Description

Job Description: The Dental Sterilization Technician is responsible for a variety of tasks to maintain the cleanliness, organization and safety of our patients and the dental clinic under the supervision of the dental hygienist, dental assistant and dentist. These activities include preparing rooms, cleaning and disinfecting patient areas and equipment, restocking supplies, providing assistance to patients, and other duties assigned by the dental providers.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTION AND DUTIES

1. Prepares treatment rooms before and after each patient visit.

2. Cleans and disinfects surfaces, chairs, and equipment.

3. Restocks supplies and ensures rooms are fully equipped.

4. Sorts and cleans dental instruments and equipment.

5. Operates and maintains autoclaves and other sterilization equipment.

6. Monitors sterilization logs and maintains records to ensure compliance with infection control standards.

7. Compassionately escorts patients to and from treatment areas ensuring their safety and comfort.

8. Conforms to Medicare, Medicaid, OSHA, and HIPAA regulations.

9. Performs other functions as determined by the Office Manager and Dental Providers.

CLINIC WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Customer Relations:

a. Treats guests, patients, physicians, and other employees with care, courtesy, and respect.

b. Responds quickly and appropriately to customer requests.

c. Looks for and suggests ways to better meet customer needs.

d. Answers clinic communications systems promptly and with courtesy and respect.

2. Teamwork:

a. Works cooperatively within own department and other areas.

b. Willingly accepts additional responsibility – tries to make other jobs easier.

c. Responds quickly to request for assistance.

d. Required to work closely with patients and associates.

e. Interacts with other departments on problem issues.

f. Accepts feedback from patients, visitors, clinic employees, physicians and general public.

3. Continuous Improvement:

a. Continuously looks for and suggests ways to improve.

b. Effectively completes assignment to achieve the greatest benefits at acceptable cost.

c. Implements improvements as appropriate.

d. Demonstrates interest in own growth and development by:

i. Periodically evaluating own performance.

ii. Demonstrating an awareness of personal abilities and limitations.

iii. Independently seeking means to make improvements.

e. Attends and participates in in-services and continuing education programs.

f. Attends departmental meetings.

4. Communications:

a. Keeps appropriate people informed.

b. Speaks and writes clearly, concisely, and appropriately for need.

c. Listens carefully.

d. Communicates tactfully.

e. Understands that all confidentiality and privacy considerations are respected and fostered at work and off duty.

5. Self –Management:

a. Presents a positive image of Western Wayne Family Health Center at all times.

b. Carries out assignments with little need for direction.

c. Timeliness.

d. Maintains confidentiality.

e. Provides proper notification of absence and tardiness.

f. Works weekends and shifts when necessary.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE

1. High School diploma or equivalent

2. Completion of a vocational sterilization technician program.

3. One year of experience as a Dental Sterilization Technician preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of general healthcare/dental processes and procedures.

2. Knowledge of infection control procedures.

3. Experience with widely used computer software i.e. Microsoft Office, Outlook and healthcare/dental software for patient data/files.

4. Skilled at providing excellent customer focused customer service.

5. Skilled with working in a complex work environment.

6. Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times and maintain organizationally appropriate relationships.

7. Knowledge of organizational policies and procedures.

8. Knowledge of computerized medical charting.

9. Skilled in exercising initiative, appropriate judgement, problem solving and decision making.,

10. Skilled in developing and maintaining effective relationships with patients, customers and staff.