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Oral Surgery Assistant job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$46,495per year, about $22 an hour
Range$24,960 to $59,000 a year
Hourly$13 to $28 an hour
Also calledDental assistant, Registered dental assistant, Administrative assistant
DepartmentHealthcare and Medical
The role

What is an Oral Surgery Assistant?

Oral surgery assistants collaborate with oral surgeons, periodontists, and dentists.

They assist during surgery and perform other tasks, such as fillings, examinations, and X-rays.

This entails not only aiding the surgeon with their responsibilities but also working closely with the patient to guarantee their comfort.

These assistants help surgeons monitor patient vital statistics by preparing equipment prior to surgery, discussing the process and any aftercare with patients, and discussing the procedure and any aftercare with patients.

During regular business hours, oral surgery assistants usually work in a clinical setting.

People who are dexterous, pay close attention to detail, and are well organized are ideal candidates for this position.

What to screen for

The top Oral Surgery Assistant skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
Organization SkillsOrganization skills are vital for assistants since they must ensure that the correct tools and equipment are laid out ahead of each session.
Computer SkillsOral surgery assistants plan appointments and keep track of patients' information, and they need to be computer savvy to do so.
Attention to DetailThis profession necessitates a high level of attention to detail in order to keep track of vital statistics and other concerns during operations.
DexterityDexterity is important because assistants operate in close quarters on a small part of the body; they must have the ability to work safely with precise equipment and instruments.
Listening SkillsTo effectively follow directions and help treat patients, assistants must listen to patients and other healthcare professionals.
Free template

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Oral Surgery AssistantHealthcare and Medical · Free to use and edit

We need a conscientious Oral Surgery Assistant to assist our oral surgeon before, during, and after each dental procedure. X-rays, surgical equipment preparation, and patient care will be among your tasks. You'll also be responsible for keeping track of inventory and replenishing our dental supplies as needed.

To be effective as an oral surgery assistant, you must be well organized and sensitive to the requirements of your patients. A great oral surgery assistant should be well-versed in oral surgery procedures and have excellent hand-eye coordination.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Appointment scheduling, charting, and filing.
  • Preparing patient charts, establishing treatment plans, and updating dental records.
  • For diagnostic reasons, use X-ray and 3D scanning equipment and create radiographs.
  • Infection control and biohazard protocols are followed when preparing and sterilizing surgical tools, materials, and equipment.
  • Assisting the surgeon with all chair side operations, such as setting up the operating room, administering anesthesia, and cleaning up.
  • Getting patients ready for surgery and keeping an eye on their vital signs during the process.
  • Patients are given information about oral health care, treatment strategies, and postoperative results.
  • We keep an eye on our surgical materials and medications, and we replenish them as needed.
  • Assuring that instruments and equipment are kept in good working order.
  • At all times, providing great patient care.

Requirements

  • Certification as an assistant in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
  • Certification in radiography.
  • It is preferred that you have at least six months of dental assisting experience.
  • Expertise in the use of surgical equipment, instruments, and materials.
  • Surgical procedures, chair side responsibilities, and health and safety protocols should all be well-understood.
  • A thorough comprehension of dental records, charts, and documentation is required.
  • Excellent time management and organizing skills.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Even in stressful situations, the capacity to deliver great patient care.
  • Professionalism in both looks and demeanor.
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

Degree first, then the certification.

The educational requirements for an Oral Surgery Assistant typically include completing a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or an equivalent organization.

These programs may result in a diploma, certificate, or associate degree in dental assisting.

Additionally, some states may require oral surgery assistants to obtain licensure or certification, which often involves passing an exam after completing an accredited dental assisting program.

Continuing education courses may also be necessary to maintain licensure or certification and stay updated on advancements in the field of oral surgery.

CDA

Certified Dental Assistant

Demonstrates knowledge and skills in dental assisting practices.

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Treat these as a signal, not a requirement. Plenty of strong candidates come up through experience without one.
After the applications land

Sample interview questions for an Oral Surgery Assistant.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • Why are you the best person to hire?
  • What motivates you?
Human Resources
  • What is the most important factor to consider while connecting with the public?
  • Describe an instance when you gave valuable personal support to a coworker or customer.
  • How will you react if a patient complains that I didn't adequately care for them during the previous appointment?
  • What leadership roles have you played so far in your career?
Management
  • Tell me about your work organization, planning, and prioritization methods.
  • Did you ever have a problem with data monitoring? What was your reaction?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • Tell me about a time when you worked with your hands recently.
  • Tell about a time when you helped a dentist in a dental emergency.
  • What method do you employ to sterilize dental instruments?
  • What is the current status of your files? Make a list of one thing you'd like to improve.
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$24,960
25th percentile$40,000
Median$46,495
75th percentile$52,000
90th percentile$59,000

Hourly equivalents run from $13 at the 10th percentile to $28 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

Dental assistant

A Dental Assistant is a vital member of the dental care team who plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of a dental practice.

$42,143 median

Registered dental assistant

Administrative assistant

Administrative Assistants provide assistance and administrative support to the entire office.

$43,768 median
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What qualifications are necessary for an Oral Surgery Assistant role?

Qualifications typically include completing a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or an equivalent organization.

Some states may require licensure or certification, which often involves passing an exam after completing an accredited program.

What are the primary responsibilities of an Oral Surgery Assistant?

Oral Surgery Assistants assist oral surgeons during surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaw, and facial structures.

Their duties include preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, assisting the surgeon during surgery, managing anesthesia, monitoring patient vital signs, and providing post-operative care instructions.

What skills are essential for success in the role of an Oral Surgery Assistant?

Key skills for an Oral Surgery Assistant include proficiency in dental assisting techniques, knowledge of sterilization procedures and infection control, the ability to assist with surgical procedures effectively, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

How does an Oral Surgery Assistant contribute to the success of an oral surgery practice?

Oral Surgery Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during surgical procedures.

They support the oral surgeon in various aspects of patient care, assist in maintaining a sterile surgical environment, and provide post-operative care instructions to patients, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the oral surgery practice.

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