Dental Sterilization Technician

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an organized, and professional Dental Sterilization Technician to join our team at Upstate Oral Surgery. The ideal candidate brings strong customer service skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to support both patients and the clinical team in a fast‑paced environment. This role requires reliability, compassion, and the ability to represent the practice in a pleasant and cooperative manner at all times. If you are interested in applying, please submit your resume to: om@upstateoralsurgery.com

Position Summary

The Dental Sterilization Technician is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, organizing, and maintaining dental instruments, equipment, and clinical treatment areas to support safe and efficient patient care. This position plays an essential role in maintaining infection prevention and control standards, ensuring instruments and supplies are readily available, and supporting the daily operations of the dental practice. The Dental Sterilization Technician works closely with clinical staff to maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment in accordance with established practice policies and applicable regulatory guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instrument Cleaning and Sterilization

• Collect, transport, clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize dental and surgical instruments in accordance with established infection control protocols.
• Operate and maintain sterilization equipment, including autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners, following manufacturer instructions.
• Monitor sterilization cycles, perform required biological and chemical testing, and maintain accurate sterilization records.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and damage before packaging and distribution.
• Organize, store, and distribute sterilized instruments and supplies to designated treatment areas.
• Identify and promptly report sterilization equipment malfunctions, damaged instruments, or potential infection control concerns.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of sterilization areas, equipment, and workstations.

Infection Control and Safety

• Follow established infection prevention and control procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Clean and disinfect treatment rooms, equipment, and clinical surfaces between patients and at the end of the day, as assigned.
• Properly handle and dispose of sharps, contaminated materials, and regulated medical waste.
• Follow applicable OSHA requirements, CDC recommendations, and practice-specific infection control policies.
• Assist with maintaining required infection control documentation and compliance records.
• Participate in infection control training and quality improvement initiatives.

Clinical and Operational Support

• Prepare and organize instrument trays and procedure setups according to established protocols.
• Assist with treatment room preparation and turnover to support efficient patient flow.
• Monitor inventory levels of instruments, sterilization materials, PPE, and other clinical supplies.
• Restock treatment rooms and sterilization areas as needed.
• Notify appropriate staff of supply shortages, damaged equipment, or maintenance needs.
• Coordinate with dental assistants, hygienists, dentists, and other clinical personnel to ensure instruments and supplies are available when needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with training, qualifications, and applicable law.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in a dental, oral surgery, medical, or healthcare environment preferred.
• Experience with instrument sterilization and infection control procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of sterilization equipment and dental instruments is a plus.
• Willingness to complete required infection control, OSHA, and equipment-specific training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established procedures.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient and practice information.
• Ability to recognize and report safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, and deviations from established procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, lift, carry, and move instruments, equipment, and supplies throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to work with cleaning agents, disinfectants, sterilization equipment, and potentially contaminated instruments while using appropriate protective equipment.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a dental or oral surgery clinical setting. The position may involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens, contaminated instruments, cleaning chemicals, and sterilization equipment. Employees are required to follow established safety protocols and use appropriate PPE. Fast‑paced environment requiring multitasking and adherence to confidentiality and safety standards.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified based on operational needs and applicable law. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will nature of employment, where applicable.

Upstate Oral Surgery is an Equal Opportunity.

Work Location: In person

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $23