Oral Surgery Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the role of oral surgery assistants is becoming increasingly crucial.

As medical science advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can efficiently assist in oral surgeries and contribute to patient care increases.

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

Whether you are:

An aspirant trying to comprehend the core of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of oral surgery assistance,

You’ve found the right spot.

Today, we reveal a customizable oral surgery assistant job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Contents show

Oral Surgery Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Oral Surgery Assistants provide essential support to oral surgeons during procedures, and they also perform a variety of administrative tasks.

Their role is crucial to ensure a smooth and safe oral surgery process for patients.

Oral Surgery Assistants typically have the following duties and responsibilities:

Assist the oral surgeon during a variety of treatment procedures
Set up surgery room prior to surgical procedures
Take and record patients’ medical and dental histories and vital signs
Prepare and sterilize instruments and materials required for surgeries
Provide pre-operative and post-operative instructions to patients as directed by the oral surgeon
Administer local anesthesia to patients under the supervision of the surgeon
Take dental radiographs (X-rays) and dental impressions
Manage medical and dental emergencies when necessary
Perform office management tasks which often require the use of a personal computer
Communicate with patients and suppliers (scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies)
Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after oral surgery

Oral Surgery Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Oral Surgery Assistant to join our team.

The ideal candidate will be experienced in preparing patients for surgery, assisting during procedures, and providing post-operative care.

Oral Surgery Assistant responsibilities include preparing surgical instruments, ensuring the comfort of patients, assisting oral surgeons during procedures, and providing clear post-operative instructions to patients.

Our ideal candidates are familiar with oral surgical procedures, have excellent communication and patient care skills.

Ultimately, the role of the Oral Surgery Assistant is to ensure the smooth running of the surgical process and guarantee the safety and comfort of patients.

Responsibilities

Assist oral surgeons before, during, and after oral surgical procedures
Prepare surgical instruments and ensure they are properly sterilized
Provide pre-operative and post-operative care instructions to patients
Ensure the comfort of patients before, during, and after oral surgery
Maintain clear and accurate patient records
Take and develop radiographs and dental impressions
Perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning
Comply with all health and safety protocols and procedures

Qualifications

Proven work experience as an Oral Surgery Assistant
Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification is preferred
Experience in oral surgery procedures and patient care
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain a calm demeanor
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Current CPR certification
Associates Degree in Dental Assisting or related field is preferred

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Continuing education opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Oral Surgery Assistant
Work Environment: Dental office or hospital setting. This job may involve long periods of standing.
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: $38,000 minimum to $58,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
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 Surgery Assistant Do?

Oral Surgery Assistants, also known as Dental Assistants, work in dental offices, clinics, or oral surgery offices, generally under the supervision of oral surgeons or dentists.

They are integral parts of the oral surgery team, providing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care to patients undergoing oral surgery procedures.

Their tasks typically include preparing patients for surgery, sterilizing instruments, handing instruments to surgeons during procedures, and cleaning the surgical area after the procedure.

Oral Surgery Assistants also take x-rays, maintain patient records, schedule appointments, and provide patients with preoperative and postoperative instructions.

They play a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout the surgical procedure.

In some cases, they may also assist in administering anesthesia and monitor patients’ vital signs during surgery.

Overall, an Oral Surgery Assistant’s role is to support the oral surgeon, ensuring smooth and efficient surgical procedures, while providing the best possible care to patients.

Oral Surgery Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Oral Surgery Assistant should have the following skills and qualifications that align with your job description:

Strong knowledge of oral surgical procedures and ability to assist the oral surgeon effectively.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients, addressing their concerns and explaining procedures in a calm and reassuring manner.
Excellent dexterity and physical stamina to assist the surgeon during procedures which may require long standing hours.
Problem-solving skills to react quickly and efficiently in emergency situations or unexpected complications during procedures.
Strict adherence to health and safety protocols, including sterilization procedures and infection control measures.
Ability to operate and maintain oral surgical equipment and instruments.
Experience in providing preoperative and postoperative care to patients.
Strong organizational skills to manage patient records, appointment scheduling, and other administrative tasks.
Customer service skills to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients.
Knowledge of medical terminology, coding, and billing procedures.

Oral Surgery Assistant Experience Requirements

Oral Surgery Assistants generally complete a dental assisting program at a community college or vocational school, where they gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

They also typically need to have a valid certification for dental assisting.

Many Oral Surgery Assistants gain preliminary experience in general dentistry, performing roles such as Dental Assistant or Dental Hygienist.

They then specialize in oral surgery, which requires additional training and practice.

Some oral surgery offices may require their assistants to have specific experience with procedures like wisdom teeth extraction, dental implant placement, and corrective jaw surgeries.

Familiarity with administering anesthesia may also be required.

Entry-level Oral Surgery Assistants generally need to have 1 to 2 years of experience in a general dentistry environment.

Professionals with more than 3 years of experience often develop a greater understanding of surgical procedures and patient care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some administrative or supervisory experience in their background, and could be ready for a managerial position in a dental office or oral surgery practice.

Advanced roles may also involve training new assistants and overseeing day-to-day operations.

Oral Surgery Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Oral Surgery Assistants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational qualification.

Following this, they must complete an accredited dental assisting program, which usually takes about one year and leads to a certificate or diploma.

Additionally, some states require Oral Surgery Assistants to pass a state exam and obtain licensure or certification.

This process often involves completing a certain number of accredited education hours, passing a practical and written examination, and maintaining the certification with continuing education courses.

Moreover, specialization in oral surgery assisting requires additional training and education.

This can be achieved through on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed oral surgeon, or by pursuing additional formal education in an oral and maxillofacial surgery assistant program.

Clinical experiences are also fundamental in the training of an Oral Surgery Assistant, providing them with practical experience in patient care, dental procedures, and office administrative tasks.

Though not compulsory, certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) or the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) can enhance career prospects and highlight a candidate’s commitment to professional development.

Finally, Oral Surgery Assistants should have a thorough understanding of dental and oral health, excellent manual dexterity, and strong interpersonal skills for interacting with patients.

Oral Surgery Assistant Salary Expectations

An Oral Surgery Assistant can expect to earn an average of $22.00 (USD) per hour.

The specific salary can fluctuate based on experience, the region in which they work, and the dental practice for which they are employed.

Oral Surgery Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Oral Surgery Assistant need?

Oral Surgery Assistants should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to understand their patients’ needs and to communicate effectively with the oral surgeon.

They should have a strong understanding of dental procedures and dental hygiene to maintain a clean and sterile environment.

They should also have a good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle dental instruments precisely.

Do Oral Surgery Assistants need a degree?

Oral Surgery Assistants do not necessarily need a degree, but they must complete a dental assistant program, and some states require them to be certified.

Additionally, most oral surgeons prefer their assistants to have CPR and Basic Life Support training.

Advanced certifications, such as the Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant (COMSA) credential, may also be desirable.

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

You should look for a certification or graduation from a dental assistant program on an Oral Surgery Assistant’s resume.

Additionally, verify if they have CPR and Basic Life Support training.

Experience in a dental office, particularly in oral surgery, is a valuable asset.

You should also look for soft skills like strong communication, attention to detail, and patient care skills.

What qualities make a good Oral Surgery Assistant?

A good Oral Surgery Assistant is compassionate and has strong interpersonal skills to make patients feel comfortable before, during, and after their surgery.

They should have strong attention to detail to ensure all equipment is sterile and properly prepared.

They should also be reliable, able to work well in a team, and have a good understanding of dental procedures and medical terminology.

Is it difficult to hire Oral Surgery Assistants?

The challenge in hiring Oral Surgery Assistants can vary based on location and demand.

However, finding a candidate with the right combination of technical skills, certification, and interpersonal qualities can be a challenge.

Offering competitive pay, ongoing training opportunities, and a positive work environment can attract high-quality candidates.

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we delved into the intricate world of being an oral surgery assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting with procedures.

It’s about shaping healthy smiles, one patient at a time.

With our go-to oral surgery assistant job description template and real-life examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape those healthy smiles. Together.

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