Central Service Tech I - College of Dentistry

Sterilization Services at UI’s College of Dentistry is looking for individuals to join our team as a Central Service Tech I. This entry-level position rotates through two distinct clinical areas: Instrument Processing (Decontamination, Sterile Storage, and Prep & Pack) and Dental Clinic Dispensaries.

Responsibilities

• Instrument Processing:
  • Perform technical duties and operational responsibility for all aspects of dental instrument management and materials supply system.
  • Receive, process, and distribute requested instruments and products to and from departmental, specialty, and satellite clinics.
  • Handle large volumes of complex dental instrumentation, power equipment, and different instrument patterns.
  • Sort and inspect instruments/devices prior to cleaning, and disassemble and reassemble as needed.
  • Wash instruments manually or by loading and unloading a sonic or washer/decontaminator.
  • Operate steam autoclaves utilizing appropriate health safety techniques/procedures.
  • Perform all aspects of sterilization, packaging inspections, equipment operation, safety procedures, proper documentation, and determining prioritization.
  • Load/unload sterilizers. Sterilize items per manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU), verify correct parameters used for all instruments.
  • Perform Bowie Dick, biological/chemical testing of autoclave operations.
  • Monitor loads for sterility, unload sterile items, and inspect for damage and moisture. Sort items according to department.
  • Monitor recording charts & chemical integrators to confirm sterilization parameters have been met.
  • Maintain, monitor, and record dates, load numbers, autoclave identities, and test results.
  • Record/track charges for lost/damaged items.
  • Perform cleaning of sterilizers, sonic and washers, and monitor efficacy of sterilizers.
  • Insure drains, gaskets, and washers screens are checked and maintained.
  • Dispose of trash, linen, and teeth, and disinfect work area according to department health/safety protocol and OSHA standards.
• Dispensaries:
  • Prepare instrument cassettes/surgery trays/burs according to set up guides.
  • Inspect instruments for defects/perform routine maintenance where required.
  • Identify types of sterilization required for specific types of instruments.
  • Package/wrap/label/lubricate items for appropriate sterilization/load carts.
  • Perform duties in a high-stress environment, respond to emergencies/urgent add-ons, and respond to immediate needs of practitioners.
  • Prepare, distribute, and track procedure trays according to practitioners' needs.
  • Deliver sterilized equipment/instruments.
  • Provide technical knowledge to dental students/staff regarding appropriate instruments/equipment needed for specific situations/procedures.
  • Orient/reinforce policies and procedures regarding infection control, distribution, and return of dental instruments and supplies.
  • Restock supplies and maintain appropriate inventory (including specialty items) in dispensaries, instrument processing, labs, and operatories.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent, with courses in the physical and natural sciences and mathematics; or
• One year of experience in a hospital-related field that would provide a background in a medical environment or sterile technique as it applies to medical supplies and equipment.

Qualifications

• Highly Desirable:
  • Dental experience.
  • Experience in a hospital or dental sterilization department.
  • Demonstrated excellent customer service experience.
  • Good verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Desirable:
  • Certification from the Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Health Care Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).
• Must be able to move 50lb cassettes/trays and 100lb carts.
• Must be able to retrieve items from low-level drawers and cabinets.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a workstation for long periods of time (>75%).

Benefits

• Exceptional health coverage.
• University-paid life insurance.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Generous leave policies.
• 24/7 support services and well-being resources.
• Access to UI Health Care specialists.
• Professional growth opportunities with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Pay

Starting salary: $39,191.76 (Paygrade: 07).

Schedule

• Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• May require occasional overtime.

About the University

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Location: Dental Science Building (Iowa City, IA).