Sterilization Assistant- IL- College of Dental Medicine

About the role

This position reports to the Supervisor of Sterilization and interacts significantly with faculty, staff, and students. Individuals must be able to adapt to work schedule changes based on the hours of the clinic.

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.
• Participate in instrument, equipment, and supply management by:
  • 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.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner with regular, in-person attendance.
• Significant interaction with the public and many internal customers; must be able to develop positive rapport effectively.
• 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 proper biohazard protocol and procedure for handling dirty equipment and sharp objects.

Education

• 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.

Computer Skills

• Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general Dental Software required.

Language Skills

• Intermediate skills: 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.

Physical Demands

• 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 include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Noise level in the work environment is typically moderate but can be occasionally high.
• Must be able to wear PPE (gown, gloves, and goggles) at all times during work.