UNIV - Sterile Processing Technician - College of Dental Medicine
About The Position
The Dental Assistant/Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Central Sterilization Manager and works under general supervision. The role is responsible for decontaminating, cleaning, processing, sterilizing, and distributing instruments in compliance with dental clinic policies and procedures and applicable state, local, and federal requirements. The position follows Standard Precautions, including using appropriate protective barriers, handling and disposing of infectious waste, and hand washing. The technician operates sterilization equipment and machinery; prepares, assembles, inspects, and sterilizes instruments and supplies; supports instrument care and repairs; and transports contaminated and sterile instruments between clinics. The role also maintains records and monitors quality and infection-control standards, manages surgical instrument and tray assets, and provides backup dental-assistant coverage as needed.
Requirements
- High school diploma.
- One year of training or experience within the specific work area.
- Certification in Radiation Safety is required for positions responsible for dental x-rays.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as required.
- Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, and equipment as required.
- Ability to perform the listed physical functions, including standing continuously, walking frequently, working in confined spaces frequently, and lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds unassisted.
- Ability to lift or carry patients weighing up to approximately 350 pounds with assistance and to push or pull objects weighing up to approximately 350 pounds unassisted.
- Ability to qualify physically for respirator use, initially and annually.
Responsibilities
- Operate sterilization equipment and machinery and prepare, assemble, and sterilize instruments and supplies according to sterilization parameters and applicable Department of Health, OSHA, CDC, FDA, and AAMI standards.
- Handle and care for instruments, including selecting cleaning agents and lubricants, examining instrument function, identifying and assembling instruments according to guidelines, and preparing them for sterilization.
- Retrieve malfunctioning instruments and ensure repairs are completed.
- Pack supplies and instruments, wrap instruments for sterilization, and inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness, and cleanliness.
- Retrieve contaminated instruments and deliver sterile instruments to and from dental clinics as scheduled for each shift.
- Maintain appropriate records and monitor quality-control and infection-control standards.
- Provide asset management and support for facility surgical instruments and trays.
- Serve as a backup Dental Assistant for dental clinics as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.
- Follow Standard Precautions, including appropriate use of protective barriers, infectious-waste handling and disposal, and hand washing.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
