SURGICAL TECHNICIAN Career Information Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

DENTAL HYGIENIST I.What they do: A.Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures B.Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and perform other tasks as directed by surgeons during an operation C.Prepare surgical trays and sterilize equipment, using germicides and autoclaves D.Assess operating room conditions throughout surgical procedures, including patient needs and surgical team needs Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

DENTAL HYGIENIST II. Tools they use: A.Surgical drapes, gloves, tray covers, and sterilizing equipment, such as autoclaves B.Surgical instruments, such as scalpels, sutures, internal staplers, and power drills C.Medical, surgical, and graphics computer software Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

DENTAL HYGIENIST III. Working conditions: A.Environmentally controlled surgical suites B.Requires close interaction with the surgeon and surgical team C.Requires working closely with patients D.Requires wearing protective clothing and gloves and standing on one’s feet for long hours Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

DENTAL HYGIENIST IV. Who they work for: A.Hospital operating and delivery rooms B.Private work for special surgical teams, such as for liver transplants C.Out-patient surgery centers D.Military surgical units Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

DENTAL HYGIENIST V. Training required: A.Associate’s degree from a community college, vocational college, or technical school B.Certification from a surgical technology program in an accredited institution C.Training under the supervision of a surgeon, registered nurse, or other surgical personnel Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

DENTAL HYGIENIST VI. Skills: A.Ability to arrange surgical instruments and the surgical suite in a particular order or pattern according to the needs of the surgeon B.Ability to keep arms and hands steady and to manipulate objects under the direction of the surgeon C.Ability to listen and understand information, to monitor the surgical suite closely, and to communicate information clearly with the surgical team Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

DENTAL HYGIENIST VII. Knowledge areas: A.Knowledge of surgical procedures for treating human diseases and injuries B.Knowledge of equipment and instruments used by surgeons in various surgical procedures C.Knowledge of the sterilization process for preparing the patient, the instruments, and the surgical suite prior to surgery Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

DENTAL HYGIENIST VIII. Income: A.Median income for a Surgical Technician is approximately $40,950 per year (2011) B.Current employment is approximately 94,000 employees (2010) C.Projected job openings between 2010 and 2020 are for approximately 33,900 employees Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.