeon Assistants, also known as Dental Assistants in a specialized field, typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum educational requirement.

To acquire the necessary skills and knowledge, they need to complete a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

These programs may lead to a certificate, diploma, or an associate degree and often take about one to two years to complete.

In addition to formal education, Oral Surgeon Assistants often need to pass an examination to become Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistants (COMSA).

This certification is usually administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and demonstrates a high level of competence in assisting oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Most states require dental assistants to be licensed or registered.

The criteria for licensure vary by state, but usually include a minimum education requirement and passing a state-approved examination.

Oral Surgeon Assistants may also choose to pursue advanced courses or training programs to further enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.

This can lead to specialized roles within oral surgery and may increase job prospects and salary potential.

 

Oral Surgeon Assistant Salary Expectations

An Oral Surgeon Assistant typically earns an average salary of $42,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, geographic location, and the nature of the employing organization.

 

Oral Surgeon Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Oral Surgeon Assistant need?

An Oral Surgeon Assistant should possess excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients and put them at ease.

They should have a good understanding of dental procedures and dental health.

They should also have excellent hand-eye coordination for assisting in complex oral surgeries and a high level of attention to detail for preparing surgical equipment and maintaining patient records.

 

What is the educational requirement for an Oral Surgeon Assistant?

The minimum educational requirement for an Oral Surgeon Assistant is a high school diploma or GED.

However, most employers prefer candidates who have completed a dental assistant program at a community college or technical school.

Certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) could also be required.

Some states may require a license or registration.

 

What should you look for in an Oral Surgeon Assistant resume?

Look for a completed dental assistant program or related education on an Oral Surgeon Assistant’s resume.

Check for certifications, especially from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Experience in a dental office, especially in surgical assisting, is also beneficial.

Skills like patient care, attention to detail, and familiarity with dental software should also be mentioned.

 

What qualities make a good Oral Surgeon Assistant?

A good Oral Surgeon Assistant is empathetic, as they are often dealing with patients who are in pain or nervous about surgery.

They should be detail-oriented, as they must prepare surgical tools and assist during complex procedures.

Good manual dexterity is important for handling tools and materials.

They should also be reliable, as the Oral Surgeon depends on them to assist during surgeries and follow post-operative care instructions.

 

Is it challenging to hire an Oral Surgeon Assistant?

Hiring an Oral Surgeon Assistant can be challenging due to the specific skills and qualifications required for the role.

The competitive job market in healthcare also makes it more difficult to find qualified candidates.

Offering competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for professional development can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deeper into what it truly means to be an Oral Surgeon Assistant.

Surprised?

It’s not just about assisting in surgeries.

It’s about being an integral part of the team, ensuring patients receive the best oral care possible, one procedure at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Oral Surgeon Assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re now ready to take the next step.

But why stop here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precise job listings or crafting an impeccable resume.

Remember:

Every task you complete as an Oral Surgeon Assistant contributes to the overall patient experience.

Let’s shape the future of oral healthcare. Together.

How to Become an Oral Surgeon Assistant (Complete Guide)

Golden Opportunities: Unveiling the Top Earning Jobs of the Year!

The Career Carnival: Where Work Is Always a Celebration

The Career Change You Need: High-Paying Remote Jobs!

Salary Shock: The Jobs With the Most Disappointing Paychecks Unveiled