Surgical Assistant 1

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Assists in the treatment of patients to include seating the patient, obtaining/reviewing the medical history from/with the patient and reporting to the doctor any changes from the previous visit, if applicable, the reason for the current visit.Patient is seated in a timely manner. Patient chair is adjusted for proper spinal alignment, optimum airway maintenance, and patient comfort.Medical history is reviewed with the patient for accuracy. This information is accurately entered and updated in the patient electronic medical record.Basic knowledge of medical terminology, standard medical abbreviations, and intra-oral anatomy is expected.Baseline vital signs are obtained with the knowledge and ability to take manual vital signs, if necessary.Verbal report provided to the doctor includes any changes the patient has experienced since the last visit and the reason the patient is being seen for the current visit.Once certified, appropriately takes and displays radiographs used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.Radiographs, including periapical scans, are taken as specified by the doctor.The Surgical Assistant is to verify that a panoramic x-ray has been taken within 1 calendar year or they will notify the doctor prior to the doctor seeing the patient.Quality of the radiograph meets the expected standard of each doctor.Safety standards are always maintained in the use of x-ray equipment.Prepares for basic operative procedures, including single extractions, 4/3rds, and simple biopsies and implants. Assists the doctor by passing instruments, having necessary equipment on hand, providing suction and retraction. Monitors the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure. Discharges the patient at the conclusion of the procedure/recovery period as appropriate.Universal Precautions are followed by wearing appropriate protective attire as mandated by OSHA.Correct instruments/tray and equipment are in the room at the start of the procedure. Knows the names and functions of all instruments on the extraction and biopsy trays as well as routine instruments stored in the operatories.Instruments and equipment are set up following doctors' preferences while maintaining clean/sterile technique.Ability to locate and set-up equipment within the office including but not limited to suction, all handpieces, and electric cautery.The patient is monitored at all times. Has knowledge of monitor function, understands normal vital sign values, and reports any changes in patient status immediately to the doctor.Knowledge of prescriptions and ability to translate orders, as well as knowledge of basic medications within the office.Basic knowledge of simple procedures discharge instructions is expected.Recovers patients after in office intravenous sedation and general anesthesia procedures.Patients are safely transported to the recovery unit and monitors applied. Patients are monitored for patient safety and appropriate vital signs with assistance from the Instrument Technician.Discharge criteria must be met, a final set of vitals taken, and post-operative instructions reviewed prior to discharge. These steps must be followed as outlined in the practice policy and procedures.No patients are discharged until clearance from the doctors is received.Has the knowledge and ability to clean, sterilize, and assemble instruments and equipment throughout the day. Is able to fulfill all of the job duties and responsibilities of the Instrument Technician, as outlined in the Instrument Technician's job description:All instruments are cleaned and sterilized per manufacturers' specifications and infection control standards after each patient use.All equipment is sanitized and inspected after each use including x-ray equipment.Each operatory and recovery area is cleaned and sanitized after each patient and ready for the next patient in a timely manner.Requisitions supplies, equipment, and maintains a well-stocked operatory.Operatories and patient recovery areas are well stocked at all times.Malfunctioning or broken equipment is reported immediately to the Lead Surgical Assistant and is not used until repaired.Assistance is provided in restocking shelves when supplies are received.Understands and follows the practice's drug policy.Drug cabinet is kept locked throughout the day and double locked nights and weekends.All schedule II-IV drugs are counted prior to the start of and at the end of each day. Two witnesses indicated by their signatures are required for each count.The drug log count sheet is maintained for each case that uses IV sedation or general anesthesia with all drugs accounted for.Disposal of wasted drugs is observed and documented by two individuals.All medications should remain in their original containers and discarded upon expiration or if not used during a procedure.Maintains clinic appearance and monitors area for any safety violation.Cords on operatory carts are kept away from passageways.Sharps, including dental burs, are set in positions to minimize the risk of sharps injuries.Floors are kept clear of debris, water, chemicals, and body fluids.Operatories are terminally cleaned, cabinets are locked, and equipment put away at the end of each day.Efficiently utilizes WinOMS to check the schedule, print prescriptions, create EMR notes and anesthesia records. All EMR documentation should be correctly and accurately documented per doctor specifications.Effectively utilizes Salesforce to document patient demographics and treatment plans.Participates as a team member. Travels, as necessary, to fulfill staffing needs in any office within the practice.ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES:Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills.Positive, professional demeanor is projected through verbal and non-verbal communications.Information for patients and co-workers is delivered in a manner that is supportive, timely, and understandable.Interpersonal conflicts are resolved using appropriate methods and organizational resources.Diverse perspectives are acknowledged; language and behaviors are modeled that build inclusiveness in the work environment.Ideas and suggestions are clearly communicated.Clarification of communication is requested when appropriate.Serves, manages, and supports internal and external customers.Privacy is maintained at all times for patient and employee information.Relationships with staff in other work areas are fostered to meet internal and external customer needs.Positive working relationships with co-workers, management, and the doctors are maintained at all times.Organizational Mission and Values are evident in behaviors.Participates in performance improvement activities.Participation in Performance Improvement activities and initiatives is on-going.Initiative is demonstrated to proactively diagnose and resolve problems.Change is met with positive, supportive behavior.Participates as a team member and is accountable for own work responsibilities.Time off is scheduled to avoid disrupting workflow.Help is offered to others to solve problems and complete tasks to facilitate communication and positive team dynamics.Productive work habits are consistently displayed.Accountability for actions and decisions is demonstrated in daily work.Feedback is solicited and accepted in a positive manner.Constructive input is offered to support the work unit.Models team behaviors.Critical roles of the Surgical Assistant 1 are covered by other Surgical Assistants when necessary.Surgical Assistant skills are maintained to ensure full coverage and to enable employees to be moved from one area to another as appropriate.Leadership coverage is maintained at all times, either by being on-site or via communication with Lead Surgical Assistant and/or Clinical Managers.All problems are triaged and reported appropriately to the designated office Lead Surgical Assistant and/or Clinical Manager.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:High School Graduate or Equivalent. Experience: Dental/Healthcare Experience Preferred. License/Certification: BLS certification required within 30 days of hire. HIPAA Privacy Associate certification within 30 days of hire/promotion. Successful completion of a Dental Radiation Safety course by an accredited program of study as soon as possible after hire and/or prior to advancement from Instrument Technician to Surgical Assistant 1. Job requires sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping/walking, steps) and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive). Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull < 50lbs. May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, humidity, radiation, noise, blood/body fluids, and infectious disease.Job Type: Full-timePay: $ $27.00 per hourExpected hours: 40 per weekBenefits:401(k)Dental insuranceFlexible scheduleHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offVision insuranceWork Location: In person