Dental Assistant - Sterilization Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant – Sterilization Assistant is responsible for supporting dentists in a wide range of dental procedures to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the dental practice, with a primary focus on patient care, comfort, and safety. In addition to chairside assistance, this individual plays a key role in the dental instrument processing and sterilization area, contributing to high-quality patient care through adherence to strict quality assurance protocols and best practices in instrument decontamination. This position requires sound decision-making within established policies and procedures, as well as the highest level of confidentiality regarding patient information.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Complies with safety protocols, including hazard communication and bloodborne pathogen standards, to ensure a safe clinical environment.
2. Cleans, disinfects, and prepares operatories for patient procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures.
3. Obtains and documents patient health and dental information accurately and in a timely manner.
4. Provides pre-operative and post-operative patient education and obtains signed consent forms for documentation in the electronic health record.
5. Prepares procedural trays, equipment, and instruments and assists with dental appointments to support timely and accurate procedures.
6. Performs diagnostic intra-oral and extra-oral digital radiographs as directed by the dentist.
7. Assists with phone calls, relays messages to provider, and assists with answering questions on the provider’s behalf.
8. Ensuring rooms are consistently stocked and orderly through fiscally responsible practices.
9. Tracks incoming and outgoing lab cases to ensure cost accuracy and timely delivery for patient care.
10. Schedules and confirms patient appointments efficiently to optimize provider schedules.
11. Assists with dental procedures performed in hospital settings, pediatric, geriatric, and special needs patients as needed.
12. Recognizes and responds appropriately to basic dental and medical emergencies to ensure timely patient care.
13. Performs routine housekeeping and basic maintenance of dental equipment to maintain a clean and functional work environment.
14. Collaborates with interpreters to effectively overcome language barriers and ensure clear communication with patients.
15. Trains and mentors’ new employees.
16. Differentiates between decontamination and sterilization methods for specialized equipment and instruments to ensure appropriate processing standards are met.
17. Cleans and processes surgical instruments and medical equipment in accordance with departmental protocols, guidelines, and regulatory standards.
18. Handles and transports contaminated instruments and equipment from various departments following established safety procedures and infection control policies.
19. Maintains accurate sterilization records to ensure compliance with departmental policies and industry standards.
20. Distributes sterilized instruments and supplies to designated departments to ensure availability and readiness for patient care.
21. Identifies and applies appropriate decontamination and sterilization methods for specialized instruments and equipment to maintain safety and functionality.
22. Participates in continuous improvement efforts by developing procedures and enhancing organizational systems within the Central Service area.
23. Troubleshoots and resolves equipment malfunctions to restore proper function and maintain operational standards.
24. Maintains strict adherence to scheduled work hours with regular and reliable attendance.
25. Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Preferred completion of a technical college dental assistant program.
3. Demonstrated keyboarding and computer experience required.
4. Preferred dental assistant experience and familiarity with dental terminology.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

1. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification at time of hire, or within three months of employment.
2. Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License required with an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR), per FHC guidelines.

Equal Opportunity Employer