What is an Oral Surgery Assistant Job?
An oral surgery assistant job is a crucial position in dental clinics and oral surgery centers. The individual in this role provides support to oral surgeons during procedures, prepping the surgical room, and assisting with patients before, during, and after surgery. This position requires a certain amount of technical knowledge and a high level of interpersonal and communication skills.
What Usually Do in This Position?
An oral surgery assistant is responsible for preparing the surgical room for procedures, setting up and sterilizing equipment, and ensuring the patient is comfortable before, during, and after surgery. During the procedure, the assistant will be responsible for handing equipment to the surgeon, ensuring the patient is breathing correctly, and maintaining the sterile field.
The oral surgery assistant will also maintain patient records and assist with patient education on post-surgical care. They will also be responsible for ensuring the surgical room is cleaned and sterilized after each procedure.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
- Strong communication skills to interact with patients and colleagues
- Attention to detail to ensure the surgical room is prepared correctly
- Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
- Strong organizational skills to manage patient records and surgical equipment
- Ability to work well in a team and follow instructions from the oral surgeon
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become an oral surgery assistant, you will need to complete a dental assisting program from an accredited institution. Many programs offer specialized training in oral surgery, which will provide you with the necessary skills to excel in this position.
To work as an oral surgery assistant, you will also need to obtain certification from a recognized dental assisting board. Many states also require certification or registration to work as an oral surgery assistant.
Average Salary
The average salary for an oral surgery assistant is around $40,000 to $50,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on the location, experience, and education.
Roles and Types
There are several different roles and types of oral surgery assistant jobs available. Some positions may be responsible for assisting with general dental procedures, while others may focus solely on oral surgery. Some positions may also require additional certifications or training, such as radiology or anesthesia certification.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
The most popular locations for oral surgery assistant jobs in the USA are typically in urban areas, where there is a higher concentration of dental clinics and oral surgery centers. Some of the top states for oral surgery assistant jobs include California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
What are the Typical Tools?
Oral surgery assistants use a variety of tools and equipment to assist with surgical procedures. Some of the typical tools include dental mirrors, forceps, scalpels, and suction devices. They may also use X-ray machines and other imaging technology to assist with diagnosis and treatment planning.
In Conclusion
Oral surgery assistant jobs are an important role in the dental industry, providing crucial support to oral surgeons during procedures. This position requires a specific set of skills, including strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team. If you are interested in pursuing a career as an oral surgery assistant, completing a dental assisting program and obtaining certification is the first step towards success.