Medical University of South Carolina·Charleston, South Carolina
This position provides clinical chairside assistance for advanced periodontal surgical procedures and technical support to postgraduate dental residents. Responsibilities include maintaining sterile environments, managing dental equipment, performing radiography, and ensuring patient safety and comfort.
Summary Under the direct supervision of the clinic manager/supervisor and direction of the College of Dental Medicine providers, this position provides clinical assistance and support to specialty resident providers in all aspects of patient care within the CDM clinics. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Classified Cost Center CC005216 Clinic Periodontics Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Grade University-CLN06
Pay Range 43,400.00 - 56,400.00 - 69,400.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift
35%: Performs surgical chairside assisting for advanced specialty care procedures and technical support to postgraduate dental residents daily, generally requiring IV sedation and/or nitrous oxide. Prepares patient with all monitors necessary for surgery: CO2, oxygen, pulse oximeter, ECG electrodes, and blood pressure. Using sterile technique, assists resident with the draw of blood for the use of platelet-rich fibrin. Educates and mentors periodontal residents in the fundamentals of four handed dentistry, clinical protocols and use of surgical equipment. Through knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, procedures, and terminology, provides directive and assistance under the surgical setup including, but not limited to bone grafting for necessary procedures, internal/external sinus lift, ridge augmentation, grafting at the time of dental extractions, soft tissue grafting, placement of implants and the different systems used. 35%: Responsible for setting up operatory for surgical procedures. Maintains a high level of knowledge of all clinical procedures and instrumentation to ensure rooms are set up accurately. Breaks down and cleans operatory after procedures are complete. Maintains and sterilizes all dental specialty instruments and equipment. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with OSHA's procedures, rules and regulations. 15%: Acquires all necessary radiographs) while adhering to all x-ray safety standards. These images are captured according to treatment plans or at the direction of CDM Providers. 10%: Communicates with assistant responsible for ordering clinic supplies to determine inventory level and anticipated need for supplies. Ensures instruments and supplies are maintained and stocked in dental operatories and other areas of the clinic. 5%: Assists with all areas of patient care including transport/assistance to and from the waiting area. Maintains patient confidence and privacy by keeping information confidential. Reviews overview of post-operative care with patients before their departure. Additional
Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma, completion of formal training in an ADA accredited dental assisting course and one year of dental assisting experience OR a high school diploma and three continuous years of dental assisting experience. Certification in Radiation Safety required for positions responsible for dental x-rays. Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this
Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work from elevated areas. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 50# , unassisted. Ability to lift/carry patients to 350# (+/-), assisted. Ability to lift objects from floor level to height of 36 inches, to 50#, unassisted. Ability to lower objects, to 50#, from height of 36 inches, unassisted. Ability to push/pull objects to 350#(+/-), unassisted. Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to hear and understand whispered conversations at a distance of 3 feet. Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Additional New Requirements: Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, equipment as required. If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us! The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here:
Candidates must have a high school diploma and either formal training in an ADA-accredited dental assisting course with one year of experience or three years of continuous dental assisting experience. Certification in Radiation Safety is required for all applicants.
Market context
Academic periodontics roles in South Carolina typically seek dental assistants who can support specialized procedures, patient care, and clinical education. This position is competitive because applicants must meet specific training or experience pathways and hold Radiation Safety certification, with a listed annual salary range of $43,400–$69,400. Before applying, verify your credentials and use this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits from the original job description to save research time.
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