What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Assistant position at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery?
Medical/Dental Assistant Duties
*No prior experience in TMJ/Orofacial Pain needed*
*This is a non-surgical assistant position*
Clinical Support
Assist the provider during orofacial pain evaluations and clinical examinations.
Prepare patients for procedures, ensuring comfort and explaining steps when appropriate.
Assist with injections (e.g., trigger point injections, Botox for TMJ or headaches, nerve blocks) including room setup, patient positioning, and post-injection care.
Help with delivery, fitting, and adjustment of oral appliances/mouthguards/splints, including patient education on use and cleaning.
Take intraoral and extraoral photographs for clinical documentation.
Obtain and record TMJ measurements, range of motion, pain scales, and muscle palpation findings as directed.
Assist with medication review, verifying medication lists, allergies, and changes in health history.
Support medication administration processes such as topical anesthetics and oral medications given in-office
Take and process dental X-rays, panoramic imaging, CBCT scans if applicable.
Maintain strict OSHA and infection control standards, sterilize instruments, and prepare treatment rooms.
Patient Communication & Care
Conduct intake interviews for orofacial pain and headache history (chief complaint, onset, pattern, triggers, prior treatment, sleep history, trauma history, etc.).
Provide patient instructions on home care strategies, including heat/ice therapy, stretching, posture, sleep hygiene, oral appliance use, and follow-up recommendations.
Relay patient questions and progress notes to the provider; schedule follow-up appointments.
Assist patients with completion of questionnaires (e.g., pain scales, PHQ-9, GAD-7, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, bruxism/TMJ screening forms).
Clinical Documentation & Administrative Duties
Enter accurate and detailed clinical notes into the EHR/Practice Management System.
Prepare referrals, lab slips, imaging requests, prior authorizations, and prescription documentation as needed.
Help verify insurance benefits related to orofacial pain services, mouthguards, and injections (if required by the practice).
Maintain inventory for clinical supplies including injectable medications, appliance materials, PPE, and sterilization products.
Collaboration & Professional Growth
Coordinate care with physical therapists, neurologists, ENT physicians, sleep specialists, and dentists as directed by the provider.
Participate in continuing education related to TMJ disorders, headache management, sleep bruxism, neuropathic pain, and oral appliance therapy.
Uphold a calm, compassionate, trauma-informed approach for patients with chronic pain.