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Surgery Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Oral Surgery Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Prepare patients for surgery, ensure comfort, and provide clear pre-op and post-op instructions. * Assist the oral surgeon during surgical procedures, including extractions, implants, bone grafts ...

Oral Surgery Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Prepare patients for surgery, ensure comfort, and provide clear pre-op and post-op instructions. * Assist the oral surgeon during surgical procedures, including extractions, implants, bone grafts ...

Oral Surgery Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Prepare patients for surgery, ensure comfort, and provide clear pre-op and post-op instructions. * Assist the oral surgeon during surgical procedures, including extractions, implants, bone grafts ...

Operating Room Assistant

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$21.25 - $30.39/hr

Operating Room Assistant In the operating room, timeliness, cleanliness, and orderliness are ... Support nursing staff as part of the surgical team to ensure safe and efficient patient care.

Operating Room Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.07 - $27.18/hr

Operating Room Assistant In the operating room, timeliness, cleanliness, and orderliness are ... Support nursing staff as part of the surgical team to ensure safe and efficient patient care.

R. or ambulatory surgery setting as a Surgical Assistant and familiar with a full range of procedures. * Bachelors Degree in a healthcare-related field of study. Primary Location: Oregon,Clackamas ...

Prepare and position patients for surgery while ensuring safety and comfort * Maintain a sterile operating environment and assist with surgical draping and setup * Perform wound closure and apply ...

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Surgery Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$14

$29

$66

How much do surgery assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgery assistant in Portland, OR is $29.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $31.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgery assistant?

Surgery assistants, also known as surgical assistants or first assistants, are medical professionals who support surgeons during surgical procedures. They help by preparing the operating room, positioning patients, handing instruments, controlling bleeding, and assisting with suturing and closing incisions. Surgery assistants work under the supervision of surgeons to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. They play a crucial role in the surgical team, contributing to patient care before, during, and after surgery.

How does a surgery assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other operating room staff during procedures?

Surgery Assistants play a vital role in the operating room by working closely with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists to ensure procedures run smoothly. They are responsible for preparing the surgical site, passing instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and sometimes assisting with suturing or other tasks as directed by the surgeon. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Surgery Assistants must anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond quickly to changing situations. This collaborative environment helps ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgery assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgery Assistant, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and anatomy, typically supported by formal training or certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). Proficiency with surgical instruments, sterile field maintenance, and familiarity with operating room technology are crucial. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, support efficient surgical workflows, and contribute to successful outcomes in high-stakes environments.

What is the difference between Surgery Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgery AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsTypically requires certification or training in surgical assistingRequires surgical technologist certification (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist during surgeries under supervision, in hospitals or surgical centersPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, clinics

While both roles support surgical procedures, Surgery Assistants often have more direct involvement in assisting surgeons during operations, whereas Surgical Technologists focus on preparing the operating room and sterilization. Both require certification and work in similar healthcare settings, but Surgery Assistants typically have a broader scope of hands-on assistance during surgeries.

How do you become a surgery assistant?

To become a surgery assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a certified surgical assisting program or gaining relevant healthcare experience. Certification from organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the Surgical Assisting Certification (CFA) can enhance job prospects, and strong communication and technical skills are essential for working in surgical environments.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgery assistant?

To become a surgery assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with postsecondary education such as a certificate or associate degree in surgical technology or a related field. Certification from a recognized organization, like the National Surgical Assistant Association, is often required or preferred, and strong communication and technical skills are essential for assisting in surgical procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgery jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Surgery jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Surgery Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Surgery Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgery Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,578 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Oral Surgery Assistant

Smile Brands

Portland, OR • On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Smile Brands rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

669th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Here at Bright Now! Dental we understand the demands of dentistry and the day to day demands that come with treating patients all day long, so we provide an excellent support system, training, and teamwork to make work more enjoyable. We are proud of exceptional teamwork and unite to work fairly and productively to get the job done. 

In this Travel Specialty Dental Assisting opportunity, you will support the Oral Surgery and Periodontal team in delivering high-quality patient care by assisting during dental procedures, preparing instruments, and maintaining a clean, organized work environment. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a caring and professional demeanor, ability to start within a month and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

This position requires travel between our offices: (Portland, Gresham, Milwaukie, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Salem)


Schedule (days/hours)
M-F 6-3pm or 7-5pm
Responsibilities
  • Prepare patients for surgery, ensure comfort, and provide clear pre-op and post-op instructions.
  • Assist the oral surgeon during surgical procedures, including extractions, implants, bone grafts, and IV sedation cases .
  • Perform pre-op vital signs, patient assessments, airway evaluation, and sedation readiness checks.
  • Monitor patients undergoing IV sedation or general anesthesia under the surgeon’s supervision (vitals, pulse oximetry, ETCO, blood pressure, EKG).
  • Document anesthesia records accurately and in real time and maintain accurate clinical charting and assist with treatment coordination.
  • Prepare and sterilize surgical rooms, instruments, and equipment according to OSHA and infection-control standards.
  • Take digital X-rays, panoramic images, CBCT scans, and intraoral photos as needed.
  • Manage surgical instruments, trays, and inventory, ensuring accurate setup and turnover.
  • Support emergency response protocols and assist with complication management when needed.
  • Collaborate with front office and clinical teams to maintain smooth daily workflow.

Qualifications
  • Oregon Xray license required
  • 1 yr surgical/perio experience required
  • Current CPR/BLS certification (or ability to obtain prior to start date)
  • Knowledge of dental terminology, infection control protocols, and OSHA/HIPAA standards
  • Strong communication and commitment to excellent patient care

Compensation
$30-$33/hr
About Us

Benefits are determined by employment status/hours worked and include paid time off (“PTO”), health, dental, vision, health savings account, telemedicine, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability insurance, employee discount programs, pet insurance, and a 401k plan. 

Smile Brands supports over 650 affiliated dental practices across 28 states all focused on a single mission of delivering Smiles For Everyone!® Smiles for patients, providers, employees, and community partners. Everyone. Our growing portfolio of affiliated dental brands and practice models range from large regional brands to uniquely branded local practices. This role is associated with the affiliated dental office listed at the top of the job posting on our career site.

Smile Brands Inc. and all Affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), protected hair style and texture (The CROWN Act), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. If you would like to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at careers@smilebrands.com

Qualifications:
  • Oregon Xray license required
  • 1 yr surgical/perio experience required
  • Current CPR/BLS certification (or ability to obtain prior to start date)
  • Knowledge of dental terminology, infection control protocols, and OSHA/HIPAA standards
  • Strong communication and commitment to excellent patient care
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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