Sterilization Operator, Certified DA - National City

San Ysidro Health•National City, CA

About The Position

The Sterilization Operator’s primary function is to sterilize dental instruments to support 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 promoting good dental and oral health. The role prepares and maintains documentation for patient records and sterilization cycles, spore tests, and equipment maintenance; supports dentists and hygienists chairside; and helps maintain the flow of patients through the clinic. The position prepares operatories and dental equipment, maintains instruments and sterilization units, manages supplies and replacement-instrument orders, and follows infection-control, safety, environmental, quality-assurance, and departmental standards. It reports directly to the Dental Clinic Manager. Work is mostly standing and may involve intermittent over-the-shoulder work, lifting approximately 30 pounds, some evenings and/or Saturdays, and travel to multiple locations.

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.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Good public communication and the ability to interact with understanding toward patients and coworkers.
Knowledge of infection-control and sterilization protocols.
Ability to safely lift approximately 30 pounds.
Compliance with mandated vaccinations and boosters; pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, a complete application, new-hire orientation, and pre-employment PPDs.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
EPIC knowledge.
Experience with instrument cassettes.
Dexis experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare written documentation, including patient records, as 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 assist chairside 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 activities across operatories based on time, resources, staff abilities, and patient needs.
Operate x-ray equipment to provide complete and/or selective oral radiographic services.
Clean and lubricate hand pieces and clean sterilization units weekly.
Arrange instruments in cassettes and order replacement instruments as needed.
Prepare dental equipment, instruments, materials, and operatories; perform routine equipment maintenance and restock materials.
Ensure infection-control techniques are followed according to department policy and assist dentists, hygienists, and assistants with infection-control questions and information.
Maintain and submit orders for adequate dental materials, forms, clerical supplies, equipment, and replacement instruments.
Comply with departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality-assurance programs, and safety, environmental, and infection-control standards.
Participate in educational programs, review current literature, and attend in-service meetings and workshops to support professional growth and development.
Attend required meetings, participate on committees as directed, and perform other related duties as assigned or requested.