Sterilization Technician

Job Summary

Entry-level dental position responsible for ensuring proper sterilization of instruments and disinfection of dental equipment and treatment rooms to assist dental assistants, dental hygienists and dentists as needed. Team members participate in ongoing on-the-job training toward the goal of performing all patient service representative tasks as well as all delegable clinical dental assisting duties listed in Florida Statutes 466 and Administrative Rules 64B-5, including but not limited to screening and preparing patients for treatment, assisting dentists, educating patients, and processing instruments, with adherence to HIPAA, CDC, and OSHA standards.

• Perform operatory disinfection before and after dental procedures.
• Handle dental instruments: cleaning/oiling, bagging, sterilization/disinfection, and re-circulation following OSHA and CDC standards.
• Prepare the dental operatory for treatment.
• Perform patient intake and seat patients.
• Assist patients and parents/guardians with education about oral hygiene, treatment options, dental consent, and assist with witness signatures.
• Present treatment plans prepared by the dentist and obtain signatures.
• Prepare, scan, fax referrals, medical clearances, and other required forms.
• Assist in scheduling appointments.
• Perform clinical office maintenance tasks and maintain logs and calendar records.
• Maintain autoclave and ultrasonic equipment and record maintenance logs.
• Monitor Amalgam Separator level, change filter, and arrange proper disposal.
• Maintain dental equipment by changing filters, solutions, and chemicals as recommended, and clean per OSHA and CDC standards.
• Assist in inventory management: monitor material supply, instrument function, and availability, and remove expired or damaged items.
• Assist in preparing orders and organizing dental supplies.
• Assist in maintaining the emergency crash cart and monitor its supplies, removing expired items, and ordering replacements as needed.
• Assist in monitoring the AED battery, pad expiration, logging status, and ordering replacements.
• Assist in dental lab order submission and case receipt tracking.
• Assist in monitoring nitrous oxide and oxygen supplies, contacting vendors for re-orders and maintaining associated logs.
• Perform waterline preventative maintenance, including quarterly shock treatments, daily maintenance, and quarterly water testing.
• Assist in dental equipment maintenance and report repair needs, monitoring repair progress.
• Maintain biohazard and sharps container protocols.
• Participate in ongoing on-the-job training.
• Travel to other HFHC locations as required.
• Assist with other clinical and office duties as assigned by the supervising dentist or dental practice manager.

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Complete a dental radiology course within 90 days of hire.
• Preferred:
  Complete an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certificate (EFDA) within 12 months of hire.
• Current BLS Certificate from an accredited AHA or American Red Cross provider.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• No dental assistant experience required; preference given to candidates with experience or training.
• Experience working with children and patients of all ages; willingness to be trained if necessary.
• Experience with patients with special needs is a plus.
• Experience with underserved populations and ability to relate to patients of all religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Good communication skills aligned with HFHC Core Values.
• Emotional intelligence and ability to remain positive in stressful situations, while professional with unhappy or confrontational individuals.
• Knowledge of dental terminology, policies, procedures, and oral health issues; willingness to train if needed.
• Time management skills.
• Competent in general office skills: computer use (Microsoft Office, eCW), fax, telephone, and copier.
• Team-oriented and maintain positive professional relationships with clinical and nonclinical staff.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to train in additional duties and expanded functions.
• Flexibility: work flexible hours, multiple sites as required.
• Spanish speaking a plus.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit chairside for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity for handling specialized dental equipment.
• Clear vision for inspecting instruments for cleanliness, residue, or defects.