Dental Hygiene and Sterilization Assistant - Nygaard Poovey, PLLC - Spokane Valley, WA

About Us Nygaard Poovey, PLLC - Periodontics & Dental Implants is a patient-centered dental practice dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. With our amazing team we seek to provide periodontal care that is more than just dentistry. We live to save teeth and improve our patient’s health and lives. We work an alternating 4 day week schedule: Monday through Thursday one week and then Tuesday through Friday the following week. This provides our team a 4-day weekend every other weekend, and provides our patients access to both Monday and Friday appointments to meet their scheduling needs. We are seeking an organized, proactive, and skilled Dental Assistant who is passionate about dental hygiene, patient care and service, and infection control to join our team as a Hygiene/Sterilization Assistant . Job Summary This is a hybrid role, acting as the clinical lead for our sterilization department and as the coordinator for the hygiene department. You will be responsible for ensuring all sterilization protocols (OSHA) are met to the highest standard and assisting hygienists with patient flow. Key Responsibilities 1. Sterilization Lead Infection Control: Maintain, manage, and monitor all sterilization equipment (autoclaves, instrument washers, etc.) in compliance with CDC and OSHA standards. Sterilization Cycle: Decontaminate, clean, wrap, and sterilize instruments; maintain accurate logs of spore testing. Inventory Control: Monitor, order, and stock sterilization supplies and dental materials to prevent shortages. Equipment Maintenance: Ensure all dental instruments and handpieces are in good working order and submit items for repair when needed. Laundry: Wash and dry clinic uniforms daily 2. Hygiene Coordinator Patient Flow: Assist hygienists with seating patients, charting, taking radiographs, and ensuring proper turnover of hygiene operatories. Patient Education: Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, home care instructions, and post-operative care. 3. Dental Assistant Duties Provide chairside assistance to the dentist using four-handed dentistry techniques. Take digital x-rays, CBCT, intraoral photos, and digital dental io scans. Qualifications Experience: Minimum 1-2 years of dental assisting experience required. Previous experience as a Lead Dental Assistant or Sterilization Technician is preferred. Licensure: Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with Washington State. CPR & First Aid certification. Radiology: Competency in FMX, CBCT and PA radiographs. Knowledge: Strong understanding of OSHA regulations, CDC guidelines, and aseptic techniques. Technology: Familiarity with dental software (Dentrix Preferred). Skills: Excellent communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Supportive of team members to ensure each team member is the best they can be. Benefits : Competitive hourly pay depending on experience Group Health Insurance 5 weeks of Paid Time Off Paid sick days 401(k) / Retirement Plan (eligibility requirements) Uniforms provided & shoe allowance Continuing Education/On-the-job training Growth opportunity - Surgical Assistant Training Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 36 – 40 per week Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Uniform allowance Work Location: In person

Read More