Dental Sterilization Technician - School of Dental Medicine

Dental Sterilization Technician - School of Dental Medicine

Responsible and accountable to provide sterilization of dental instruments and trays; to conduct and organize documentation of sterility assurance testing including biological indicators; to perform routine maintenance of sterilization equipment and to perform necessary clerical and technical support functions and duties.

Characteristic job tasks and responsibilities:

• Ensures instruments are sterilized as soon as feasible when received into central sterilization.
• Sterilizes instruments, dental supplies and equipment, and assembles, wraps and sterilizes trays of instruments.
• Follows proper standard precautions while working in the central sterilization area.
• Monitors biological and chemical solutions to ensure quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments and dental equipment.
• Verifies that equipment functions properly.
• Maintains a clean work area.
• Maintains cleanliness and order of all areas of sterilization.
• Keeps accurate logs of spore testing.
• Restocks, labels and maintains inventory.
• Uses the system to monitor and track instruments through sterilization.
• Keeps the Assistant Dean of Patient Care Service apprised of any issues or concerns with equipment, supplies or procedures related to sterilization.
• Maintains familiarity with and complies with OSHA standards.
• Follows the exposure control plans/blood borne and airborne pathogens plan.
• Participates in CQI activities and staff meetings.
• Be cross trained as a dispensary personnel and other applicable positions to learn the full flow of the Dental Practices;
• Contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction;
• Commit to being a representative of LECOM by being actively involved in the community, including, but not limited to, serving on Boards, participating in community fundraisers and overall outreach; and
• Accept other duties needed/assigned for the departmental needs.

EOE/AA M/F/D/V

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Computer experience in the dental or other related field to allow for Axi Um computer program entry;
• Compliance with State and Federal Regulations and Safety Protocols, at the practice level;
• Knowledge of patient's privacy (HIPAA) and student privacy (FERPA);
• Follow proper OSHA and safety guidelines;
  Protect equipment (office, dental, facility);
• Strong communications skills are essential as well as computer literacy (MS Office Suite [i.e. Word, PowerPoint and Excel, etc.]) and accurate data entry skills;
• Excellence organizational skills must be accurate and attentive to detail;
• Must be trained and certified on the Institutional Data System;
• Maintaining an established work schedule;
• Effectively use interpersonal and communication skills including tact and diplomacy. Effectively using organizational and planning skills, including attention to detail and follow-through;
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands;
• Maintaining confidentiality of work related information and materials;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships;
• The ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations;
• The ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM;
• The ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner; and
• Be able to be flexible to accept other duties needed/assigned for the practice needs.

Minimum qualifications:

Education and experience equivalent to: a High school diploma or equivalent GED with experience working in a customer service oriented environment required. Dental assisting certificate or equivalent preferred