Surgical dental assistant job description

**Overview**

**Come join our team as a Surgical Technician!**

This position is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to do what **YOU** love and get paid to do it! You will enjoy a fulfilling career like no other and will play a vital role in changing the lives of our patients. Together with our experienced dentists and lab professionals, you can be part of delivering life-changing tooth replacement care to hundreds of thousands of patients every year. **If this sounds like what you are looking for, we would love to hear from you!**

**Benefits**

We care about our employees and understand the hard work that goes into providing the best-in-class patient care. You will be provided the **training** needed to provide you with the support you need to do your job well. **Additional benefits include** , group medical and dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending (health and dependent care), 401(k), 9 paid holidays off, 10 days of vacation, and 5 additional PTO days. We also offer ancillary benefits to include hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance options.

**Responsibilities**

The **Surgical Tech** will support the dentist, and team, in providing quality patient care in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must be able to work independently.The **Surgical Tech** will assist in oral surgery-based procedures to include suctioning and passing instruments, sterilization of equipment and surgical instruments, set up and breakdown of treatment areas, as well as other general duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**

To apply for this position, you must be able to work in a high volume, fast paced office while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude. You must possess an active **CST certification and BLS/CPR certification** .

**Apply today by clicking "Apply Now"!**

**About Affordable Care**

Founded in 1975, today Affordable Care, LLC is America's largest dental support organization (DSO) focused on tooth replacement services, serving more than 320 dental practices across the United States. Each practice has an on-site dental laboratory, allowing the practice to provide same day dental services including extractions, dentures, and implants. **Affordable Care is the DSO for two top dental brands: Affordable Dentures & Implants and DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions.** From the Affordable Care Support Center, located in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, along with field-based teams, Affordable Care provides business expertise and support services to dental practices, taking care of non-clinical duties so dentists can focus on treating patients. Visit affordablecare.com , affordabledentures.com ,and dentalservice.net .

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**Category** _Dental Assistants and Front Desk Associates_

At Houston Methodist, the Surgical Dental Assistant position is responsible for providing high quality surgical assistance during procedures. This position will assist with the preparation of surgical cases. The Surgical Dental Assistant position provides assistance to the surgeon with surgical procedures and assists with the clean-up of the room. This position will also be responsible for assisting in the cleaning and sterilization of instruments. The Surgical Dental Assistant position will also assist with provision of clerical activities to maintain the efficiency of office procedures as well as maintain patient records in the regard to clinical care and financial matters. This position will be available for after-hours "on call" surgical assisting.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 20%

Interacts with peers, staff and referring physicians in a supportive and respectful manner. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional. (EF) Contributes to a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team to achieve optimal department results. Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment. Makes contributions to the work effort as a whole. (EF) Answers patient telephone calls and returns calls as directed by physician. (EF)

SERVICE - 30%

Prepares room, equipment and supplies to accommodate planned procedures. Gathers all sterilized instruments and supplies for each assigned procedure and ensures that the set-up is ready before the physician scrubs. (EF) Rooms and takes vital signs on all patients, obtaining patient consent before all procedures. Provides patient education for all patients both pre and post-operative. (EF) Supports the physician during surgical procedures, performing the surgical dental assistant role in the provision of surgical assistance during a variety of procedures. Charts on patient's records under direction of the surgeon. Takes x-rays as indicated and directed. Application of sterile dressings at end of procedure. (EF) Maintains an orderly environment that facilitates access to supplies and other resource information through monitoring supply inventories and ordering supplies. Assists with maintaining and cleaning of equipment and restocking of supplies as established within the department. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 30%

Maintains the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique. Assists with the care of instruments, equipment, and supplies following surgical procedure. (EF) Develops and maintains an efficient system for storing surgical instruments and supplies. Ensures all patient care equipment has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use. Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed. (EF) Follows radiation safety standards and conducts all imaging procedures accordingly. Properly utilizes patient radiation protection and immobilization during diagnostic procedures. Regularly practices aseptic techniques and ensures compliance with infection control procedures. Complies with job and department standards, practices and policies. (EF)

FINANCE - 15%

Collects co-payments and maintains billing accuracy. (EF) Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members. (EF) Maintains cost efficient use of surgical supplies without compromising quality of patient care and minimizes opening of supplies until confirmation that will be used during procedure; does not waste supplies. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 5%

Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis. (EF) Assists in the orientation of Oral/Maxillofacial residents.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.


EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Two (2) years of healthcare experience Experience in surgical practice preferred


CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

Registered Dental Assistant Certificate (RDA) Licensed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE)


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREDs.

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations. Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security. Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles. Able to take panoramic and cephalometric radiographs Exceptional knowledge of medical office procedures, medical terminology Working knowledge of PC environment using Windows Knowledge of surgical procedures, case progression, pertinent observations Demonstrates knowledge and competent use of procedure equipment and instruments sets and use of various surgical instruments Demonstrates knowledge of surgical supplies, use of and restocking of supplies


SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Attire Yes/No Uniform No Scrubs Yes Business professional Yes Other (dept. approved) No


On-Call* Yes, on a regular basis (for Non-Exempt or Exempt jobs) *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (i.e. Disaster, Severe Weather Event, etc.) regardless of selection above. Travel May require travel within No Houston Metropolitan area


May require travel outside No of Houston Metropolitan area


Company Profile:
As one of the nation's leading hospitals and academic medical centers, Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nation's leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients. Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group employs over 800 physicians at more than 150 locations across Houston. Our specialists are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow. The combination of clinical service, research and academics ensure patients have access to the latest treatments and technologies while providing the best comprehensive patient care.

THE ARMY HEALTH CARE ADVANTAGE
As a member of the Army health care team, you'll receive benefits that you won't be able to get in a civilian career.

Challenging Work
Feel inspired with great case diversity and over 40,000 visits coming into the U.S. Army medical facilities and clinics around the world every day. See and study diseases that are not usually encountered in the private sector, and work on vaccines for viruses like Zika and COVID-19 that can have a global impact.

Fewer Barriers
Practice medicine with fewer limitations by treating patients not on their ability to pay, but by the treatment you see necessary. The U.S. Army Medical Department is one of the few places in the world where comprehensive patient care is the top priority.

Serve a Purpose
Enjoy the deep satisfaction of performing an important service for your country. Make not only a profound difference in the lives of Soldiers in the Army, but in the lives of their families, friends, and the general public.

THE ARMY MEDICAL COMMAND IS COMPOSED OF SIX CORPS
Each Medcom Corps has a specific function that works together as a team to maintain the U.S. Army's high standards in patient care.

Caucasian female Anesthesiologist providing anesthesia to patient while Caucasian male general Surgeon performs surgery in hospital operating room.
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
Contains over 40 specialties, from internal medicine and neurosurgery to pathology, anesthesiology, and psychiatry.

Army Medical Corps physicians practice in three main areas:

Operational Medicine
Clinical Medicine
Research Medicine
ARMY MEDICAL JOBS
Caucasian male SPC Lab Technician wearing OCP holding test tubes inside a medical office.
MEDICAL SERVICE CORPS
The Medical Service Corps is the most diverse branch of the U.S. Army. This Corps is home to medical administrative, scientific, and provider specialties, from direct patient care to management of the U.S. Army's health service system.

Disciplines include:

Behavioral Sciences
Health Services
Laboratory Sciences
Optometry
Pharmacy
Podiatry
Preventative Medicine
MEDICAL SERVICE JOBS
Male Physical Therapist wearing OCP training with a male soldier wearing APFU inside during the daytime.
MEDICAL SPECIALIST CORPS
The Medical Specialist Corps is home to four distinct specialties:

Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Clinical Dietitians
Physician Assistants
MEDICAL SPECIALIST JOBS
Caucasian female CPT Veterinarian wearing OCP kneeling in Veterinary office with a dog.
VETERINARY CORPS
The Veterinary Corps conducts and oversees all Department of Defense veterinary service activities. Army Veterinary Corps Officers are responsible for preventing contagious and zoonotic diseases, providing care to military working dogs, caring for ceremonial horses, treating family pets, and even supporting Human-Animal Bond Programs at military hospitals.

Veterinary Preventative Medicine
Laboratory Animal Medicine
Veterinary Pathology
Veterinary Comparative Medicine
Veterinary Clinical Medicine
VETERINARY JOBS
Emergency Medical Staff examining patient wearing OCP inside an Emergency Room.
ARMY NURSE CORPS
The Army Nurse Corps represents more than 11,000 Soldiers dedicated to providing high-tech, quality health care for military personnel, their families, and military retirees all over the world. They support humanitarian missions and respond to natural disasters, experiences unmatched as a civilian nurse.

Army nurses choose one of five specialties:

Critical Care
Mental Health
Perioperative
Emergency Trauma
Gynecology/Obstetrics
ARMY NURSE JOBS
Female Dental Specialist and Dentist holding dental equipment with patient indoors.
ARMY DENTAL CORPS
The Army Dental Corps teaches more residents than any other institution in the country. It maintains modern dental facilities both in the U.S. and abroad in diverse countries. The Army's Specialty Residency Programs produce graduates regularly scoring in the top 95th percentile.

The Army Dental Corps is comprised of nine specialties:

Comprehensive Dentistry
Oral Surgery
Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontistry
Prosthodontistry
General Dentistry
Oral Pathology
Public Health
ARMY DENTAL JOBS
Caucasian male ROTC Cadet wearing graduation robe standing facing Major in dress blues and family outside during the day.
WE'LL HELP PAY FOR YOUR EDUCATION
The Army will fund medical school for those aspiring to serve. Through the U.S. Army's Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), you can:

Graduate from medical school debt-free
Earn a $2,400+ monthly allowance
Receive a $20,000 sign-on bonus
HPSP & NURSE SCHOLARSHIPS