Sterilization Assistant- AZ - Dental Institute

Midwestern University • Glendale, AZ

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sterilization Assistant is responsible for conducting proper sterilization techniques related to dental instrumentation, dental terminology, and proper infection control protocols as established by the College of Dental Medicine. This position is responsible for the dispensing, collecting, and processing of dental instruments, equipment, and consumable supplies utilized in the Dental Institute clinics. The position reports to the Supervisor of Sterilization and interacts significantly with faculty, staff, and students. Individuals in this position must be able to adapt to work schedule changes based on the hours of the clinic.

Requirements

• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Regular, in-person attendance.
• Ability to develop positive rapport effectively.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor.
• Detail oriented.
• 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 axiUm electronic tracking system.
• Ability to learn proper biohazard protocol and procedure for handling dirty equipment and sharp objects.
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• A minimum of 1-2 years of work experience in a sterilization department or dental office is required.
• Experience with sterilization equipment, packaging of instruments and the ability to troubleshoot equipment is required.
• Familiarity with OSHA guidelines, knowledge of dental equipment, general procedures and proper infection control protocols is required.
• Experience working in a team and customer service-oriented environment with excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• A person committed to ensuring that a work friendly environment exists with faculty, staff, and students.
• Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general Dental Software required.
• Ability to hear, identify and acknowledge the different noise frequencies of the various sterilization equipment and human conversation and communication is required.
• Must be able to wear PPE [gown, gloves, and goggles] all the time during work.

Responsibilities

• Disinfect mobile carts so that instruments can be transported to clinic dispensaries in a timely manner for both shifts.
• Responsible for inventory data used to maintain supplies in the dental clinic.
• Assist with data entry pertaining to supplies used in the dental clinic.
• Generating reorder list of clinic materials.
• Sorting and stocking clinical supplies.
• Operating high-capacity sterilization units, ultrasonic cleaning units, and instrument washers.
• Cleaning and lubricating dental hand pieces/accessories, instrument cassettes, and bur blocks.
• Identifying instrumentation and monitoring all cassettes for completeness of content.
• Utilizing aseptic techniques when handling instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Tracking, inventorying, and dispensing dental instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Performing weekly maintenance on all sterilization equipment.
• Packaging and wrapping pre-sterilized instruments.
• Maintain the organization, cleanliness and general appearance of the sterilizing rooms and their related storage facilities.
• Assist with dental operatory equipment infection control.
• Perform weekly biological testing and record keeping on all autoclaves located throughout the dental clinic.
• Perform daily Bowie-Dick testing and record keeping on all Getinge sterilizers located in Central Sterilization.
• Perform weekly maintenance on all sterilization equipment.
• Participate in Dental Clinic meetings.
• Participate in the quality assurance process within the department.
• Adaptable to shift changes.
• Train staff, faculty, and students about sterilization and infection control issues.
• Assist in the training of new employees.
• Consistently provide exceptional service to internal customers.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short/long term disability
• Pet insurance
• Flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account
• Competitive time off package including 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
• Wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED