Dental Sterilization Technician

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Fort Sam Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The Dental Sterilization Technician receives, disassembles, and inspects dental supplies, instruments, and equipment; selects suitable sterilization methods; performs and monitors sterilization processes; maintains sterilization records; and prepares surgical trays for dental procedures. The role also includes inventorying supplies and equipment, training less experienced staff, troubleshooting sterilization equipment, arranging repairs, and assisting dentists with chairside patient treatment.

The position is designated Mission Essential, and the incumbent must report to work during contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather, and other emergencies. Moderate to heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds is required. A pre-placement medical examination, immunization screening, and pre-employment and random drug testing are required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions involving direct patient contact. Student loan repayment, advance in hire, relocation, recruitment incentives, and advanced leave accrual may be authorized.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience sterilizing and preparing dental supplies, instruments, and equipment; performing quality-control testing on sterilization equipment; inventorying supplies to determine reordering needs; and assisting a dentist with chairside patient treatment; or qualifying education or a combination of education and experience.
• If qualifying through education, a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study or at least 24 semester hours in directly related subjects, such as Dental Assistant or Dental Hygiene.
• Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated and deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program, or receive full credit for the courses at a U.S.-accredited college or university.
• Consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption; immunization screening is required, and Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions with direct patient contact.
• Consent to pre-employment screening and random drug urinalysis testing.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Complete a pre-placement medical examination.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Sign a statement consenting to required influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.

Responsibilities

• Receive, disassemble, and inspect dental supplies, instruments, and equipment.
• Select appropriate sterilization methods while balancing time constraints against possible detrimental effects of quicker methods.
• Conduct periodic inventories of supplies, instruments, and equipment and determine reordering needs.
• Provide training, mentoring, and orientation to less experienced staff on dental sterilization techniques, procedures, and principles.
• Test sterilization equipment daily using monitoring systems to assess its effectiveness.
• Prepare and assemble surgical trays with instruments and materials for dental procedures.
• Maintain records of sterilization processes in accordance with established policy.
• Assist dentists with chairside treatment and monitor patients for signs of shock or other reactions.
• Compare test results with standard parameters, including time, temperature, and pressure, and take corrective action when deviations occur.
• Troubleshoot equipment, explain its proper use, and obtain needed repairs.

Benefits

• Student loan repayment may be authorized.
• Advance in hire may be authorized.
• Relocation may be authorized.
• Recruitment incentive may be authorized.
• Advanced leave accrual may be authorized.
• Non-federal work experience may be creditable for leave purposes.
• Salary negotiation may be available to candidates new to Federal service.
• Permanent Change of Station allowances may be authorized, subject to applicable rules and an agency determination.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level