Veterinary Assistant - Specialty Dentistry

AOSN Dentistry•Mill Valley, CA

About The Position

Aggie Animal Dental Center (AADC), part of Animal Outpatient Specialty Network (AOSN), is seeking an experienced, motivated Veterinary Assistant to join its specialty dentistry team. AADC focuses on oral and maxillofacial health, providing routine dental cleanings and extractions as well as advanced procedures such as root canals, jaw fracture repairs, metal crown placement, and oral oncologic surgery. The team also provides advanced dental care at the Oakland and San Francisco Zoos. Previous veterinary dentistry experience is not required; the role is suited to a compassionate, dependable, detail-oriented person eager to learn and grow in a specialty practice. The Veterinary Assistant supports dental and oral surgical procedures, anesthesia, patient care and monitoring, treatment-area and instrument preparation, medical records, medication and prescription tasks within the role's scope, and client communication. The position also assists with front-office responsibilities as needed and contributes to efficient hospital operations in a collaborative clinical team. The role requires lifting approximately 40 pounds independently and safely assisting with larger patients. It also involves standing, walking, bending, squatting, reaching, and moving throughout an 8+ hour workday in a fast-paced clinical environment. The schedule is four 10-hour shifts. The stated pay range is $24.00–$30.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Requirements

Previous experience working in a veterinary hospital as a Veterinary Assistant or in a similar clinical support role.
Strong animal handling, restraint, and patient care skills.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols.
Strong communication and client service skills.
Positive, dependable, and self-motivated, with a willingness to learn.
Comfort working collaboratively with veterinarians, RVTs, and other support staff.
Adaptability and initiative in a fast-paced specialty environment.
Comfort working in a primarily electronic or near-paperless medical environment.
Passion for exceptional patient care.
Ability to lift approximately 40 pounds independently and safely assist with larger patients.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and move throughout an 8+ hour workday.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in surgery or dentistry.
Familiarity with anesthesia equipment, surgical preparation, and patient monitoring.

Responsibilities

Assist the veterinary team with dental and oral surgical procedures, including patient preparation and recovery.
Support anesthesia procedures by preparing equipment, monitoring supplies, and assisting the RVT and veterinarian.
Monitor anesthetized patients as directed by the RVT or veterinarian and promptly communicate changes in patient status.
Prepare, clean, wrap, and sterilize dental and surgical instruments and equipment.
Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked treatment area and surgical suite.
Provide compassionate care and monitoring for in-hospital patients.
Assist with patient assessments, obtain vital signs, and communicate observations to the clinical team.
Assist with patient treatments and procedures as directed by the RVT or veterinarian.
Maintain accurate electronic medical records and assist with documenting patient care.
Support prescription preparation and medication dispensing as directed and within the scope of the role.
Provide warm, professional client communication, including patient check-in and discharge support.
Assist with front-office responsibilities, including phones and scheduling, as needed.
Contribute to a collaborative team environment and support efficient daily hospital operations.