Sterilization Technician

JOB TITLE: Dental Assistant/Sterilization Technician

DEPARTMENT: Dentistry

RESPONSIBLE TO: Dental Director

LICENSURE: Active MD License to practice dental hygiene

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sterilization Technician (ST) is a key member of the dental department, where the primary duty will be functioning as a Sterilization Technician. The ST will work with dentist and dental assistants to ensure instruments used for procedures are clean, sterilized, and prepare instruments for use The ST must be able to take direction and follow through on all assignments. The goal is optimizing flow so patients are provided high quality care.

The ST must wear personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear, masks; and utility gloves while sterilizing and follow specific company and OSHA procedures when handling hazardous materials.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Perform all duties with excellence and in accordance with the Park West Health System Dental division best practices.

2. Properly sterilize all dental instruments and equipment in accordance with

Department policies.

3. Perform all opening, closing and maintenance procedures as described in

sterilization and maintenance policies, as well as other duties as delegated by

Lead Registered Dental Assistant (LRDA).

4. Perform all maintenance procedures and logs in a thorough manner

5. Restock and maintain an inventory of dental supplies and instruments to assure a constant level is always available. Communicate to the Lead Registered Dental Assistant (LRDA), any supplies that need replenishing or replacement.

6. Maintain order and cleanliness in the dental lab and in the sterilization area.

7. Perform weekly spore testing and maintain a log of the results.

8. Perform weekly and monthly maintenance of Autoclave and Statim.

9. Pour dental impressions with proper stone and box them for transport to dental

laboratory.

10. Maintain in/out logs for the dental laboratory orders in a manner that assures

completeness and accuracy.

11. Work with the receptionist to ensure that all dental laboratory orders are sent out and received in a timely manner.

12. Maintain proper pre-set trays and ensure they are ready for anticipated

procedures. Proactively review notes in patients’ charts to set-up for the

planned treatment. Gather and ready all necessary materials and instruments

needed for treatment.

13. Assist clinical staff in optimizing patient flow. This will include restocking items, seating patients, ‘floating’, and supporting other dental team members with

patient care.

14. ST will at times or as deemed necessary, and requested by supervisors will

perform Dental Assistant duties in both the Dental and Pediatric Dental Clinics

15. Prepare operatory for patient reception and assure it is as aseptic as possible for

patient welfare.

16. Provide superior chair-side and administrative support to dentists. This includes following all instructions from assigned dentist.

17. Assist the assigned dentist with referrals, prescription phone-ins, and other

processes involved in providing high quality dental care.

18. Check patient’s vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, etc.) in

accordance with departmental policies.

Other Responsibilities: Perform other work related duties as assigned.