A dental practice needs to be a well-oiled machine. Without everyone doing their part, the whole process falls apart.
As such, when you enter your sterile processing tech interview, it’s good to have some of your answers rehearsed to present your best side.
Here’s how you want to answer when asked, “Why do you want to be a sterile processing tech?”:
Answer this question honestly, referring to your qualifications and prior work experience. If you’re new to the field, don’t hesitate to say so.
Just be honest about your interests, passions, and willingness to learn.
Now that you’ve got a basic overview of the questions let’s dive into some sample answers to get a feel for what the hiring manager is looking for.
Why Do You Want to Be a Sterile Processing Tech Answers
1. example answer
I want to be a sterile processing tech to make a difference.
I think a massive amount of behind-the-scenes work goes into everything dentists do, and I want to be a part of that process.
See also: Dentist Interview Questions
I’m organized and attentive to detail, and enjoy working in a teamwork-oriented environment.
As such, I’d be thrilled to become part of a team dedicated to helping people and serving in that important backstage role of ensuring all equipment is clean and sterile.
2. example answer
I want to be a sterilization tech for the sense of community it fosters.
I’ve always done well in previous jobs in a team-oriented setting, and my strong work ethic makes me a valuable asset to every team.
I’ve met several wonderful people working at a previous dental practice, and every day at work was a stressful yet fulfilling experience.
I want to bring my expertise to help people and capture a sense of fulfillment and purpose in a dental practice.
I enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working in a dental practice and the patient-oriented mindset that drives everything we do.
3. example answer
I want to be a sterilization technician to expand my career opportunities.
I’ve always enjoyed learning about dental health practices and new technologies coming to the forefront of dental practices.
I want flexibility and self-direction in my work environment, and being a sterilization tech is a great career opportunity to improve myself.
Of course, I understand that a dental practice isn’t about any one person.
It’s a sense of community and progression in helping people understand their oral health better and get treatment when they need it.
I’ve greatly enjoyed learning about dentistry and find sterilizing and maintaining equipment enjoyable and fulfilling.
I’m always looking to improve and better myself, and I’m very interested in a position as a sterilization tech.
4. example answer
I want to be a sterilization technician to help people learn more about their oral health.
See also: Oral Surgery Assistant Interview Questions
Many people fear the dentist, which I grew up with as well.
However, I started to take more interest in dentistry as I grew up.
I’m very organized and detail-oriented, so my focus naturally gravitated toward the more mechanical and precise roles in a dental practice.
I love the idea of being able to help dentists and coordinators focus on patient care rather than worrying about whether all the equipment is properly sterilized.
See also: Dental Treatment Coordinator Interview Questions
The fast-paced, high-energy nature of the job excites me as I grow in proficiency, and helping patients learn more about their oral health – even in a backstage role – is something I aspire to achieve.
5. example answer
I want to become a sterilization processing technician because I have a critical eye and enjoy problem-solving.
I’ve worked a desk job for quite a while, and the constant fatigue of the day-in-day-out grind was exhausting.
As such, I want to be part of a living, breathing team with the admirable goal of helping people better their oral health.
I’m interested in this field because it’s a necessary part of any practice and because the day-in, day-out work is something I enjoy.
The sense of participation and activity in collecting, decontaminating, and cataloging tools with varying responsibilities and tasks from day to day is something I’m enthusiastic about.
See also: Sterile Processing Educator Interview Questions
How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Be a Sterile Processing Technician?”
Honesty is the most important thing to remember when you answer this question.
Suppose your primary purpose for becoming a sterile processing technician is career advancement.
In that case, there’s no need to invent a narrative that you think your hiring manager will want to hear.
Being a sterile processing technician is essential to ensure that every piece of equipment is free from contamination and to facilitate a healthy working environment for everyone in the dental practice.
It’s ok if dentistry isn’t something you’re expressly interested in.
It’s more important to assure your hiring manager that you’re detail-oriented, capable of working in a team, and committed to a high standard of ethics.
These are the markers of a trustworthy and competent technician that they are looking for.
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Conclusion: Why Do You Want to Be a Sterile Processing Tech?
Before you go into your interview, it’s essential to consider how you will answer this question since it will likely come up during the conversation.
A willingness to learn, work hard, and work together are the most critical factors for a sterile processing tech.
Be honest and sincere in your answer but also reflect on the following:
- your commitment to a high work standard,
- your ability to work on a team,
- and your capacity to take on feedback as necessary.
If you incorporate your mindset towards the dental practice into your answers, you stand a much better chance of being hired.
Good luck with your upcoming interview!
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