Aide, Dental Sterilization

Under the direct supervision of the Dental Office Supervisor, provide support to dental assistants and providers in maintaining a sterile and aseptic environment in the assigned dental office.

Responsibilities

• Sterilize and process/store dental instruments in accordance with Infection Control Guidelines.
• Perform weekly Biological monitoring.
• Maintain sterilization equipment in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
• Clean sterilization and other clinical equipment, including operations, operatory equipment, and handpieces, following Infection Control Guidelines and manufacturers recommendations.
• Mix disinfectant solutions.
• Assist in restocking operatories after patient use in accordance with established guidelines.
• Receive and ship dental lab cases; verify accuracy of mailing slips with cases.
• Pour impressions and trim models.
• Clean lab cases and laboratory equipment in accordance with Infection Control Guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and orderly laboratory.
• Assist in cleaning operatories after patient use following Infection Control Guidelines, under the direction of the provider or dental assistant.
• Monitor shipment and receipt of handpieces for routine maintenance.
• Order/replace secondary hazard communication container labels as needed.
• Participate in the confirmation calling process.
• Enter/receive selected information into/from the automated dental information system, such as Perio charting.
• Participate in maintaining an adequate inventory of dental instruments and supplies within the assigned dental office.
• Conform with established dress code and take precautions to protect clothing from soiling and contamination, consistent with infection control guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the office manager or supervisory personnel, consistent with the individual’s training and experience.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED).
• Registered Dental Assistant (Washington).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to pass competency exam (Biological Monitors) at 85% within 30 days of hire/transfer.
• Ability to uphold applicable infection control guidelines at all times to maintain patient safety.
• Ability to work in a complex, high-activity environment.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and prioritize work.

Skills

• Ability to lift 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand for a minimum of 4 hours at a time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of sterilization and infection control equipment and practices.
• Two years of experience working with dental care professionals in a high-volume environment.
• Two years of experience with infection control and safety programs.
• Previous Kaiser Permanente work experience and thorough knowledge of KP organizational structure.

Schedule

• Full-time (40 hours per week).
• 4/10 schedule: Monday–Saturday, variable shifts.
• Working hours: 06:30 AM – 06:00 PM.
• Onsite at Cascade Park Dental Offices, Vancouver, WA.
• Occasional travel (5% of the time).

Pay

$23.15 - $28.18 per hour.