Dental Sterilization Technician

STERILIZATION TECHNICIAN PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Dental Sterilization Technician (Steri Tech) plays a vital role in our office by helping deliver safe and effective patient care. The Steri Tech’s main role is to support our clinical team with all aspects of disinfection and sterilization in the dental office. The Steri Tech would be responsible for properly handling and processing all instruments and tools according to the Office Protocols for disinfection and sterilization as well as properly cleaning and disinfecting treatment areas.

Daily Instrument Processing and Sterilization Duties

Proper handling and processing of instruments is of utmost importance for patient and employee safety. The dental Sterilization Technician is responsible for maintaining the office protocols for instrument processing by using proper personal protective equipment, understanding what areas in the room are “clean” and what areas in the room are “dirty”, communicating with other clinical employees, and properly operating the sterilization equipment. Specifically, the dental Sterilization Technician will:

• Follow established protocols for handling hazardous materials and waste disposal.

• Clean all debris and blood from instruments and burrs using Enzymax pre-cleaner, ultrasonic, brushes, soaps, and disinfectant wipes.

• Clean appropriate instruments in the Hydrim (use the clean/dirty sticker for notification).

• Dry all instruments either in Hydrim or by heater.

• Steam sterilize instruments in approved sterile pouches with indicators. Understand how to operate the autoclaves and verify the cycles completed correctly. IMPORTANT: Always check the indicators on the Steri pouches to make sure they have turned to proper color before unloading the autoclave. Start the autoclave immediately after loading it. Never wait to finishing loading and start later. Always check the screen on the autoclave for possible error messages before unloading.

• If applicable, cold sterilize heat sensitive reusable items in Cetylcide-G. Be sure to note the date the item was loaded and the date the Cetylcide G was loaded. Dispose of Cetylcide-G according to the schedule.

• Store instruments in proper locations and maintain continuous tidiness of the sterilization room.

Other Clinical Duties Duties

• Always use proper PPE and follow all office OSHA/HIPAA/CDC standards. See Office Manual, HIPAA policy, and OSHA guidelines for more information. Ask the Doctors or Office Manager for clarification when unsure of the policies or protocols.

• As patient is dismissed, clean and disinfect the treatment room for next patient. Take instruments to the sterilization room and prepare them for processing.

• Set-up treatment rooms for the next patient on the schedule.

• Assist the Dental Assistants with inventory management and supply stocking.

Daily Non-Clinical Duties

The duties of the Dental Sterilization Technician are more than just instrument sterilization. The Sterilization Tech should be a good communicator and work well with the clinical team. Time not spent in sterilization should be spent helping perform equipment maintenance, stock supplies, assist other departments, and maintain other specific assigned duties. The treatment rooms and sterilization room should always look immaculate. Additionally, the dental steri tech should:

• Keep a positive attitude toward patients, staff, and doctors.

• Stay productive and contribute as much as possible. Ask for clarification or help, if needed.

• Unbox and put away supplies as directed by Supply Lead, including breaking down boxes and taking to the dumpster.

• Take out trash as needed and wash/dry soiled laundry.

• Keep office looking nice and clean up trash or debris from floors throughout the day.

• Understand the Office Manual, HIPAA policy, OSHA standards, Radiology Protocol, and follow them.

Closing Duties

• Prepare for next day morning huddle.

• Remove any items that don’t belong in the dental operatory that may have collected over the day.

• Wipe down and disinfect per OSHA/Office standards and apply all barriers. Set up for next day treatment. Verify the OPs/hallways are tidy for the next day (sweep, collect trash, refill paper towels, etc. as necessary).

• Put away sterilized instruments in their proper locations. Once fully loaded, start sterilizer and drain ultrasonic.

• Turn off and unplug Cerec Omnicam, Cerec MCXL Mill, and both crown ovens(Note: for Speedfire Oven- flip the switch on the surge protector after shutting down, it is not necessary to unplug this unit). This procedure is repeated for thunderstorms during the workday.

• Log out of ES and lock the computers for the day (turn off for the weekends) in the operatories, lab, and Pan.

• Turn off all the lights in your area.

• Prior to leaving, check with other team members to see if your assistance is needed.

• Turn off air, water, and vacuum.

• If you are the last to leave, ensure office is closed according to Office Key Policy including locking all doors and setting the alarm.

Other Duties:

• Assist with lab work and maintenance

• Perform equipment maintenance according to the office schedule/protocol as needed or assigned by the Equipment Maintenance Lead. Document all maintenance activities for OSHA/CDC compliance.

• Tuesday: Perform restock of rooms/cart/lab as assigned prior to the Wednesday supply order.

• Assist with HYG room turnover and sterilization.

• Assist with answering phones or helping the front office with reports or other tasks as time permits.

• Maintain the office cleanliness including the breakroom, restrooms, hallways, and lobby.

REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Customer service experience, dental experience, or medical/dental insurance experience preferred

• Working knowledge of computers and typing

Interpersonal

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately

• Excellent organizational skills to maintain efficient workflow in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with dental providers and other staff members

• Eager to learn new things

• Must have good attitude towards instruction and correction. Must be a continual learner and team player.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Medical specialties:

• Pediatrics
• Primary Care
• Radiology
• Surgery

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person