Assistant, Dental Sterilization LTE

Job Title

This position supports the sterilization and infection control activities within the NTC Dental Programs, ensuring efficient and safe operations for the Community Dental Clinic.

Working closely with the clinic manager, faculty, students, and patients, this position ensures proper sterilization of instruments, maintenance of equipment, and adherence to infection control protocols to facilitate seamless delivery of dental services.

This position is funded by a grant which has a projected grant end date of June 30, 2027. Funding for this position beyond this date is dependent upon budget and operational needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Assist faculty with setup and takedown of equipment in both clinic and classroom environments.
• Support faculty in preparing dental materials and supplies for class and clinic sessions.
• Maintain Dental Therapy instrument kit rentals and ensure accurate inventory management.
• Cross train to provide back-up for Clinical Assistant
• Operate and maintain sterilization equipment, including autoclaves, hydrims, assistinas, and statims.
• Perform sterilization equipment quality assurance checks and maintain all required documentation.
• Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on sterilization room and clinic equipment.
• Provide on demand sterilization of equipment as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and proper workflow within the sterilization processing room.
• Ensure compliance with infection control standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and service all Dental Therapy handpiece instruments.
• Sharpen dental instruments for clinic and student use as needed.
• Provide dental assistant functions under faculty supervision during student performed patient care, including chairside support, material preparation, instrument passing, suctioning, and maintaining infection control protocols.
• Demonstrate exceptional customer service skills to ensure positive patient experiences.
• Interact professionally with diverse patient populations, maintaining sensitivity and respect.

Minimum Qualifications Required

In limited circumstances, NTC may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Education: One Year Certificate (or Equivalent)

Dental Assistant Technical Diploma, or equivalent knowledge and skills gained through occupational experience.

Experience: 1 Year

Additional Experience Information:

• Minimum of one year of dental clinic experience or completion of a dental certificate is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, including language skills, reasoning and mathematical abilities are essential.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, write and comprehend simple instructions, emails and memos; discuss information one-on-one and in small groups.

Math Skills:

Ability to accurately add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure; compute rate, ratio, and percent.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to critically think and solve problems involving a variety of concrete variables with limited standardization; interpret written, oral and diagrammed instructions.

Technical Skills:

Ability to navigate to and between computer applications; read/reply to emails, open/save/close files and applications; find, format and print documents; operate common office equipment.

Customer Service Skills:

Ability to pleasantly initiate, maintain and end a conversation; act in a professional manner using appropriate language and body language.

Other Requirements:

Current CPR certification

Physical Requirements:

Carrying/Lifting 10-25 lbs: Medium

Carrying/Lifting 25-50 lbs: Low

Carrying/Lifting >50 lbs: Low

Sitting: Low

Standing/Walking/Climbing: High

Squatting/Crouching/Kneeling/Bending: Medium

Repetitive Hand/Foot Movement: Low

Pushing/Pulling/Reaching Above Shoulder: Medium

Work Environment:

Indoor/Office Work Environment: High

Outdoor Weather Conditions: N/A

Irritated or Agitated Individuals: Low

Hostile or Violent Individuals: N/A

Hazardous Fumes/Odors/Toxic Chemicals: N/A

Confined Spaces (as identified by OSHA): N/A

Work-Related Travel: Low

Smell Requirement: Medium

Specific Vision: Medium

Hearing: Medium

Taste: N/A

NORTHCENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE