Job Summary: The Sterilization Technician is an entry-level role, with the expectation of promoting to the Dental Assistant role. The Sterilization Tech works under the supervision of dentists and is responsible for a wide range of tasks in the dental office ranging from patient care to administrative duties to laboratory duties. Must have knowledge in clinic infection control, cleaning and sterilization of instruments and tray set up and materials.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
· Properly sterilize all dental instruments and equipment in accordance with departmental policy.
· Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures.
· Perform all maintenance procedures and logs in a thorough manner.
· Maintain order and cleanliness in the sterilization area.
· Perform weekly spore testing and maintain a log of the results.
· Perform weekly and monthly maintenance of Autoclave and Statim.
· Maintain proper pre-set trays and ensure they are ready for anticipated procedures. Gather and ready all necessary materials and instruments needed for treatment.
· Perform Dental Assistant I duties, as appropriate to skill level and training, as needed.
· Tear down and prepare operatory for patient reception, and ensure it is as aseptic as possible for patient welfare.
· Adheres to all safety practices, policies, and procedures.
· Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education/Licensing/Training:
· Current CPR Certification
· Completion of eight-hour Sterilization course strongly preferred
· Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
· Ability to read, write, and communicate in the English language.
· Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical reports, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
· Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of current safety practices.
· Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram, or schedule form.
· Basic computer skills.
Personal/Relationships/Behavior:
· Displays cheerful demeanor and makes positive comments when on duty.
· Refrains from participation in harmful gossip, dysfunctional group interactions, and divisive behavior.
· Displays courteous and professional behavior in all interactions with the public.
· Works cooperatively with other staff members.
· Displays flexibility in accepting, changing, or carrying out assignments.
· Adheres to dress code expectations, including fragrance-free requirements.
· Displays sensitivity in a multicultural environment.
· Maintain patient and organizational confidentiality.
Physical Demands:
· Standing/Walking: Up to 90% of the workday consists of stand/walking on tile and cement floors while performing duties.
· Sitting: Up to 20% of the workday may be spent sitting answering the telephone, calling out prescriptions and referrals.
· Lifting: Lifting may include up to 25lbs. in moving equipment or assisting disabled patients. 5% of the day involves lifting requiring a full range of motion.
· Carrying: Up to 25% of the day may include carrying objects weighting up to 10lbs, this may include carrying equipment.
· Pushing/Pulling: Up to 5% of the day may require pushing or pulling equipment, drawers and carts.
· Climbing: No more than 1% of the time may include climbing one flight of stairs.
· Balancing: Up to 1% of the time may be required to use a footstool in retrieving supplies.
· Stooping/Kneeling: Up to 5% of the workday is spent stooping or kneeling to open drawers and gathering equipment.
· Bending: Up to 25% of the workday may be spent in bending at the waist picking up supplies.
· Reaching/Stretching: Up to 3% of the time may require or stretching to retrieve equipment on shelves.
· Handling: Hand and wrist movement is required 90% of the workday.
· Fingering: Up to 50% of the workday involves typing in the computer, receiving and sending messages.
· Feeling: Normal tactile feeling is required to perform all job duties, including taking pulses.
· Twisting: Up to 5% of the day may be required in retrieving supplies or equipment.
· Talking: Average ability and fluency in English is required in communicating with patients, staff, and outside agencies, such as pharmacies and physicians’ offices.
· Hearing: Average ability is required in answering the telephone and performing all job duties.
· Seeing: Average ability is required to read and follow instructions and assisting patients.
Benefits