JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION: Sterilization Technician/Dental Assistant (507) DEPARTMENT: Dental REPORTS TO: Dental Assistant Supervisor LOCATION: Native American Health Center, Inc. (NAHC) WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours per week, 100% FTE STATUS: Non-Exempt, Union Indian Preference Act: Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Section 472 and 473). Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit verification of Indian heritage certified by tribe of affiliation or other acceptable documentation of Indian heritage. POSITION SUMMARY The Sterilization Technician (ST) is a key member of the dental department, where the primary duty will be functioning as a Sterilization Technician. The ST will work with dentist and dental assistants to ensure instruments used for procedures are clean, sterilized, and prepare instruments for use The ST must be able to take direction and follow through on all assignments. The goal is optimizing flow so patients are provided high quality care. A lab coat will be provided by the Dental Department. The ST must wear personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear, masks; and utility gloves while sterilizing and follow specific company and OSHA procedures when handling hazardous materials. Long hair must be worn tied back from the face and no jewelry worn (i.e. earrings, rings). Cleanliness above all is essential. Punctuality and professional demeanor at all times is required. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Perform all duties with excellence and in accordance with the Dental Practice Act of California 2. Properly sterilize all dental instruments and equipment in accordance with departmental policy.
3. Perform all opening, closing and maintenance procedures as described in sterilization and maintenance policies, as well as other duties as delegated by Lead Registered Dental Assistant (LRDA). 4. Perform all maintenance procedures and logs in a thorough manner 5. Restock and maintain an inventory of dental supplies and instruments to assure a constant level is always available. Communicate to the Lead Registered Dental Assistant (LRDA), any supplies that need replenishing or replacement. 6. Maintain order and cleanliness in the dental lab and in the sterilization area. 7. Perform weekly spore testing and maintain a log of the results 8. Perform weekly and monthly maintenance of Autoclave and Statim. 9. Pour dental impressions with proper stone and box them for transport to dental laboratory. 10. Maintain in/out logs for the dental laboratory orders in a manner that assures completeness and accuracy. 11. Work with the receptionist to ensure that all dental laboratory orders are sent out and received in a timely manner. 12. Maintain proper pre-set trays and ensure they are ready for anticipated procedures. Proactively review notes in patients charts to set-up for the planned treatment. Gather and ready all necessary materials and instruments needed for treatment. 13. Assist clinical staff in optimizing patient flow. This will include restocking items, seating patients, floating, and supporting other dental team members with patient care. 14. ST will at times or as deemed necessary, and requested by supervisors will perform Dental Assistant duties in both the Dental and Pediatric Dental Clinics 15. Prepare operatory for patient reception and assure it is as aseptic as possible for patient welfare. 16. Provide superior chair-side and administrative support to dentists. This includes following all instructions from assigned dentist. 17. Assist the assigned dentist with referrals, prescription phone-ins, and other processes involved in providing high quality dental care. 18. Check patient s vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, etc.) in accordance with departmental policies.
19. Obtain Informed Consent prior to dental treatment, and deliver post-operative instructions with guidance from assigned dentist. 20. Operate digital dental radiographic equipment for the purpose of oral radiography. 21. Enter patient data and dental chart information into Electronic Dental Record (EDR) system, Dentrix, in a manner that ensures accuracy completeness and is done timely. 22. Provide translation services, as needed, for the department. 23. Engage in outreach and dental treatment off-site at Head Start and other collaborating agencies sites when assigned 24. Member Care: Demonstrate understanding and apply working knowledge of safety policies and ensuring safe member practices. 25. Employee Safety: Safely performs all duties; follows required protective protocols to ensure personal safety as well the safety of others. 26. Must maintain compliance with ergonomic safety standards; be mindful of posture and regularly practice ergonomic stretches. 27. Quality Improvement: Actively participate in internal quality improvement teams and work with members proactively to drive quality improvement initiatives in accordance with the mission and strategic goals of the organization, federal and state laws and regulations, and accreditation standards, when assigned. 28. Work well under pressure, meet multiple and often competing deadlines. 29. At all times demonstrate cooperative behavior with supervisors, subordinates, colleagues, clients and the community. 30. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required. 2. Must have DA Certification and prior experience working as a Dental Assistant is required, preferably with a minimum of 2 years. 3. Must possess a radiological safety license. 4. Must have current CPR certification, proof of current TB test Hepatitis Vaccine, and have had a recent physical exam. 5. Must be computer literate and have experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
6. Experience with NextGen, Dentrix and other database programs are preferred. 7. Knowledge of the Bay Area Native American community with a commitment to serving Native Americans and other vulnerable patient populations is required. 8. Willingness to be trained and have the ability to retain information of the assigned duties and responsibilities. 9. Must have strong organizational skills and technical acumen to carry out above assigned duties. Must have high attention to detail and be able to multi-task. 10. Must have superior customer service skills, and be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing - with varying audiences. 11. Must complete yearly OSHA training and possess up-to-date CPR certification. 12. Must work well independently and as a part of a team. 13. Spanish speaking is a plus Benefits: Native American Health Center (NAHC) considers our employees to be our most valuable resource and offers an excellent benefit package: competitive salaries, personal time off (PTO) or sick/vacation leave program, and an employer contribution 403(b) retirement plan to full-time regular status employees. We also provide medical, vision, dental, flexible spending, group term and voluntary life insurance coverage for employees and their dependents with a percentage of employee contribution for dependent medical premiums. Note to Applicants: Please be advised a post job offer, pre-employment Physical and TB test are required as a condition of employment. Additionally, you may be asked to get a Department of Justice Fingerprinting clearance as a contingency for an offer of employment. Criminal clearances are obtained to protect the welfare and safety of clients receiving services at NAHC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin or other non-merit factors. Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Native American Health Center abides by the mandates of the ADEA (protecting individuals 40 years and older) and considers age a non-merit factor in all employment decisions and considerations. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Native American Health Center abides by the mandates of the ADA and considers disability a non-merit factor in all employment decisions and considerations. Furthermore, NAHC will make any practical, feasible, and reasonable arrangements to accommodate qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If interested, please forward resume and cover letter to: Human Resources 3124 International Blvd. Oakland, CA 94601
Fax: 510.748.0116 Email: jobs@nativehealth.org