Sterilization Technician / Hygiene Assistant

Description

Job purpose
Sterilization Technicians greatly increase the efficiency of dental clinics by cleaning rooms, equipment, and instruments following dental procedures and are valuable members of the dental care team.

Duties and responsibilities
Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
Preparing examination and surgical rooms by sterilizing instruments and moving
equipment into place
Preventing the spread of infection and disease by maintaining a surgically clean work
environment
Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
Providing patients with instructions for oral care following treatment
Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;
(e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)
Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
Create, send and track lab cases
Monitor, order and maintain budget for dental supplies
Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer
Assisting in updating and maintaining client dental records / charts
Maintaining equipment and coordinating any necessary repairs
Asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse as
needed
Providing support to dentists and other staff as needed
Maintaining OSHA and HIPPA compliance

Qualifications

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent required

License/Certification:

Sterilization techs are not required to carry any license or certification but Enhance Dental will provide on-the-job training for sterile techs to get their dental assisting license and necessary expanded functions.

Working conditions
Dental practices run at a fast pace and dental assistants will be required to keep up with the flow
of doctors and patients.

Physical requirements
Dental Assistants will be required to:
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Repeat the same movements.
Bend or twist their body.
Sit for long periods.
Stand for long periods.
Lifting up to 50 pounds

Reports to ADO / Office Manager

Direct reports
None.