Surgical Assistant

The Surgical Assistant’s primary responsibilities include performing patient care activities as a member of the surgical team, taking and developing x-ray films, cleaning, packaging, sterilizing, and storing supplies, instruments, and equipment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supports the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Practice.
   1. Supports, and performs according to, approved policies and procedures.
   2. Supports risk management and participates in programs directed to patient and staff safety.
   3. Considers patient rights in performance of job duties and responsibilities.
   4. Contributes to the quality management process; identifies role and contributions upon request.
2. Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities.
   1. Reports observed or suspected violations, hazards, and noncompliance according to Practice policy.
   2. Observes safety measures in performance of job duties and responsibilities.
   3. Responds to emergency situations with competence and composure.
3. Communicates effectively with patients, visitors, physicians, and co‑workers.
   1. Interactions are respectful and courteous.
   2. Objectively evaluates suggestions, grievances, and processes to identify opportunities to improve performance and quality of care or seeks further guidance, as needed.
   3. Communicates effectively and professionally using a translator when necessary.
   4. Documents that information received from the patient is disseminated to the appropriate people or departments.
4. Responds in a timely manner to meet the needs of the patient and the physician.
   1. Documents patient care records and other forms according to Practice policy.
   2. Communicates information about the patient's status to others responsible for patient care.
5.    Accurately comprehends, interprets, and documents verbal orders and directions.
6. Performs assisting duties and responsibilities.
   1. Reviews schedule at least one week in advance and prepares as necessary (make sure implants, abutments, splints, stents, etc. are available at the appropriate office).
   2. Assists doctors with surgical procedures (extractions, biopsies, implants, bone grafts, etc.); suction, irrigation, pass instruments, cut sutures, etc.
   3. Performs office procedures as directed (remove surgical splints, fit splints, remove sutures, place packs, etc.).
   4. Prepares patient and room set-up for appropriate procedure/exam.
   5. Reviews post-op instructions with surgery patients.
   6. Reviews charts/paperwork before doctor sees patient; completes appropriate paperwork.
   7. Helps in workroom and with restocking clinical supplies.
   8. Utilizes computer system (time clock, reviewing schedules, scheduling appointments, using e-mail, etc.).
   9. Reports any damaged equipment discovered during routing cleaning or use.
   10. Complies with all OSHA and office policies and procedures.
   11. Other duties as directed.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Education/Certification/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Oral and Maxillofacial surgery experience (preferred)
• Demonstrated understanding of sterilization principles required
• CPR certification required
• NC dental x-ray certification (preferred)
• Oral & Maxillofacial Anesthesia Assisting Program completion

Skills/Abilities: 

• Problem solver and self-directed
• High degree of professionalism and professional image
• Strong and effective communication and platform skills
• Positive attitude, change advocate, lead by example, coachable
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Independent decision-making skills, sound judgment
• Strong initiative and able to exercise sound judgement

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION

• Requires constant and frequent judgment and response. Requires language skills for communication in American English.
• Requires high-level visual and auditory acuity for timely response and patient care activities. 
• Requires the ability to move quickly in response to physician and patient needs, the ability to sit or stand for long periods, occasional overhead, and low reaching, bending, and the ability to exert force of up to 50 lbs. occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently and/or up to 10 lbs. constantly.  Patient care activities may require the ability to exert force of up to 30 pounds constantly, 40 pounds occasionally and up to 100 pounds rarely.
• Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens; frequent exposure to chemical hazards; may encounter radiation hazards.