Dental Assistant-Sterilization Tech

Waterfall Community Health Center; Bend, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterfall Community Health Center in Bend, Oregon seeks a Dental Assistant/Sterilization Tech to join a team-focused clinic serving insured and uninsured patients. The role emphasizes infection control, instrument sterilization, and limited chairside assistance to the Dentist and Hygienist.

The candidate will manage sterilization processes, maintain logs, assist with operatory setup, and support front-office dental staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in dental sterilization and infection control.
• Proficient in EMR usage.
• Strong attention to detail and multitasking.

Responsibilities

• Manage sterilization and instrument processing, ensuring clean, organized, and safe areas.
• Set up and turnover operatory rooms for patients, disinfecting instruments and supplies.
• Maintain logs for sterilization activities, equipment maintenance, and inventory.
• Assist Dental Hygienist and front-office staff as needed.
• Support the Dental Director and team with infection control adherence.

Skills

Sterilization procedures

Infection control protocols

Attention to detail

EMR experience

Communication skills

Multitasking

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CSPD certification (preferred)

Job description

Description

Job Purpose:

The Dental Assistant/ Sterilization Tech works in a team-based, patient-centered dental clinic serving insured and uninsured clients with a special emphasis on care for people who experience barriers to accessing care due to income, language, cultural and social barriers. The Dental Assistant/ Sterilization Tech is responsible for maintaining dental instruments and equipment in accordance clinic infection control procedures. This role also provides limited chairside assistance and supportive clinical duties to the Dentist, Dental Hygienist, and Dental Director.

Duties:

• Responsible managing and participating in the sterilization process of dental instruments and equipment.
• Responsible for managing and contributing to a sterilization area that is clean, organized, and safe.
• Responsible for performing proper cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization protocols for all dental instruments.
• Report any issues or malfunctions with sterilization equipment to the Dental Director.
• Assist in setting up and turning over the operatory room before and after each patient visit. Including setting up and disinfecting dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain a log for activities related to sterilization, equipment maintenance, and infection control.
• Maintain a log for sterilization equipment and cleaning supply inventories.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance as assigned.
• Prepare dental materials such as amalgam, composite, etc.
• Dental charting using an electronic medical record system (EMR).
• Assist Dental Hygienist and front office Dental staff as needed.
• Other related duties may be assigned by the Supervisor.
• Adherent to the spirit of Waterfall Community Health Center to remove barriers to care and our mission statement while performing assigned duties.
• Demonstrate the core values of Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Compassion, Partnership, and Collaborative Communication.

Education and/or Experience and Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a Dental Sterilization Technician or similar role in a dental office is preferred.
• Knowledge of sterilization procedures and infection control protocols
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Certification in Sterile Processing and Distribution (CSPD) is a plus.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) preferred.
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention Comprehensive training class completed within 6 months of hire and recertified before the expiration date. The employer provides this training
• BLS certification obtained within 6 months of hire. The employer provides this training.

Requirements

Immunizations Required:

• TB (test upon hire)

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk working at a computer.
• Able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
• Able to travel as needed.