Description
Perform clinical and administrative duties in an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice under the direction of a surgeon. Prepare patients and the operatory, maintain sterile technique, take radiographs, assist during extractions, implants, and other surgeries, help set up and monitor sedation and vital signs, manage instruments and supplies, document care, and deliver pre- and postoperative instructions. May coordinate scheduling, records, billing, and insurance.
- • Prepare patients for surgery; review medical histories, allergies, NPO status, and confirm required consents.
- • Set up, maintain, and break down sterile fields; sterilize and disinfect instruments and operatory.
- • Assist surgeon during extractions, implants, exposures, biopsies, and other procedures with retraction, suction, irrigation, and suture management.
- • Assist with local anesthesia and IV sedation setup; monitor and document vital signs using BP, pulse oximetry, and ECG per protocol.
- • Expose and process panoramic, CBCT, and intraoral radiographs following ALARA guidelines.
- • Prepare and manage surgical instruments, materials, and implant components; record lot numbers.
- • Prepare medications, irrigants, and hemostatic agents as directed; maintain medication and expiration logs.
- • Provide and reinforce pre- and postoperative instructions; review prescriptions and home care with patients and caregivers.
- • Document treatment, anesthesia, vitals, and materials used in patient records accurately and promptly.
- • Assist in recognition and management of medical emergencies; maintain emergency equipment and perform BLS.
- • Take intraoral impressions or digital scans for surgical guides, splints, or prosthetic planning as directed.
- • Place and remove surgical dressings and remove sutures as permitted by regulations and provider direction.
- • Maintain OSHA and infection control compliance, including spore testing and operatory turnover logs.
- • Order, receive, and manage surgical supplies and implant inventory; maintain equipment calibration and readiness.
- • Coordinate referrals, preauthorizations, surgery scheduling, and patient flow; complete insurance claims and collect payments.
- • Handle, label, and transport biopsy specimens to pathology with proper documentation and chain of custody.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
