Dental Assistant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Position Summary:

Yeshiva University announces its new College of Dental Medicine and is hiring a new faculty and staff to support the school. The curriculum will integrate Digital Dentistry techniques to be taught by today's dental thought leaders and master clinicians. The school plans to provide a unique 36-month dental education program through an innovative 'Block' style curriculum, which will ensure in-depth learning and understanding. Please join this new DDS program.

The Dental Assistant - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides chairside clinical support to oral surgery faculty within the dental school clinics. This role performs four-handed surgical assisting during oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, prepares and maintains surgical operatories, and ensures compliance with infection control, radiation safety, and clinical safety standards. Reporting to the Director of Clinic, the dental assistant works closely with surgeons and clinical staff to ensure treatment rooms are properly prepared and procedures are supported safely and efficiently.

This position performs patient care duties within a clinical environment structured around a block-style curriculum, designed to support the efficient delivery of treatment while advancing the educational mission of the dental school. In this model, students participate in focused clinical learning experiences while faculty provide direct patient care. The dental assistant supports faculty providers by preparing surgical instruments and equipment, maintaining a sterile surgical environment, assisting during procedures, monitoring patients as directed, and ensuring radiographs and procedural documentation requirements are completed in accordance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory standards.

Position Responsibilities:

• Prepare treatment rooms and verify procedural setups for scheduled surgeries.
• Ensure operatories are clean, organized, and properly equipped.
• Set up surgical equipment, instruments, and materials prior to procedures.
• Coordinate with the sterilization department to ensure instruments are available.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures and proper operatory positioning.
• Obtain pre- and post-operative digital radiographs according to clinical protocols.
• Assist the Oral Surgeon using four-handed dentistry techniques.
• Anticipate the needs of the Oral Surgeon and provide instruments and materials as needed.
• Monitor patient well-being during procedures.
• Maintain a sterile surgical environment throughout the procedure.
• Ensure required surgical time-out verification forms are completed.
• Break down operatories and prepare treatment rooms for subsequent procedures.
• Sterilize and process surgical instruments according to infection control standards.
• Dispose of sharps and hazardous materials in accordance with OSHA regulations.
• Assist with inventory management of surgical instruments and supplies.
• Report equipment issues or repair needs to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain readiness of emergency equipment and oxygen systems.
• Conduct routine audits of emergency medical carts.
• Assist faculty during medical emergencies according to clinic protocols.
• Maintain strict adherence to HIPAA patient privacy standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support surgical operations.

Experience & Educational Background:

Required:

• Associate degree (AS) preferred, or high school diploma / GED with oral surgery dental assisting experience.
• 7-10 years of oral surgery and dental assisting experience.
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) - New York State.
• IV sedation assisting certification with 7-10 years of IV sedation experience required
• Must hold DANB RHS certification and be certified in nitrous oxide (NO) administration.
• Active BLS / CPR certification.

Skills & Competencies:

• Oral Surgery Assisting Expertise: In-depth knowledge of oral surgery procedures, dental terminology, surgical instruments, materials, and chairside assisting practices.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with patients, faculty, and clinical staff while maintaining professionalism and a patient-centered approach.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to ensure accuracy in surgical setups, instrument preparation, radiographs, and adherence to clinical protocols and documentation standards.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Ability to assess clinical situations, prioritize tasks, and support providers efficiently during surgical procedures.
• Organizational and Time Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage treatment room setup, maintain workflow efficiency, and coordinate multiple clinical responsibilities.
• Compliance Knowledge: Knowledge of infection control policies, aseptic techniques, sterilization protocols, HIPAA requirements, and applicable safety and regulatory standards.

Salary Range:

$38.46 - $43.96 per hour