Surgical Assistant

Job Title

Surgical Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Department

Comprehensive Dentistry

Proposed Minimum Salary

$19.50 hourly

Job Location

Dallas, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

What we believe

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability.  Diverse perspectives, talents and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values .”

Who we are

As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, the Texas A&M University Health Science Center encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.

A part of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas was founded in 1905 and is a nationally recognized center for oral health sciences education, research, specialized patient care and continuing dental education.

What we want

The College of Dentistry is looking for a Dental Assistant III to serve as a member of the Comprehensive Dentistry team. We desire an individual who subscribes to and supports our commitment as stated above. The successful applicant will bring an expert level of experience to the position and understand the demands of supporting executives in a fast-paced environment. This person must be professional, enjoy working in a high-volume environment and be able to apply strong organizational skills while being flexible in their daily routine. If this is you, we invite you to apply to become a member of our team.

Job Summary: The surgical assistant, under general supervision, provides inter-specialty coordination and surgical assistance for all aspects of the post-doctoral implant surgical placement program. Provides the technical and administrative skills required in assisting dental faculty and residents in the care of dental patients. Responsibilities include performing a variety of tasks to assist faculty and residents in giving therapeutic, surgical and basic life support treatment to dental patients.

Required Education and Experience:

• High School graduation or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Two years of relevant experience.
• Registered Dental Assistant in Texas. CPR certified.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of dental terminology and dental procedures. Knowledge of instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in dental care.
• Knowledge of infectious control policies, aseptic techniques, supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate dental radiographic equipment.
• Ability to tolerate long periods of bending, standing, and walking.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with diverse individuals and communities

Responsibilities:

• Receives patients and seats patients.
• Prepares the operatory and surgical suite for treatment, provides instrument setup, intraoral radiographs and utilization of appropriate infection control measures.
• Coordinates cleanup of clinical operatory and sterilization of instruments.
• Prepares patients for surgery.
• Assists during implant placement surgery.
• Assists with the monitoring of sedated patients.
• Provides patient information to families including detailed post-operative care instruction.
• Coordinates resident and clinic schedules with patient needs.
• Records pertinent clinic data including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature and diagnostic aids, and other in treatment documentation.
• Includes set up of monitoring devices.
• Changes dressings, cleans wounds or surgical sites and removes sutures.
• Coordinates and develops the clinical aspects of the post-doctoral implant surgical placement program.
• Answers telephone, coordinates recall and follow-up visits, greets patients and coordinates patient treatment with other clinics.
• Prepares daily schedule for clinic and confirms appointments for all patients scheduled.
• Coordinates schedules with faculty and residents.
• Maintains patient statistics, monitors and maintains implant related forms.
• Order supplies, tracks and distributes implant components.
• Assists in verifying patient accounts.
• Training of dental assistants.
• Provides administrative and dental assisting support to the Graduate Prosthodontics and AEGD programs on an as needed basis, after all surgical duties are completed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

In accordance with the federal contractor vaccination mandate , specific facilities at The Texas A&M System may be considered a covered contractor workplace with covered contractor employees. Therefore, successful applicants for this position may be subject to the federal mandate to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment unless an approved medical or religious accommodation is in place.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.