Sterilization Assistant- AZ - Dental Institute

Midwestern University•Glendale, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sterilization Assistant performs sterilization techniques for dental instruments and follows dental terminology and infection control protocols established by the College of Dental Medicine. The role dispenses, collects, and processes dental instruments, equipment, and consumable supplies used in Dental Institute clinics. It reports to the Supervisor of Sterilization and interacts with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and other internal customers. The employee must adapt to schedule changes based on clinic hours and maintain regular, in-person attendance. The position supports supply and instrument management, operates and maintains sterilization equipment, performs testing and record keeping, and maintains the organization and cleanliness of sterilization rooms and storage facilities. It also assists with infection control in dental operatories, quality assurance, staff training, and customer service. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. The work involves regular standing and walking; frequent bending, kneeling, crouching or crawling, handling, reaching, talking, and hearing; and occasional climbing, balancing, and sitting. Employees regularly lift or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds, and regularly push or pull carts using up to 40 pounds of force. The work environment is typically moderately noisy and can occasionally be loud. The employee must be able to hear equipment and conversation and wear a gown, gloves, and goggles throughout work.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1–2 years of work experience in a sterilization department or dental office.
Experience with sterilization equipment, instrument packaging, and troubleshooting equipment.
Familiarity with OSHA guidelines, dental equipment, general dental procedures, and infection control protocols.
Experience working in a team- and customer service-oriented environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor, be detail-oriented, and promote a welcoming atmosphere.
Ability and willingness to cross-train in other areas of the Dental Clinic.
Ability to interact professionally with vendors.
Ability to become familiar with the axiUm electronic tracking system.
Ability to learn biohazard protocols and procedures for handling dirty equipment and sharp objects.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and general dental software.
Ability to perform the essential duties in a safe and alert manner and maintain regular in-person attendance.
Ability to wear a gown, gloves, and goggles throughout work.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including standing and walking regularly, lifting and moving items, and pushing or pulling carts.

Responsibilities

Disinfect mobile carts to transport instruments to clinic dispensaries in a timely manner for both shifts.
Maintain inventory data for dental clinic supplies and assist with related data entry.
Generate reorder lists, sort and stock clinical supplies, and track, inventory, and dispense dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.
Operate high-capacity sterilization units, ultrasonic cleaning units, and instrument washers.
Clean and lubricate dental handpieces and accessories, instrument cassettes, and bur blocks.
Identify instrumentation and monitor cassettes for completeness.
Use aseptic techniques when handling instruments, equipment, and supplies.
Perform weekly maintenance on sterilization equipment.
Package and wrap pre-sterilized instruments.
Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and general appearance of sterilizing rooms and related storage facilities.
Assist with infection control for dental operatory equipment.
Perform weekly biological testing and record keeping on autoclaves throughout the dental clinic.
Perform daily Bowie-Dick testing and record keeping on Getinge sterilizers in Central Sterilization.
Participate in Dental Clinic meetings and the department quality assurance process.
Adapt to shift changes based on clinic hours.
Train staff, faculty, and students on sterilization and infection control; assist in training new employees.
Provide exceptional service to internal customers and perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Pet insurance.
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care.
Paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days.
403(b) retirement plan.
Tuition reimbursement.
Child care subsidy reimbursement program.
Identity theft protection.
Employee assistance program.
On-site wellness facility with a fully equipped fitness facility.