Dental Assistant-Sterilization Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant-Sterilization Assistant is responsible for assisting dentists with a variety of dental procedures to support the efficient and effective operation of the dental practice, while keeping patient care, comfort, and safety as the primary concern. This individual also works as a sterilization assistant in the dental instrument processing/sterilization area and contributes to quality of patient care through strict quality assurance and efficient practices of instrument decontamination. This position requires the ability to make decisions consistent with established policies and with strict observance of confidentiality of patient information.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Complies with facility safety, hazard communication, and blood borne pathogen standards.
• Cleans, disinfects, and prepares operatory for patient procedures, following established policies and procedures.
• Obtains and documents patient health and dental data, in an accurate and timely manner.
• Communicates pre-operative and post-operative patient education; obtains required signed forms and documents in patient electronic record.
•  Prepares procedural trays/armamentaria and assists with dental impressions to ensure procedure is performed accurately and timely.
• Performs diagnostic intra-oral and extra-oral digital radiographs, as directed by the dentist.
• Tracks incoming and outgoing lab cases, to ensure cost accuracy and timely delivery to patient.
• Schedules and confirms patient appointments efficiently, to maximize provider’s schedule.
• Assists with hospital procedures, as needed.
• Recognizes and responds to basic dental and medical emergencies, providing timely assistance to patients.
• Performs routine housekeeping tasks and maintenance of dental equipment, to ensure cleanliness of area and properly functioning equipment.
• Cleans and processes instruments to comply with Family Health Center guidelines, policies, and procedures based on department protocol.
• Differentiates decontamination and sterilization methods for special equipment and instruments necessary for procedures to ensure standards are maintained.
• Maintains sterilization records to ensure standard guidelines and policies are met.
• Regular attendance is required to carry out the essential functions of the position.
• Reviews and meets ongoing competency requirements of the role to maintain the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform, within scope, role specific functions.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

For positions requiring education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, educational qualifications must be from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education and Accreditation.

Minimum Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum Required: Demonstrated keyboarding and computer experience.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

The following licensure(s), certification(s), registration(s), etc., are required for this position. Licenses with restrictions are subject to review to determine if restrictions are substantially related to the position.

Minimum Required: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification awarded by the American Heart Association within three months of hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer