DENTAL STERILIZATION TECHNICIAN

Career Opportunities with Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics A great place to work. Summary The Dental Sterilization Technician assists in performance of quality, caring, and clinical dentistry by preparing operatories and sterilizing or disinfecting clinical equipment. The Dental Sterilization Technician will also assist the dentist with sterilization of instruments and with chairside dental assisting when appropriate. Basic training for chairside dental assisting will be included in on-the-job training as a way to prepare this position to pursue additional dental assisting training and work opportunities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 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 hand pieces properly maintained. Ensure that vacuum lines, unit, chair, light, instruments, and try set ups are thoroughly disinfected and properly sterilized at all times. Set up instrument trays and prepare materials for patients treated by the dentist. Ensure rooms are properly equipped and stocked. Perform regular maintenance of equipment throughout 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. 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 bio-hazardous waste/materials. Notify supervisor of equipment trouble/need to report an issue or any general safety concerns. Maintain professional working environment within the office team. Adhere to OSHA compliant uniform attire and basic personal hygiene standards. Attend continuing education and training seminars as scheduled. Provide supportive care for patients. Perform other duties as assigned. Handle protected health information (PHI) in a manner consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Scrub batches – Prepare claim forms for dental insurance. Arrange supporting documents for insurance claims. HIPAA Requirements The Dental Sterilization Technician will have access to PHI in the course of carrying out his/her duties. Applying the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA, the designated records sets to which this employee will have access include: the full dental chart, the full medical chart, all information in the practice management system, and all other billing and account information. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Desire to learn dental assisting and interest in pursuing additional dental assisting training opportunities strongly preferred. Excellent customer service skills and verbal communication skills. Ability to read, write and understand information. Ability to work in a fast paced, patient focused environment. Ability to effectively sterilize treatment rooms and instruments according to company policies and procedures and in accordance with State and Federal laws for infection control. Proven sensitivity to inter-cultural, social and economic issues. Ability to work independently as well as part of a professional team. Willing to support own team members to accomplish daily activities. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is preferred. Education and Experience High School diploma or equivalent required. Successful completion of the Infection Control Exam within six months of hire following on-the-job training. Previous experience in a clinical environment preferred. Physical Requirements Standing/Walking – up to 85% Use of computer – 50% Lifting/Carrying: less than 5% Physical demanding tasks: Must be able to lift/carry up to 30 lbs. on occasion Ability to stoop, bend: will reach frequently. Working Environment/Physical Hazards Work in well-lighted, ventilated environment. Possible exposure to blood borne pathogens and potentially hazardous chemicals; expected to observe proper infection control procedures. #J-18808-Ljbffr