Dental Sterilization Technician

Dental Sterilization Technician

This is an open to fill recruitment; which means the job posting will close once we have hired our new team members. So apply immediately!

The Dental Sterilization Technician (aka "Sterile Tech") assists in performance of high-quality, patient-centered clinical dentistry by preparing operatories and sterilizing or disinfecting clinical equipment, in addition to basic chairside dental assisting when appropriate. The position could require working in different locations and teams per Dental Program needs. Every employee is expected to help create a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community.

Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County's attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment. Integrated Clinical Services provides quality health services for people who experience barriers to accessing care. The vision of Integrated Clinical Services is to provide services that are integrated and connected to support optimal health, reducing wait times and optimizing access.

The Dental Program works with many community partners, targeting underserved populations in Multnomah County to ensure access to dental services including providing education, prevention and dental treatment.

As the Dental Sterilization Technician you will:

• Sterilize instruments before and after patient use.
• Disinfect operatories before and after use.
• Appropriately select/use correct cleaning method (manual or mechanical) and cleaning chemicals required for each item.
• Accurately load/unload and operate ultrasonic cleaners, autoclaves, etc. to ensure items are clean and safe for handling.
• Keep handpieces properly maintained.
• Ensure that vacuum lines, unit, chair, light, instruments, and tray set ups are thoroughly disinfected and properly sterilized at all times.
• Set up instrument trays and prepare materials for patients treated by the dentist or dental hygienist (may include seating a patient and performing rooming tasks and completing periodontal charting when needed).
• Ensure rooms are properly equipped and stocked with inventory and reorder when necessary.
• Perform regular maintenance of equipment throughout the dental office.
• Verify correct cycle parameters, ensure spore tests are done regularly and monitored.
• When called upon, assist the dentist or dental hygienist in layout of instruments and transfer of instruments utilizing approved dental assisting principles.
• Basic dental assisting skills will be taught on the job.
• Assist the operator in preparation and delivery of dental materials when requested.
• Assist dental hygienists with periodontal charting or other charting needs.
• Comply with State and Federal OSHA laws, infection control, safety standards in the dental office and operatory, including but not limited to: wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) barriers such as gloves, gowns, and eye-wear; disinfecting and sterilizing instruments and treatment areas; and disposing properly of contaminated or biohazardous waste/materials.
• Notify supervisor of equipment trouble/need to report an issue or any general safety concerns.
• Assists in inventory control ensuring product expiration dates are current, preparing supply orders and monitoring inventory levels.

Customer Service

• Interacts with patients in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Proactively monitors client wait times and ensures patients are kept informed of schedule delays.
• Conducts phone follow-up and documentation for missed patient appointments.
• Acts as liaison with treatment staff and providers.
• Follows-up on client concerns and takes action or refers to appropriate sources.
• Conducts outreach calls and schedules patient appointments.

Teamwork

• Encourages team unity through sharing information, working collaboratively, productive problem solving and putting team success first.
• Follows Downtime priorities and project lists. Follow through on assigned tasks.
• Provides break relief for co-workers.
• Help dental programs increase patient access and engagement by utilizing…