Sterilization Operator, Certified DA - National City
About The Position
The Sterilization Operator primarily sterilizes dental instruments to promote patient and staff safety. As needed, the position also performs dental-assisting functions to support clinic operations and patient flow, providing efficient patient care and supporting good dental and oral health. The role coordinates patient and sterilization documentation, assists chairside, helps manage patient flow through operatories, operates dental X-ray equipment, maintains sterilization equipment and handpieces, prepares instruments and treatment areas, and supports infection control and inventory needs. The position reports directly to the Dental Clinic Manager. Work is mostly standing, with intermittent over-the-shoulder work. The employee must be able to safely lift approximately 30 pounds, may work some evenings and/or Saturdays, and may travel to multiple locations. Pre-employment requirements include I-9 documentation, a physical, successful background and reference checks, a complete application, new-hire orientation, and pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with mandated vaccinations and boosters is a condition of employment.
Requirements
- At least 1 year of experience in dental assisting and/or dental sterilization.
- Completion of a Dental Assistant Program.
- Dental Assistant Certification.
- Radiation safety certification.
- CPR certification.
- Knowledge of infection-control and sterilization protocols.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Good public communication and the ability to understand and interact with patients and coworkers.
- Ability to safely lift approximately 30 pounds.
- Ability to meet the stated pre-employment requirements and comply with mandated vaccinations and boosters.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills are helpful.
- EPIC knowledge preferred.
- Experience with instrument cassettes preferred.
- Dexis experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Prepare patient records and other written documentation required by the department, company, and state and federal agencies.
- Prepare reports and written documentation of sterilization cycles, spore tests, and maintenance.
- Perform patient-care activities and chairside dental assisting using four-handed dentistry.
- Review patient records for accuracy and completeness, and explain dentist-recommended treatment in an understandable and supportive manner.
- Perform weekly spore tests on sterilization units, document results, and obtain two supervisory signatures in the logbook.
- Maintain patient flow from reception to operatories and coordinate operatory activities based on time, resources, staff abilities, and patient needs.
- Operate X-ray equipment to provide complete or selective oral radiographic services.
- Clean and lubricate handpieces and clean sterilization units weekly.
- Arrange instruments in cassettes; prepare dental equipment, instruments, materials, and operatories; perform routine equipment maintenance; and restock materials.
- Order replacement instruments as needed and maintain adequate inventories of dental materials, forms, clerical supplies, and equipment.
- Administer established infection-control techniques and assist dentists, hygienists, and assistants with infection-control questions and information.
- Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality-assurance programs, and safety, environmental, and infection-control standards.
- Support professional growth through educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
- Attend required meetings, participate on committees as directed, and perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
