Sterilization Tech

Great-Smiles; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Smiles in Asheville, NC seeks a Sterilization Technician to maintain a safe, hygienic dental office environment. You will sterilize and prepare instruments, support procedures, and ensure patient safety.

This role supports infection control, records maintenance, and equipment readiness for pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. You will collaborate with dentists, hygienists, assistants, and staff, participate in quality initiatives, and may travel to other clinic sites.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with dental instrument sterilization preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare treatment areas by setting up basic instruments and materials before procedures.
• Support special patient needs, including frenectomy cases, young children, and patients with special needs.
• Follow standard infection control procedures to maintain a safe and hygienic clinical environment.
• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and equipment using autoclaves and proper sterilization techniques, maintaining accurate records for each cycle.
• Set up and sanitize treatment rooms, patient chairs, and workspaces between appointments, ensuring timely availability for procedures.
• Monitor sterilization effectiveness using biological and chemical indicators and perform routine equipment maintenance, reporting malfunctions promptly.
• Manage sterilization supplies and maintain adequate inventory for daily operations.
• Work closely with dentists, hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff to ensure high-quality, coordinated care.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dentist or Site Manager.

Skills

Compassionate care

Tech-savvy

Organized

Color vision

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Autoclave

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

As a Sterilization Technician, you will maintain a safe and hygienic environment within the dental office. You will be responsible for properly sterilizing and preparing all dental instruments and equipment, ensuring they are ready for use. In this role, you support the overall efficiency and effectiveness of dental procedures while helping maintain the highest standards of patient safety and infection control.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Provides compassionate, patient-centered care with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Proficient with computers and mobile technology.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask independently.
• Accurate in distinguishing color variations and shades.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with a friendly and welcoming demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Clinical Support
• Prepare treatment areas by setting up basic instruments and materials before procedures.
• Support special patient needs, including frenectomy cases, young children, and patients with special needs.
• Infection Control & Sterilization
• Follow standard infection control procedures to maintain a safe and hygienic clinical environment.
• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and equipment using autoclaves and proper sterilization techniques, maintaining accurate records for each cycle.
• Set up and sanitize treatment rooms, patient chairs, and workspaces between appointments, ensuring timely availability for procedures.
• Monitor sterilization effectiveness using biological and chemical indicators and perform routine equipment maintenance, reporting malfunctions promptly.
• Manage sterilization supplies and maintain adequate inventory for daily operations.
• Team Collaboration
• Work closely with dentists, hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff to ensure high-quality, coordinated care.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dentist or Site Manager.

COMPETENCIES

• Manages time effectively to support scheduling, procedural prep, and smooth patient flow under supervision.
• Provides friendly, courteous, and professional service to patients, families, and team members.
• Works collaboratively, follows guidance, and adapts to changing tasks in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Demonstrates respect, empathy, and professionalism in a diverse and inclusive setting.
• Willing to learn, apply problem-solving skills, and work a flexible schedule, including travel to other clinic sites.

May have other duties assigned at any time.

Please note that this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Responsibilities, duties, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

EEO STATEMENT

Great Smiles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with dental instrument sterilization preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position may require prolonged sitting or standing, repetitive motions, and tasks common to primary care dentistry. It involves using phones, computers, and other office equipment, and may include irregular hours and stressful conditions. Exposure to clinical hazards such as communicable diseases, body fluids, radiation, and chemicals is possible. Physical demands include lifting up to 30 pounds, and the ability to stoop, kneel, reach, hear, see (including color and depth perception), and communicate effectively.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a pediatric dental and orthodontic office environment. It regularly uses standard dental/orthodontic equipment, including X-rays and photos. Additionally, standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, file cabinets, and fax machines is routinely utilized in this position.