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Surgical Dental Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Paradigm Oral Surgery

Surgical Assistant

Madison, AL · On-site

Join our team as a surgical assistant! Madison, AL | M-F | Full-time | In office Website: www ... Dive into the heart of dental care, obtaining vital radiographs and crafting detailed patient ...

Paradigm Oral Health

Surgical Assistant

Madison, AL · On-site

Surgical Assistant Opportunity Step into the fast-paced world of oral surgery as an Oral Surgeon ... Dive into the heart of dental care, obtaining vital radiographs and crafting detailed patient ...

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Surgical Dental Assistant information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$13

$25

$30

How much do surgical dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical dental assistant in Decatur, AL is $25.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical dental assistant?

Surgical Dental Assistants are trained professionals who assist dentists and oral surgeons during dental surgeries and complex procedures. Their duties include preparing and sterilizing instruments, assisting with anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort, and supporting infection control protocols. They play a crucial role in making surgeries efficient and safe, often handling both clinical and administrative tasks in a dental surgical environment.

What does a surgical dental assistant do?

As a surgical dental assistant, you assist a surgical dentist. Your responsibilities are to set up equipment, ensure the sterilization of tools, and prepare patients for treatments or procedures. You might operate x-ray equipment or complete lab work for the dentist as well. Other duties of a surgical dental assistant include the use of suction hoses, handing the dentist instruments during the operation, and educating patients about oral hygiene. In some offices, you may also help schedule patient appointments and handle billing. Your assistance is vital in day to day operations as well as the efficiency of surgical procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical dental assistant?

To thrive as a Surgical Dental Assistant, you need knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and dental anatomy, often supported by a dental assisting certification or diploma. Familiarity with dental radiography, surgical instruments, and sterilization systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient surgical procedures and a positive experience for both patients and dental teams.

What are some common challenges faced by surgical dental assistants during oral surgery procedures?

Surgical Dental Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict infection control protocols, anticipating the surgeon's needs in fast-paced situations, and managing patient anxiety before and during procedures. They must also be adept at handling surgical instruments, assisting with suturing, and ensuring all equipment is properly sterilized and ready for use. Effective communication and teamwork with the dental surgeon and other staff are crucial to ensure patient safety and the smooth flow of each procedure.

What is the difference between Surgical Dental Assistant vs Dental Assistant?

AspectSurgical Dental AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsCPR, Dental Assisting Certification, sometimes specialized surgical trainingCPR, Dental Assisting Certification
Work EnvironmentOperates in surgical or oral surgery settings, assisting during proceduresGeneral dental offices, assisting with routine procedures
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists during surgeries, prepares surgical tools, manages sterile environmentPrepares patients, sterilizes equipment, assists during regular dental procedures

While both roles support dental care, Surgical Dental Assistants focus on assisting during surgical procedures and require specialized surgical training. Dental Assistants handle routine dental office tasks. The surgical role demands additional certifications and experience in surgical settings, making it more specialized within the dental industry.

More about Surgical Dental Assistant jobs

What job categories do people searching Surgical Dental Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical Dental Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Surgical Dental Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Surgical Dental Assistant job openings:

Surgical Dental Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Dental Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,000 per year, or $26 per hour.

CLN Oral Surgery Dental Assistant

Huntsville Hospital Health System

Huntsville, AL

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Huntsville Hospital Health System rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 208 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

698th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

The Oral Surgery Dental Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to oral and maxillofacial surgeons in a not-for-profit, community-based hospital oral surgery clinic. The assistant performs a wide range of duties, including chairside assisting, patient preparation, sterilization, radiography, and post-operative care, while maintaining a sterile and efficient environment. The ideal candidate will be a team player who thrives in a fast-paced clinical setting and is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care. This position operates in a hospital-based oral surgery clinic and may include assisting in the hospital operating room. The work environment involves exposure to bloodborne pathogens, surgical instruments, and anesthetic agents. Strict adherence to infection control and safety protocols is essential.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required

Education preferred: Completion of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or DANB Certified Oral Surgery Assistant (DANB-COA) certification preferred

License, Certification, and/or Registration: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Certification in Dental Radiography and/or Nitrous Oxide Monitoring. ACLS or PALS certification (may be required within 6-12 months of hire).Experience: Previous experience assisting in oral and maxillofacial surgery (hospital or clinical setting). Knowledge of infection control, sterilization, and dental radiography principles. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Previous experience assisting in oral and maxillofacial surgery (hospital or clinical setting).

Employment Type: OTHER

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