Sterilization Technician - Heart of Florida Health Center : Job Details

Entry-level positions for the dental assistant role which is responsible for ensuring proper sterilization of instruments and disinfections of dental treatment rooms to assist dental assistants, dental hygienist and dentist as needed. Team member is also responsible for performing all the delegable clinical dental assisting duties listed in Florida Statutes 466 and Administrative Rules 64B-5, including but not limited to screening and preparing patients for treatment, assisting dentists in treating patients, educating patients, and processing instruments, with adherence to HIPAA, CDC, and OSHA standards. Team members are involved in continual training.

* Main role of the sterilization technician is to perform the necessary operatory disinfection and sterilization procedures to support the dental team.

* Secondary tasks include chairside dental assisting tasks as allowable by the Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules for the purpose of on-the-job training:

* Identify patients using Double Identifiers - i.e., name and birth date.

* Document patients' chief complaints in their patient's own words.

* Collects and records medical history, list of medications and allergies, surgeries, hospitalization, and social/dental history record.

* Obtain and record in medical record patient vitals, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and or glucose levels (when applicable), height, and weight as needed.

* Operates dental X-ray equipment and takes diagnostic dental X-rays as prescribed by the dentist as part of the on-the-job training for CDA certification, once indicated.

* Handles dental instruments, including cleaning/oiling, bagging, sterilization/disinfection, and re-circulation following OSHA and CDC standards.

* Assists in educating patients and parents/guardians regarding oral hygiene, treatment option and plans, dental consent and provides witness signatures prior to specialty procedures.

* Assist the dentist through 4-handed dentistry, including suction, handling dental materials, and transferring instruments.

* Performs operatory disinfection before and after dental procedures.

* Records accurate dental charting of existing restorations, new dental caries, and planned restorations.

* Records dictated dental and periodontal charting as needed for patients >18 years of age.

* Assists the dentist in completion of dental exam and procedure documentation and closes procedure codes at end of each visit.

* Presents treatment plans prepared by the dentist and obtains patient and or parent signatures.

* Provide patient education, including oral hygiene and post-operative instructions.

* Prepares, scans, and or faxes referral, medical clearance, and other forms as needed.

* Assists in scheduling appointments.

* Tertiary role includes assisting Senior Dental Assistant in clinical maintenance:

* Maintains proper inventory by monitoring material supply, instrument and equipment function and availability, and removing expired materials and damaged instruments.

* Prepares, orders, and organizes dental supplies under the supervision of the office manager and the dentist.

* Maintains Log Manuals as directed by the office manager and the dentist.

* Maintains dental equipment by changing filters, solutions, or chemicals following manufacturer's recommendations, and cleans dental equipment in accordance with OSHA and CDC standards.

* Completes any necessary paperwork/data entry required into eCW medical record.

* Assists Patient Service Representatives in check-in and check-out process as needed.

* May be required to travel to other HFHC locations as needed.

* Assists with other clinical and office duties as assigned by the Senior dental assistant, supervising dentist, or dental practice manager.

Qualifications

* Education and Training:

* High School diploma or GED required.

* Dental Assistant Diploma or Certificate of Completion from an Accredited Dental Assistant school or training program, including dental radiology, is preferred. Or obtained within 90 days of hire.

* Successful completion of an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certificate (EFDA) within 12 months from the start date of hire desired.

* Current BLS certificate from an accredited AHA provider within 30 days from the date of hire - may be available from HFHC upon request.

* Must have a valid Florida Driver's license and have a reliable form of transportation.

* Experience:

* No dental assistant experience required, yet preference will be given to candidates with experience and or training.

* Experience working with children is a plus.

* Experience dealing with underserved populations and cultural competency a plus.

* Behavioral Management: Experience working with children and comfortable working with patients of all ages preferred or be willing to train.