Sterile Technician

Description

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented, dependable, and motivated Sterile Technician to join our orthodontic team. This role is essential to maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient clinical environment while supporting patient care, digital orthodontic workflows, and laboratory operations.

The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, comfortable working with technology, and committed to providing an exceptional patient experience. This position requires a combination of sterilization duties, clinical assistance, digital scanning, laboratory work, inventory management, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Seat patients promptly and ensure their comfort throughout their visit.
• Provide a welcoming, professional, and compassionate patient experience.
• Perform accurate dental impressions, X-rays, intraoral scans, 3D scans, and clinical photographs as directed and within the scope of training and applicable regulations.
• Demonstrate effective knowledge and use of the iTero scanner, completing patient scans accurately and efficiently.
• Assist orthodontists and clinical staff with procedures and other clinical needs as directed.
• Learn and perform minor clinical tasks under appropriate supervision and within the scope of permitted duties.
• Complete assigned patient care tasks independently when appropriately trained and authorized.
• Prepare treatment chairs and clinical areas before and after appointments, ensuring all supplies and equipment are clean, organized, and properly stocked.

Sterilization & Infection Control

• Follow established sterilization, disinfection, and infection control protocols to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain orthodontic instruments and equipment according to established procedures.
• Monitor sterilization equipment, verify proper operation, and accurately document sterilization cycles and required logs.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly disinfected treatment areas and laboratory spaces.
• Ensure the clinical and laboratory environments comply with applicable OSHA standards and practice safety protocols.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or infection control issues promptly.

Laboratory Operations & Digital Technology

• Verify that all incoming laboratory cases are received, accounted for, and accurately logged into EasyRx.
• Track laboratory cases and collaborate with the orthodontic team to ensure timely completion and delivery.
• Assist with laboratory tasks, including pouring models, trimming models, and other assigned lab procedures.
• Fabricate retainers and trim them appropriately according to established protocols and provider specifications.
• Manage 3D printing processes, including preparing print jobs, monitoring production, and organizing completed work.
• Maintain accurate laboratory spreadsheets, digital records, and case-tracking systems.
• Assist with managing and updating digital patient and laboratory records.
• Organize, maintain, and protect patient records and related documentation in accordance with confidentiality requirements.
• Maintain and care for laboratory equipment, digital scanning systems, and other assigned technology.

Records & Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate patient records, including treatment charts, progress notes, photographs, scans, and other relevant documentation.
• Ensure laboratory cases and digital records are entered, updated, and tracked accurately.
• Review laboratory case information for completeness and communicate discrepancies or missing items to the appropriate team member.
• Support efficient communication between the clinical team, laboratory, and outside dental laboratories as needed.

Inventory & Office Organization

• Maintain an updated supply ordering list and communicate inventory needs before supplies run low.
• Receive, organize, and put away incoming supplies and materials.
• Restock treatment rooms, sterilization areas, and laboratory spaces as needed.
• Monitor supply levels and help maintain an organized, efficient, and fully stocked clinical environment.
• Assist with routine equipment maintenance, upkeep, and reporting of repair needs.

Teamwork, Communication & Accountability

• Communicate clearly and professionally with doctors, team members, patients, and outside laboratory partners.
• Work collaboratively with the orthodontic team to maintain an efficient daily schedule and support high-quality patient care.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and complete tasks accurately and on time.
• Participate in team meetings, practice initiatives, and accountability systems.
• Maintain open communication regarding progress, challenges, outstanding tasks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Stay informed about advancements in orthodontic technology, techniques, products, and laboratory processes.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to assist with additional duties as needed to support the success of the practice.

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to patient comfort, confidentiality, and safety.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced orthodontic environment.
• Willingness to learn new technologies, clinical procedures, and laboratory techniques.
• Comfort with computers, digital recordkeeping, and data entry.
• Ability to follow established protocols and maintain accurate documentation.
• A proactive mindset, strong work ethic, and willingness to take ownership of responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently when appropriate and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Previous dental, orthodontic, sterilization, or dental laboratory experience is preferred but may not be required, depending on the needs of the practice.
• Experience with iTero scanning, EasyRx, 3D printing, and retainer fabrication is a plus.