Dental Assistant I/II - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – School of Dentistry
About The Position
UTHealth Houston's Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is seeking a motivated, patient-focused Dental Assistant to support faculty, residents, students, and patients. The role provides chairside assistance during a range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures performed under local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and/or moderate IV sedation. Duties include preparing treatment rooms and surgical instruments, escorting and rooming patients, obtaining diagnostic images such as CBCT, panoramic, and periapical radiographs, supporting patients before and after procedures, and maintaining accurate clinical records. The position also handles patient phone calls and portal messages, coordinates patient care activities, and performs other clinical and administrative duties as needed. The position performs routine tasks assisting professional dental staff and students with examinations and prophylactic, therapeutic, and surgical treatment. It works under direct supervision and includes assisting in the teaching of dental students, dental assisting students, and dental hygiene students in four-handed dentistry and dental assistant utilization. The position is based at 6560 Fannin St, Suite 1900, Houston, Texas 77030. Employees must permanently reside and work in Texas.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Dental Assistant credential from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).
- Basic office or computer skills.
- Must be able to respond to emergency situations.
- Must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.
Nice To Haves
- Completion of a recognized dental assistant educational program.
- Experience with Epic electronic health records.
Responsibilities
- Provide chairside assistance to students and faculty during dental and oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures.
- Assist with examinations and prophylactic, therapeutic, and surgical treatment of patients.
- Prepare treatment rooms and maintain sterile equipment, instruments, and supplies.
- Maintain infection control standards.
- Escort and room patients and support their care before and after procedures.
- Obtain CBCT, panoramic, and periapical radiographs.
- Maintain records of patients seen, procedures performed, materials used, and appointments.
- Respond to patient phone calls and portal messages in a timely and professional manner.
- Coordinate patient care activities.
- Assist in teaching dental students, dental assisting students, and dental hygiene students the principles of four-handed dentistry and dental assistant utilization.
- Respond to emergency situations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- 100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees.
- Generous time off, including holidays, a preventative leave day, vacation, and sick time, totaling around 37–38 days per year.
- Additional vacation accrual with tenure.
- Longevity pay through monthly payments after two years of service.
- Retirement/pension plan.
- Free financial and legal counseling.
- Free mental health counseling services.
- Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs.
- Employee discounts, including entertainment, car rentals, and cell phones.
- Resources for child and elder care.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
