Dental Sterilization Tech

Neighborhood Health Clinics Inc•Fort Wayne, IN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

At Neighborhood Health, we’re passionate about our mission to provide a kind and caring premiere workforce. Our team-based approach to comprehensive patient care creates a challenging and rewarding work environment where you have a direct role in helping members of our community receive quality medical services they can afford. And that’s something you can feel good about. As a member of our growing team, you will feel at home in a fun and diverse community of healthcare professionals. Our goal is simple: improving access to healthcare in our community and surrounding areas. Together, we are all committed to building healthier communities by delivering comprehensive, quality health care with compassion and respect. As a Dental Sterilization Tech, you are responsible for cleanliness and orderliness of laboratory, sterilization process, and all tray set ups. Assist with the maintenance of dental equipment. Ensure that clinical staff have an ample supply of sterilized instruments to keep up with patient flow. Maintain patient confidentiality and ensures compliance with HIPAA policies and procedures.

Requirements

Sterilization—demonstrates a working knowledge of federal/state standards for handling contaminated instruments, set up of sterile fields and sterile trays; demonstrates working knowledge of dental instruments, names and usage; maintains knowledge of, and acts in accordance with, current NHCI policies and procedures.
Problem Solving – identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; reacts calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
Interpersonal skills—builds relationships with patients and colleagues; realizes the importance of, and practices, good customer service; remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things; maintains friendly and supportive relationships with coworkers; talks through problems to keep channels of communication open and maintain a high level of trust; maintains confidentiality; and able to communicate effectively and build collaborative, supportive relationships with people of varying cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, languages, and educational levels.
Oral communication—speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; demonstrates group presentation skills.
Written communication—edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information.
Planning/organizing—prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently.
Quality control – understands the importance of compliance standards; pays close attention to accuracy and detail when performing duties.
Adaptability – adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.
Dependability – consistently at work on time; follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
Safety and security – actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly.
Information Technology/Dental Equipment – proficient in the use of computers and other dental equipment/instruments to administer patient care and accurately retrieve/record patient data.
Education / Training - High School Diploma or GED.
Experience: Exposure in a medical or dental office preferred, but not required.
Licensure/Certification: Possess or obtain within 6 months of hire either the OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate or Successfully pass the Infection Control Exam (ICE) of the Dental Assisting National Boards

Responsibilities

Prepares operatories and tray set-ups for patient examination.
Sterilizes instruments as assigned following infection control guidelines.
Assists with maintenance of dental equipment (i.e., lab trays, pouring models, etc.)
Constantly alert for ways to improve sterilization procedures, increase productivity, and improve utilization of resources. Makes recommendations as needed.
Becomes familiar with work habits of department to promote smooth workflow.
Diligently works with providers and co-workers to ensure all instruments are properly cleaned, packaged, sterilized and prepared as necessary for each procedure and daily use.
Utilizes good time management skills to ensure all facets of sterilization procedures are completed in a timely manner.
Consciously follows through on requests, instructions, and provider orders.
Collects and prepares the biohazard material for removal.
Continuously process necessary cycles of laundry.
Remains current in advanced practice changes within area, and where relevant, translates these findings into practice.
Attends and participates in meetings and in-services as required. Participates in professional development activities. Chairs and serves on committees as requested.
Arrive and maintain proper invoices for all lab cases. Ensure correct charges on all invoices prior to approval. Update patient appointment once lab case has been confirmed as arrived.
Performs duties in accordance with NHCI Standards of Conduct and Mission Statement.
Performs related work as required and other duties (similar physical requirements and OSHA risk level) as assigned.
Maintains appropriate inventory of supplies within the Dental Department. Place orders for additional supplies when needed.
Assist with answering and responding the Dental Wi-Fi Emergency line.
Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations.