Dental Surgical Assistant

Dental Surgical Assistant Job Overview

Grand Junction Periodontics & Dental Implants is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and detail-oriented Dental Surgical Assistant to join our growing specialty practice. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional periodontal and dental implant care in a professional, patient-centered environment.

As a Surgical Assistant, you will play an essential role in delivering outstanding patient experiences while assisting with periodontal surgeries, dental implant procedures, soft tissue grafting, bone grafting, extractions, IV and oral sedation procedures, and comprehensive periodontal therapy. We are looking for someone who is dependable, eager to learn, thrives in a team environment, and is passionate about helping patients improve their oral health.

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced specialty practice where patient care, teamwork, and continuous growth are valued, we'd love to meet you.

Regional Specialty Practice: Unlike many dental offices, our team has the opportunity to work in multiple communities throughout Western Colorado. In addition to our Grand Junction location, we provide specialty periodontal and implant care in our satellite offices in Glenwood Springs and Montrose on select Mondays each month. This variety allows our team to build relationships with patients and referring providers across the region while enjoying a change of scenery and expanding their clinical experience. Travel time and mileage reimbursement are provided according to practice policy. All surgical procedures are performed in Grand Junction, while the goal is to grown for surgical set up at our regional locations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare treatment rooms for surgical and periodontal procedures by ensuring all instruments, supplies, implant components, and equipment are properly sterilized and organized.
• Assist the periodontist during periodontal surgeries, implant placement, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, extractions, crown lengthening, biopsies, sinus augmentation procedures, and other specialty treatments.
• Maintain strict infection prevention and sterilization protocols following OSHA, CDC, and HIPAA guidelines.
• Take high-quality digital radiographs and CBCT scans while maintaining patient comfort and safety.
• Monitor and assist with IV and oral conscious sedation procedures, ensuring patient safety throughout treatment.
• Prepare surgical materials including membranes, grafting materials, sutures, PRF (if applicable), implant components, and surgical instruments.
• Provide exceptional chairside four-handed assisting to maximize clinical efficiency.
• Educate patients regarding surgical procedures, post-operative instructions, oral hygiene, and long-term periodontal maintenance.
• Review medical histories, update patient records, and ensure all documentation is accurate and complete.
• Assist in maintaining treatment room inventory, ordering clinical supplies, and organizing surgical equipment.
• Perform sterilization and instrument processing according to practice protocols.
• Collaborate closely with hygienists, administrative staff, referring dental offices, and the doctor to ensure exceptional patient care.
• Support front office operations when needed, including scheduling, answering patient questions, and coordinating referrals.

Qualifications

• Previous dental assisting experience preferred; periodontal, oral surgery, or implant experience is highly desirable.
• Current Dental Assistant certification and radiology certification (or ability to obtain if required by Colorado regulations).
• Knowledge of four-handed dentistry and surgical assisting techniques.
• Experience with digital radiography and CBCT imaging preferred.
• Understanding of OSHA, CDC, HIPAA, and infection control standards.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during surgical procedures.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to educate and reassure patients.
• Ability to multitask while maintaining efficiency in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn new techniques and technologies.

Preferred Skills

• Experience assisting in dental surgery
• Familiarity with surgical and sedation protocols
• Experience in sterilization and infection control
• Experience with digital dental software such as Eaglesoft or similar practice management systems
• Radiographic diagnostic imaging experience
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation
• CPR/BLS Certification, have previously attended OSHA/HIPAA seminar,
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Patient experience

What We Offer

At Grand Junction Periodontics & Dental Implants, we believe our team is our greatest asset. We strive to create a supportive workplace where employees are respected, encouraged to grow professionally, and empowered to provide exceptional patient care.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development
• Supportive, team-focused culture
• Modern technology and state-of-the-art surgical equipment
• Monday through Friday daytime schedule with no evenings or weekends
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' health and confidence every day

If you are passionate about patient care, enjoy working alongside an experienced specialty team, and are looking for a rewarding career in periodontics and implant dentistry, we encourage you to apply.

Pay: $17.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Continuing education credits
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person