Dental Sterilization Technician

Dental Sterilization Technician

This work matters!

This is an open to fill recruitment; candidates will be reviewed weekly starting 8/4/26. So apply immediately!

This job posting will be used to fill at our Integrated Health Clinics at the below locations:

• Mid County Clinic 12710 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97236
• East County, 600 NE 8th Street Gresham, 3rd floor, OR 97030
• Rockwood, 2020 SE 182nd Ave Portland, OR 97233
• Northeast Health Center, 5329 NE MLK Jr Blvd Portland, OR 97211
• Southeast Health Center, 3653 SE 34th Ave Portland, OR 97202

Please indicate which location you would like to work at on your resume or cover letter.

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.
• 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.
• 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 a variety of outreach strategies.
• Interacts with patients in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Follows-up on client concerns and takes action or refers to appropriate sources.
• Assists clinics in meeting quality annual metrics in various tasks including chairside assistance, charting, outreach and patient engagement.

Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website.

To qualify:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Minimum qualifications (required):

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
• Up to one (1) year of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 0-1 years of qualifying training and/or experience).
• BLS CPR Certification or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.

Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

Screening & evaluation (required):

• Attach a resume demonstrating you meeting minimum qualifications; AND
• Copy of BLS CPR Certification (if you have one)
• Attach a cover letter addressing the following:
• What location you are interested in working at; AND
• How do you meet the qualifications for this position; and
• Why are you interested in the position

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the 'Overview' and 'To Qualify' sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Background, reference, and education checks

Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Additional information:

Type of Position: This hourly union-represented position is eligible for overtime

Type: Represented

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Health Department employee, you will 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.

Applying for this posting will give you the opportunity to be placed on the eligible list for future opportunities for Dental Steril