Dental Sterilization Technician

Position Summary: The Dental Assistant/Dental Sterilization Technician is responsible for providing clinical support services to faculty, residents, dental students, and patients while ensuring compliance with infection control and instrument processing standards throughout the School of Dentistry. This position supports the delivery of high-quality patient care preparing and processing dental instruments and equipment, and ensuring adherence to institutional, state, federal, and accreditation standards related to sterilization and infection control.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities):

Sterilization and Infection Control Responsibilities

• Collect, transport, clean, disinfect, package, sterilize, and distribute dental instruments and equipment according to established protocols.
• Operate ultrasonic cleaners, instrument washers, autoclaves, and other sterilization equipment safely and effectively.
• Monitor sterilization cycles and maintain documentation of biological, chemical, and mechanical monitoring processes.
• Ensure compliance with CDC, OSHA, HIPAA, state regulations, and institutional infection control policies.
• Maintain sterilization logs, records, and quality assurance documentation.
• Inspect instruments and equipment for functionality, cleanliness, and integrity prior to redistribution.
• Manage inventory and stock levels for sterilization supplies and clinical materials.
• Participate in infection control audits and accreditation preparation activities.

Administrative and Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain inventory of clinical and sterilization supplies and submit requests for replenishment as needed.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and report equipment malfunctions promptly.
• Participate in clinic orientation and training activities for students and new employees.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and patient safety programs.
• Attend required departmental, institutional, and compliance training sessions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the clinical, educational, and service missions of the School of Dentistry.

                                                               

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of infection prevention, sterilization principles, and standard precautions.
• Knowledge of OSHA, CDC, HIPAA, and bloodborne pathogen regulations.
• Ability to operate sterilization equipment and maintain required documentation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced academic clinical environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, residents, and patients.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to patient safety and quality assurance.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

• Experience working in an academic health sciences center or dental school environment.
• Familiarity with accreditation standards and compliance requirements associated with dental education programs.
• Experience with inventory management systems and supply chain processes.
• Knowledge of instrument tracking and sterilization management software.

Education and Experience Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting Program or Sterilization Technician training program.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in dental assisting, central sterilization, and/or dental instrument processing.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Associate degree in Dental Assisting or a related healthcare field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in dental assisting or instrument sterilization within a dental school, hospital, or multi-specialty clinical environment.
• Previous experience supporting predoctoral or postgraduate dental education programs.

Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or equivalent provider.
• Current certification in infection prevention and bloodborne pathogen training.
• Eligibility to work within the scope of practice established by the State of Tennessee and institutional policies.

Licensure, Certification or Registration Preferred:

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
• Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant credential, if applicable.
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or equivalent certification.
• Dental Radiation Health and Safety certification.