Sterilization Assistant- IL- College of Dental Medicine

Midwestern University•Downers Grove, IL

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 in a safe manner.
Regular, in-person attendance.
Ability to develop positive rapport effectively.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor, be detail-oriented, and promote a welcoming atmosphere is essential.
Ability and willingness to cross-train in other areas of the Dental clinic is required.
Ability to interact professionally with vendors is also required.
Ability to become familiar with the axiUm electronic tracking system.
Ability to learn proper biohazard protocol and procedure for handling dirty equipment and sharp objects required.
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 required.
Experience working in a team and customer service-oriented environment with excellent written and verbal communication skills is essential.
This individual should be 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 read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
Regularly required to stand and walk.
Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.
Occasionally required to climb or balance and sit.
Must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Regularly required to push/pull carts by applying up to 40 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
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 department.
Assist with data entry pertaining to supplies used in the dental clinic.
Preparing and processing instruments, supplies, and equipment.
Cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, packaging, and restocking instruments, supplies, and equipment.
Cleaning and lubricating dental hand pieces/accessories, instrument cassettes, and bur blocks.
Disinfecting lab bowls, spatulas, and knives.
Identifying instrumentation and monitoring all cassettes for completeness of content.
Operating high-capacity sterilization units, ultrasonic cleaning units, and instrument washers.
Tracking, inventorying, and dispensing dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.
Assisting with barcoding and re-barcoding instruments and equipment and entering items into the system.
Tracking missing and broken instruments and entering them into the system.
Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and general appearance of the sterilizing rooms.
Participate in the quality assurance process within the department.
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.
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, dental, and vision insurance plans
life insurance
short/long-term disability
pet insurance
flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and a 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