Dental Sterilization Technician

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  Dental Sterilization Technician

The Dental Sterilization Technician serves as a valuable member of a dental healthcare team, working closely with the dental hygienists/assistants, and other support staff to provide quality dental care to patients. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Instrument Cleaning and Preparation 
• Thoroughly clean and decontaminate dental instruments and equipment, including disassembly as needed to ensure all surfaces are accessible.
• Remove debris, blood, and other contaminants from instruments according to infection control protocols.
• Inspect instruments for damage or wear, and perform basic maintenance such as sharpening when required.
• Properly package cleaned instruments and equipment in sterilization pouches or wraps to maintain sterility. 

Sterilization and Quality Control 
• Operate and monitor sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves) following manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices.
• Monitor and record sterilization parameters such as time, temperature, and pressure.
• Conduct routine quality control tests to verify sterilization equipment is functioning correctly.
• Maintain accurate records of sterilization cycles, quality control checks, and related documentation. 

Storage and Inventory Management 
• Properly store sterilized instruments and equipment to prevent contamination.
• Organize, label, and maintain an efficient system for instrument retrieval during dental procedures.
• Manage and track instrument and equipment inventory to ensure adequate supply levels. 

Infection Control and Compliance 
• Adhere to strict infection prevention and control protocols to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
• Stay current with federal, state, and professional regulations and best practices related to sterilization and infection control.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory standards in the healthcare environment. 

Team Collaboration and Communication 
• Collaborate with dental assistants, hygienists, and dentists to ensure appropriate instruments are available for each procedure.
• Communicate promptly about any concerns regarding instrument quality, maintenance, or sterilization effectiveness. 

DESIRED SKILLS

• Attention to Detail 

• Initiative 

• Manual Dexterity 

• Effective organization and record-keeping skills 

• Time Management 

• Problem-Solving Skills 

• Exceptional Communication 

• Adherence to Protocols 

• Cooperative team member 

• Infection Control Knowledge preferred 

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum High School Diploma or Equivalency;

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Non-Exempt