Should I Become an Oral Surgery Assistant?
An Oral Surgery Assistant is an essential part of the dental health team, specializing in assisting during oral surgical procedures. They work in close coordination with Oral Surgeons, preparing patients for surgery, sterilizing instruments, and helping during the procedure by handing instruments and making sure the Surgeon has a clear field of view. Post-procedure, they assist in managing patient recovery and provide post-operative instructions. Their role also extends to administrative tasks like patient record maintenance and appointment scheduling. For those who enjoy the synergy of teamwork, hands-on patient care, and the excitement of surgical operations, being an Oral Surgery Assistant is indeed a fulfilling job.
Pursuing a career as an Oral Surgery Assistant in the dental industry can offer a myriad of opportunities for growth and skill development. The field is always advancing with new techniques and technologies, providing a consistent learning experience. The role offers an active, engaging work environment that goes beyond the mundane desk job. As an Oral Surgery Assistant, you have the opportunity to impact people's lives positively by alleviating their pain and improving their oral health. Additionally, the dental industry, in general, has a promising job outlook with the increasing awareness of oral health, making it a stable and rewarding career choice.
Hottest Areas for Oral Surgery Assistant Jobs
Common Interview Questions for a Oral Surgery Assistant
Job Openings for Oral Surgery Assistant
What Does an Oral Surgery Assistant Do?
An Oral Surgery Assistant is an integral member of the dental team, specifically engaging in surgical procedures. This role entails assisting Oral Surgeons during procedures, preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and often taking and analyzing patient's X-rays. They also help in administering anesthesia, providing postoperative instructions to patients, and monitoring patients' recovery. Daily tasks can include maintaining patients' medical records, scheduling appointments, and ensuring patients' comfort before and after surgery.
What differentiates an Oral Surgery Assistant from other roles in dental healthcare, such as Dental Hygienists or General Dental Assistants, is the focus on oral surgery. They specialize in assisting with complex dental procedures, like tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgeries, and dental implant placements. While other dental roles tend to focus on preventative care and routine cleanings, an Oral Surgery Assistant is more involved in restorative and corrective procedures. Nonetheless, they all work together harmoniously in ensuring patients' oral health. To become an Oral Surgery Assistant, one must complete Dental Assistant training and gain additional certification in oral surgery, making them highly skilled and versatile contributors to the dental team.
Oral Surgery Assistant Qualifications & Career Path
Oral Surgery Assistants play a pivotal role in the dental industry, ensuring that the Dental Surgeon's procedures run smoothly and efficiently. As an aspiring Oral Surgery Assistant, you need to have a solid foundation in dental anatomy, patient care, sterilization techniques, and oral surgery procedures. Excellent communication skills are invaluable, as you will work closely with both the Dental Surgeon and the patients. You will also need strong attention to detail, the ability to multitask, and manual dexterity for handling dental instruments. Compassion and patience are essential traits, as you'll often work with patients who may be in pain or anxious about their procedures.
The career path to becoming an Oral Surgery Assistant usually starts with a role as a Dental Assistant. This role provides hands-on experience in a dental office and a foundational understanding of dental procedures. After gaining experience, you may progress to a more specialized role such as a Certified Dental Assistant or a Dental Hygienist before specializing in oral surgery. The educational requirements generally include a high school diploma, followed by a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). To become an Oral Surgery Assistant, you'll also need to earn a CPR certification, and many states require Dental Assistants to pass a state exam and earn state certification or licensure.
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills