Sterilization Technician Dental Assistant
About The Position
Work in a mission-driven environment providing high-quality, affordable, and culturally responsive oral healthcare to patients regardless of insurance status. The Sterilization Technician Dental Assistant performs routine sterilization of dental equipment and provides dental assistant duties at assigned sites when coverage is needed due to another dental assistant’s PTO or leave of absence. The role supports comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages, including people who may face financial, transportation, language, or other barriers to care, and works closely with clinical providers and operations staff. Responsibilities include basic chairside assisting, instrument and equipment maintenance, radiography within state regulations and training, and dental supply inventory. The position also maintains equipment and instruments for dental and other departments as needed. The employee may travel to other sites when dental assistant coverage is required.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Graduation from a Dental Assistant Program.
- Maryland Dental Radiation Technology Certificate.
- Certification in Basic Dental Assisting.
- Strong communication skills, including professional and compassionate communication with patients and team members.
- Experience in equipment sterilization.
- Ability to work collaboratively.
Nice To Haves
- Expanded Functional Certificate.
- Two years of experience minimum preferred.
- Familiarity with dental instruments and infection control procedures.
Responsibilities
- Assist the dentist during examinations, procedures, and treatments.
- Build trusting relationships with patients by listening to their concerns and answering questions empathetically.
- Prepare treatment rooms and dental equipment.
- Ensure sterilized instruments are available for scheduled dental procedures and coordinate with dental staff to anticipate daily instrument needs.
- Take appropriate radiographs as requested, as permitted by state regulations and training.
- Sterilize instruments, follow infection control standards, and operate and maintain ultrasonic cleaners, instrument washers, and autoclaves.
- Perform and document sterilization monitoring, including biological, chemical, and mechanical factors; maintain accurate sterilization logs and equipment maintenance records.
- Identify and report damaged instruments, malfunctioning equipment, and infection control concerns.
- Monitor instrument turnover to prevent delays in patient care and support standard inventory management practices.
- Maintain and accurately document dental records and communicate supply needs to the Lead Dental Assistant.
- Comply with CDC, OSHA, and State of Maryland requirements and sterilization policies.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe sterilization area; identify expired, damaged, or excess supplies and report equipment malfunctions to the Lead Dental Assistant.
- Travel to other sites when dental assistant coverage is needed.
- Clean and disinfect treatment rooms after care to prepare them for the next patient.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
