Surgical Assistant

Title: Surgical Assistant
Practice: Columbia Oral Surgery
Location: 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.

Position Purpose:

The 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 operatories
• Maintained equipment and adequate supplies

Support monthly office safety and compliance checks, including:

• Crash carts
• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency preparedness attestations
• X-ray unit calibration
• Omni-cam calibration
• Controlled substance inventory and drug book accuracy
• Oxygen tank readiness
• Printing and maintaining controlled substance invoices

Team 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 required
• Experience as an oral surgery assistant or dental assistant is preferred. (Will train the right candidate.)
• Basic life support certification – Employer will assist if not completed

Performance Requirements:

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong computer skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical and detail-oriented
• Able to work independently with exceptional initiative and sound judgment
• Positive attitude, change advocate, able to lead by example
• Strong Knowledge of oral surgery procedures
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety

Work environment/Conditions:

• Fast-paced dental office environment
• Overtime is sometimes required as needed to perform job functions
• Some travel as needed for training and to perform job functions
• Safety procedures required, including protection to minimize the risks from X-rays
• Potential 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.