Dental Sterilization Technician

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes Sterilizing and preparing dental supplies, instruments, and equipment; performing quality control testing on sterilization equipment; inventorying supplies to determine reordering needs; and assisting dentist in providing chairside treatment to patients. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04).

OR Education: Four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position, such as, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene field(s) of study. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12.

Then divide your semester hours of education beyond two years (total semester hours minus 60) by 60. Add the two percentages.

Receive, disassemble, and inspect dental supplies, instruments and equipment.,Select appropriate methods for sterilizing, balancing time constraints with possible detrimental effects of quicker methods.,Conduct periodic inventory supplies, instruments and equipment and determine reordering needs.,Provide training, mentoring and orientation to less experienced staff on dental sterilization techniques, procedures and principles.,Test operation of equipment daily for effectiveness of sterilization using various monitoring systems.,Prepare and assemble surgical trays with instruments and materials for dental procedures.,Maintains records of sterilization processes in accordance with established policy.,Assist dentist with chairside treatment to patients, monitoring for signs of shock or other reactions.,Compare test results with standard parameters (e.g. time, temperature and pressure) and take corrective action when deviations exist.,Troubleshoot and explain proper use of the equipment and obtains needed repairs.