Lead Dental Assistant, Oral Surgery

Lead Oral Surgery Surgical AssistantLocation: Mercerville, NJEmployment Type: ContractWork Arrangement: OnsiteSchedule: Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PMCompensation: $27.00–$30.00 per hourPosition OverviewWheeler Staffing Partners is seeking an experienced Lead Oral Surgery Surgical Assistant for an onsite contract opportunity in Mercerville, New Jersey. This role is responsible for assisting oral surgeons before, during, and after surgical procedures while delivering exceptional patient care in a fast-paced oral surgery practice.The ideal candidate has extensive oral surgery experience, strong clinical skills, and a passion for providing outstanding patient care. This individual will assist with oral surgery procedures, IV sedation, implant dentistry, patient monitoring, and clinical leadership while maintaining a safe, sterile, and efficient surgical environment.Key ResponsibilitiesSurgical Assistance

• Assist oral surgeons during oral surgery, dental implant, and other surgical procedures.
• Prepare treatment rooms, surgical instruments, and equipment before procedures.
• Provide chairside assistance by anticipating surgeon needs and maintaining efficient workflow.
• Prepare surgical trays and review upcoming surgical cases.
• Perform routine maintenance and care of clinical equipment.

Patient Care

• Obtain and document patient medical and dental histories.
• Record patient vital signs before, during, and after procedures.
• Monitor patients throughout IV sedation, nitrous oxide administration, and post-anesthesia recovery.
• Ensure informed consent documentation is completed prior to treatment.
• Educate patients on pre-operative and post-operative instructions.
• Respond appropriately during medical emergencies following established office protocols.

Clinical Procedures

• Take diagnostic dental X-rays and Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scans.
• Obtain digital and alginate impressions and occlusal registrations.
• Fabricate study models and polish custom healing abutments as needed.
• Document treatments and clinical notes accurately within the electronic patient record.

Compliance & Clinical Operations

• Maintain sterile technique and adhere to OSHA, infection control, and HIPAA standards.
• Maintain clean, organized operatories and clinical workspaces.
• Support clinical quality initiatives and efficient patient flow.
• Assist with additional clinical and administrative responsibilities as assigned.

QualificationsRequired

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current New Jersey X-Ray (Radiology) Certification.
• Current CPR/BLS Certification.
• Minimum of three (3) years of dental assisting experience.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced oral surgery practice.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and patient care skills.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a clinical team.

Preferred

• Previous oral surgery surgical assisting experience.
• Experience assisting with:
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Dental Implant Surgery
  • IV Sedation
  • Nitrous Oxide Administration
  • Cone Beam CT (CBCT)
• Experience using electronic dental records (EDR/EMR).

Core Competencies

• Chairside Surgical Assisting
• Oral Surgery Procedures
• Sterile Technique
• Surgical Instrumentation
• Infection Control
• OSHA & HIPAA Compliance
• Patient Monitoring
• Patient Education
• Time Management
• Critical Thinking
• Teamwork
• Professional Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to work in a clinical environment with exposure to dental equipment and trace amounts of nitrous oxide.
• Ability to maintain focus and professionalism in a fast-paced surgical setting.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• 401(k).
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

Why Work With Wheeler Staffing PartnersAt Wheeler Staffing Partners, we connect talented healthcare professionals with leading organizations that value clinical excellence, teamwork, and exceptional patient care. Our experienced recruiting team is dedicated to helping candidates find opportunities that align with their skills, career goals, and long-term success while providing personalized support throughout every step of the hiring process.