Jobs › Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant - Oral Surgery

Aspen Dental · Oral Health Excellence, IL · $21.00–$28.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Feb 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you noticed something was wrong during a procedure. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up promptly instead of staying quiet when something looks off.

Tell me about a busy surgical day where things ran behind. How did you help get back on track?

What they are checking: Teamwork and pace under pressure in a fast-moving surgical schedule.

What credentials do you hold, like radiography or expanded functions, and what would you like to earn next?

What they are checking: Their current qualifications and whether they want to grow using the free continuing education offered.

What would you do

The job includes traveling to nearby offices. How do you get up to speed fast in an office you've never worked in?

What they are checking: Adaptability and initiative when the setup, team and supplies are different each time.

A patient is very anxious before their surgery. What do you say and do?

What they are checking: Chairside comfort skills that keep patients calm and procedures on schedule.

How do you explain post-op instructions so a patient actually follows them?

What they are checking: Clear patient communication that prevents complications and after-hours calls.

About the work

Walk me through how you set up an operatory for a surgical extraction.

What they are checking: Whether they know surgical setup and sterile field basics well enough to keep the surgeon from waiting.

How do you take X-rays on a patient with a strong gag reflex?

What they are checking: Practical radiography skill and patience, since good images are needed before any oral surgery.

How do you monitor a patient under sedation, and what would make you alert the surgeon right away?

What they are checking: Whether they know the warning signs during sedation, which is a patient safety issue.

Walk me through how you break down and sterilize instruments after a procedure.

What they are checking: Infection control habits that protect patients and keep the office compliant.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Aspen Dental.

At Aspen Dental, we put You First, offering the security and job stability that comes with working with a world-class dental service organization (DSO). Our best-in-class training program, competitive compensation, and flexible scheduling will help you thrive in your career. When you join our team as an Oral Surgeon Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give back to communities and positively affect patients’ lives. Job type: Full-Time Salary: $21 - $28 / hour At Aspen Dental, we put You First. We offer: • A generous benefits package that includes paid time off, health, dental, vision, and 401(k) savings plan with match* • Part-time, Full-time, flexible scheduling available* • Career development and growth opportunities to support you at every stage of your career • A fun and supportive culture that encourages collaboration and innovation • Free Continuing Education (CE) through TAG U How You’ll Make a Difference As an Oral Surgeon Dental Assistant , you will help support the clinical needs of the practice’s patients and doctors. You will have the support you need to maximize your career potential and help make a difference in your community one smile at a time. • Travel to nearby offices to support patient care** • Assist during a variety of treatment procedures • Take dental X-rays • Set up and breakdown operatory post treatment • Manage infection control – prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment • Educate patients on appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain good oral health • Perform various office tasks as necessary • Work collaboratively with other members of the dental team to provide exceptional patient care Qualifications: • Active license, registration, or permit as required by the state of practice; including x-ray certification • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients of all ages and backgrounds • Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development • Have your high school diploma or equivalent *May vary by independently owned and operated Aspen Dental locations. ** As this position requires daily travel to assigned offices, you must maintain a valid non-restricted driver’s license and appropriate insurance or the ability to be insured under the employer’s fleet insurance program (for those assigned a Company fleet vehicle). The Company reserves the right to request and review your Motor Vehicle Record at any time, according to state requirements. *May vary by independently owned and operated Aspen Dental locations. ** As this position requires daily travel to assigned offices, you must maintain a valid non-restricted driver’s license and appropriate insurance or the ability to be insured under the employer’s fleet insurance program (for those assigned a Company fleet vehicle). The Company reserves the right to request and review your Motor Vehicle Record at any time, according to state requirements. Aspen Dental-branded practices are independently owned and operated by licensed dentists. The practices receive non-clinical business support services from Aspen Dental Management, Inc., a dental support organization. ADMI Corp., d/b/a TAG-The Aspen Group, its affiliates, related companies and independently owned supported clinical practices are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers and welcome everyone to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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