Sterilization Technician

Description

JOB TITLE: Sterilization Technician

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Health Services

Department: Dental

SUPERVISOR: Dentist/Dental Coordinator

FLSA: Non-exempt

SALARY RANGE: $13.00 - $20.00

CPN Health Services personnel may be assigned to provide services to patients of all ages including but not limited to Indian Children and will require a criminal history background screening.

ALL FULL TIME POSITIONS:     In addition to your pay, your salary also includes Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance. The Biweekly deduction from employee paycheck is $40.00 for Employee Only, $95.00 Employee plus Children, $120.00 Employee plus Spouse, and $140.00 Employee plus family.  

JOB SUMMARY:  Responsible for the disinfection, sterilization, and packaging of all instruments used following established sterilization standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to perform disinfection and sterilization procedures including ADA & CDC guidelines.

· Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and techniques used to insure patient safety and infection control as it relates to the dental department.

· Compliance with accreditation and safety standards for the safe operation of sterilization equipment, maintaining required equipment logs and testing requirements as well as reporting any equipment malfunctions and follow up for repair. 

· Maintain instrument and supply inventory, replacing instruments when signs of wear or defects are identified.

· Assist other dental staff with the room turnover between patients

· Report to work ready to start at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.

· Ensure proper infection control guidelines are followed. This includes plastic wrap on the air/water syringe, high and low suction heads, tables and light handles (foil may be substituted).

· When breaking down the operatory after the patient has been dismissed, ensure needles and any used, but no longer useful, burs are placed in the red plastic sharps container.

· Ensure that any blood or saliva soaked gauze is disposed of in a biohazard bag.

· Ensure that gloves and other personal protective equipment are worn when handling dirty instruments such as eye protection and face mask when splashing is possible. Clean gloves will be used when setting up an operatory.

· Disinfect and remove all plastic or foil wraps from all areas when cleaning.

· Disinfect, wipe down, sweep out, and clean the floor of each operatory at the end of each day.

· Empty and replace sharps container when ¾ full.

· Do not use gloves worn during procedures to open drawers.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES: 

· Perform other duties and projects as required by management which may include assisting the receptionist staff during increased work demands or staff absence.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Ability to remain calm in a stressful situation. 

· Work well with the public. 

· Ability to work in a fast paced environment. 

· Ability to receive constructive criticism.

· Ability to follow direction.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION:

· CPR certification. 

· High School Diploma or GED equivalent. 

· Minimum of one (1) experience preferred but not required

· Courses above the High School level in the Dental field is preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

· The ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time with arms in the extended or slightly bent position. 

· Some bending, stretching, and lifting are required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

· General clinical environment with frequent exposure to chemicals, bloodborne pathogens and patient body fluids. 

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. These statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.