Surgical Assistant

Job Summary:  The Surgical Assistant is involved with every aspect of surgical procedures and pre-operative processes, creating an environment for the delivery of safe patient care. The surgical assistant performs clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed oral surgeon.  They prepare the operatory and equipment, get the patient ready, and maintain awareness of the comfort and safety needs of patients.  The Surgical Assistant is responsible for assigned non-surgical functions and practices relationship centered care in concert with The Oral Surgery Institute of the Carolinas’ values. The Surgical Assistant is expected to continually develop their skills and knowledge. 

Essential Functions:

Direct Patient Care

• Enters and updates patient’s medical history in practice management software. 
• Reviews medical history, chief complaint, and scheduled treatment plan with each patient.
• Confirms x-rays, letters from referring doctor, and other patient information are available for review by surgeon.
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room and prepping them for care by the doctor. 
• Places monitoring equipment on patient. Obtains blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation readings.
• Prepares and ensures completion of appropriate consent forms and saves forms to the patient account. 
• Has intravenous medication and supplies available, if patient will be sedated.  
• Opens anesthesia record and enters medications. 
• Assists doctors with surgical procedures (extractions, biopsies, implants, bone grafts, etc.) by passing instruments, airway management, aspirating intra-oral fluids, mixing materials and medicaments during examinations and/or surgery.
• Aides in obtaining IV access for sedation patients. Collects autologous blood products (PRP/PRF) and prepares collected blood products for use in surgery, when necessary. 
• Helps the surgeon in administering medications and treatments as directed. 
• Maintains operative record and records treatment information on the patient's chart, including treatment rendered, type/size/lot numbers for implants, bone grafts, and resorbable barriers, and information regarding follow-up appointments needed. 
• Takes radiographs and cone beam CT scans, as instructed by the doctor.
• Helps administer nitrous oxide to patients, as applicable. 
• Provides pre-op and post-operative instructions/counseling. 
• Makes and documents follow-up patient calls for doctors, if requested, and keeps doctors informed of problems or patient concerns. 
• Fields all pre-op and post-op questions and concerns from patients. 
• Assist in post operative recovery of patient directly following sedation surgery and safely transports patient to escort’s vehicle.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for accurate collecting and recording of patient’s health history, taking x-rays/CT’s during consults and communicating patient’s needs with treatment coordinator.
• Counsel patients about treatment plan options and oral surgery care. 
• Responsible for preparation of patient and room prior to oral exam.

Indirect Patient Care

• Breaks-down, decontaminates, and assists surgical assistants with resetting treatment rooms.
• Opens all rooms and prepares procedure trays for the day.  Ensures lights, units, and tanks are turned on prior to the first patient.
• Prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilization of all instruments, cleaning and restocking.
• Maintains cleanliness of the x-ray, lab and sterilization areas.
• Maintains all chemical solutions, including disinfectant soaks and sprays, sterilents, ultrasonic, and presoak.
• Performs regular maintenance on equipment, as indicated by manufacturer on CT/Pano machine.
• Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.
• Prepares pathology specimens, and necessary documentation, for pickup. 
• Monitors incoming and outgoing lab cases.
• Completes biopsy online log with indicated information. 
• Cleans hand pieces, vacuum traps, and sharp instruments.
• Monitors supply usage and notifies appropriate personnel of reorders needed. 
• Completes necessary closing duties, including but not limited to, emptying the trash, draining ultrasonic solution(s), and turning all tanks and lights off. 
• Assist other staff members with their duties, as time permits. 
• Patient charting must be accurate and completed in a timely manner. 
• Data entered must be detailed following the SOAP format.
• Efficient in charting patient information in EHR. 
• Mentor/train assistants on charting patient informat
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Basic comprehension of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures.
• Skilled in the use of standard dental office equipment including: Autoclave, model trimmer, X-ray machine – Panorex and CBCT components, ultrasonic, Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide, Vacu-press, and hand pieces.
• Ability to take blood pressure, attach EKG leads, and read monitors.
• Knowledge of cross contamination and how to prevent it.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of, and compliance with, OSHA regulations and changes.
• Ability to take radiographs, including periapicals, panorex, and cone beam CT scans. 
• Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Skilled in the use of standard office equipment including: telephones, calculators, copiers, fax, computers, and computer software (MS Excel, Word, Google Docs, Practice Management software, Inventory Management software).
• Ability to engender trust from the doctors, co-workers, and patients.
• Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff, and patients.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete tasks in a timely and independent manner.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to collect data, establish fFilesacts, draw valid conclusions, and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate and express thoughts and ideas competently.
• Ability to quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities.

Education / Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in oral surgery, or 1 year of relevant experience in the dental/medical profession.

Special Requirements/Certifications/Licenses:

• Certified Dental Assistant or Medical Assistant certificate holder. 
• CPR & first aid certificate holder. 
• DAANCE certification, or willingness to complete within one year of employment. 

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• May be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
• May be required to roll a 90-pound machine on wheels from one area to another.
• May be required to physically assist/lift drowsy patients after anesthesia.
• May be required to push a person weighing up to 250 pounds in a wheelchair from one area to another. 
• Hand-eye coordination and hand, arm, and finger mobility for detailed work with objects.
• Active movement throughout the day: sitting, walking, standing, squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, etc. (not a sedentary position).
• Vision: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing: able to satisfactorily communicate with patients, doctor, and other staff members to ensure that verbal communication is clearly understood, particularly during emergency situations
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment.
• May be required to administer CPR.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, radiation, and nitrous oxide analgesia.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels.
• Exposure to hectic, fast-paced, high anxiety environments.
• Use downtime to assist in recovery, fill/label syringes, stock rooms, and any other job duties in the clinic area. 
• Ability to travel between Asheboro and Greensboro when needed.

Additional or different duties may be assigned occasionally at employer’s discretion.