What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sterilization Technician position at Southampton Dental Solutions?
Dental Sterilization Technician
Department: Clinical Support
Reports To: Office Manager / Lead Dental Assistant / Clinical Director
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Position Summary
The Dental Sterilization Technician is responsible for ensuring all dental instruments, handpieces, equipment, and operatories are properly cleaned, disinfected, sterilized, organized, and ready for patient care. This role is essential in maintaining infection control standards in accordance with OSHA, CDC, HIPAA, and Pennsylvania dental regulations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Instrument Processing
- Collect contaminated instruments from treatment rooms.
- Transport instruments safely to the sterilization area.
- Clean instruments using ultrasonic cleaners or instrument washers.
- Inspect instruments for damage or wear.
- Package and seal instruments properly.
- Operate steam autoclaves and other sterilization equipment.
- Verify sterilization cycles using biological, chemical, and mechanical indicators.
- Maintain proper sterilization logs and documentation.
- Store sterile instruments according to infection control standards.
Infection Control
- Follow CDC and OSHA infection control guidelines.
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Dispose of sharps and regulated medical waste safely.
- Maintain clean and organized sterilization areas.
- Assist in infection control audits and inspections.
- Ensure compliance with all office sterilization protocols.
Operatory Support
- Disinfect operatories between patients.
- Prepare treatment rooms before patient appointments.
- Stock operatories with necessary supplies.
- Assist clinical staff with instrument setup.
- Ensure all handpieces and equipment are sterilized and functioning properly.
Inventory Management
- Monitor sterilization supplies.
- Maintain adequate inventory of:
- Sterilization pouches
- Biological indicators
- Chemical indicators
- Disinfectants
- PPE
- Instrument cassettes
- Cleaning solutions
- Report shortages promptly.
Equipment Maintenance
- Clean autoclaves daily.
- Perform routine maintenance per manufacturer recommendations.
- Report malfunctioning sterilization equipment immediately.
- Maintain maintenance records.
Laboratory Support
- Disinfect impressions before shipment.
- Clean laboratory equipment.
- Organize laboratory materials.
- Assist with case preparation when requested.
Daily Duties
- Open sterilization area.
- Prepare sterilizers for daily operation.
- Process all contaminated instruments.
- Maintain continuous instrument flow.
- Restock operatories throughout the day.
- Perform end-of-day sterilization procedures.
- Clean sterilization room before closing.
- Complete sterilization logs.
Pay: $14.00 - $16.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $14 - $16