Sterilization Technician​/Dental Unit

Description

The Dental Unit Support / Sterilization Technician plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient dental clinic environment. This position is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing dental instruments and equipment, supporting dental staff with operatory turnover, and ensuring compliance with infection control and safety standards.

All duties are subject to accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize dental instruments using approved procedures
• Operate and maintain sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners)
• Monitor sterilization cycles and accurately document logs and quality checks
• Prepare treatment rooms before and after patient visits, ensuring proper infection control
• Stock dental units with supplies and materials as needed
• Safely handle and dispose of biohazardous and sharps waste
• Follow all OSHA, CDC, and clinic infection control guidelines
• Assist dental staff with basic clinic support tasks as needed
• Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly

• Knowledge of dental sterilization and infection control procedures
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate records
• Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and detail
• Familiarity with dental instruments and terminology
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift trays or equipment
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team environment
• Experience in dental or medical sterilization setting preferred
• CPR or Infection control certification preferred

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Sterile Processing & Distribution Certification (CBSPD or IAHCSMM) required

• Fast-paced dental clinic setting
• Exposure to sterilization chemicals and biohazard materials (with proper PPE provided)

The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment. The position requires the physical ability to kneel, bend and perform light lifting.

This person must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards and/or hazardous materials.