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Lightwave Dental
Chesapeake, Virginia

Dental Assistant - Oral Surgery

DentalFull-Time

Listed compensation

$24-$29/hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1mo ago

Job Description

At Chesapeake Dental Specialists, our doctors and team members are dedicated to providing specialized dental care for patients requiring oral surgery and endodontic treatment. Each team member takes pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment for our patients. The doctors and the staff at Chesapeake Dental Specialists are proud of the work they do and are committed to offering patients, the most comfortable and relaxing dental experience.

Position Summary

The Oral Surgery Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentist in clinical and administrative duties, including; prepare patient for procedure or exam, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials and assist during dental procedures.

To be successful in this position, you should be highly organized and attentive to patients' needs. An outstanding Oral Surgery Assistant should have an excellent understanding of oral surgery procedures and exceptional hand-eye coordination.

Responsibilities

Assist the doctor with all dental procedures including but not limited to take directions from doctor, anticipate doctor’s needs, performing patient oral evaluations, take, develop and mount accurate and high-quality X-rays and 3D scans, various laboratory duties including provisional

Maintain the highest level of confidentiality according to the HIPAA guidelines. Adhere to safety guidelines/procedures to OSHA and practice standards

  • Perform administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling, charting, and filing
  • Prepare patient charts, record treatment plans, and update dental records

Prepare and sterilize surgical instruments, materials, and equipment in accordance with infection control and biohazard protocols

Assist the surgeon with all chairside procedures including operatory setup, anesthesia administration, and cleanup

  • Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs during procedures
  • Provide patients with information on oral health care, treatment plans, and postoperative outcomes
  • Monitor stock of surgical supplies and medication and replenish as needed
  • Ensure instruments and equipment are effectively maintained
  • Provide excellent patient care at all times

Qualifications

  • Oral and maxillofacial surgical assistant certification (preferred, but not mandatory)
  • Dental assistant certification where required
  • X-ray/Radiography certification
  • Nitrous oxide certification preferred
  • Maintain annual OSHA, HIPAA, BLS and infection control training as required by law
  • Experience with relevant dental software
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum 1 year of Oral Surgery assisting experience preferred
  • Sound knowledge of how to use surgical equipment, instruments, and materials
  • Good understanding of surgical techniques, chairside responsibilities, and health and safety protocols
  • Excellent understanding of dental records, charts, and documentation
  • Great organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to provide excellent patient care, even under stressful circumstances
  • Consistent professionalism in appearance and attitude

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure

Key Skills

Oral surgery assistanceSterilizationPatient monitoringAnesthesia assistanceDental chartingHIPAA complianceOSHA standards3D scanningSurgical instrument maintenancePatient evaluation

Surgery Career Context

The cost-of-living index for Virginia is 101.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$55k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $55k in an average-cost state. 61.1% of Virginia clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Surgery Jobs

1 matches · ranked by pay
#1

Dental Assistant (Oral Surgery) (Welcoming Bonus)

Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry · Center Moriches, New York

$19-$27/hr

Work-life snapshot

median 3.0this job 1.5
Below most Dental Assistant listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 342 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Chesapeake

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$349k
Typical market rent
$2,092/mo
Residents’ average commute
26 min
State income tax
Up to 5.8%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.