PS Sterile Processing Tech

University of Utah; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Tuition relief

Job summary

The University of Utah School of Dentistry is seeking a detail-oriented Sterile Processing Technician to support daily sterilization and instrument reprocessing for our dental clinics in Salt Lake City, UT. The role ensures instruments are cleaned, decontaminated, sterilized, assembled, inspected, and distributed per infection control standards.

This entry-level position supports students, faculty, and clinical teams without direct patient care, offering growth in sterile processing and

Qualifications

• Entry level position.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow sterilization procedures and infection control protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of dental instruments and equipment.
• Operate and maintain washer disinfectors, and steam sterilizers (autoclaves).
• Assemble and maintain instrument cassettes and procedure cassettes for dental clinics.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, damage, and functionality.
• Monitor and document biological and chemical sterilization indicators.
• Maintain sterilization records and inventory tracking systems.
• Barcode, inventory, and organize dental instruments and equipment.
• Deliver sterilized instruments to clinic dispensary and retrieve contaminated instruments.
• Ensure compliance with CDC , OSHA , manufacturer, and University infection control standards.
• Assist in maintaining adequate supply and instrument inventory levels.
• The role requires standing, walking, lifting, pushing, and pulling instruments and equipment throughout the shift.

Skills

Sterile processing

Dental assisting

Infection control

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Washer disinfectors

Autoclaves

Instrument cassettes

Job description

Working Title Sterile Processing Tech, School of Dentistry

Career Progression Track UGR

FLSA Code

FLSA Code Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code?

Patient Sensitive Job Code? Yes

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Monday – Friday. Hours may vary, depending on clinic needs.

VP Area

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department

Department 01478 - SOD - EDUCATION

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range $18.59 – 20.15

Close Date

Close Date 12/11/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

The School of Dentistry is seeking a detail-oriented Sterile Processing Technician to support the daily sterilization and instrument reprocessing needs of our dental clinics. This role is responsible for the cleaning, decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of dental instruments and supplies in accordance with established infection control standards.

The technician ensures that dental instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and available to support clinical care and dental education. This position plays a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant clinic operations.

This position does not provide direct patient care, but supports students, faculty, and clinical teams by maintaining sterile instrument workflows. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals with sterile processing, dental assisting, or instrument reprocessing experience who enjoy working in a fast-paced healthcare environment. As a member of the School of Dentistry team, you are expected to form positive and productive relationships with peers, students, and leadership to support the mission, vision, values, and PROMISE standards of the organization. You are expected to encourage and foster a supportive and compassionate environment for all patients, students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM

• Work in a large academic dental clinic environment
• Support the education of future dental professionals
• Excellent benefits including medical, dental, retirement, and tuition reduction
• Opportunities for training and professional growth
• Collaborative team environment focused on patient safety and infection control

Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of dental instruments and equipment.
• Operate and maintain washer disinfectors, and steam sterilizers (autoclaves).
• Assemble and maintain instrument cassettes and procedure cassettes for dental clinics.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, damage, and functionality.
• Monitor and document biological and chemical sterilization indicators.
• Maintain sterilization records and inventory tracking systems.
• Barcode, inventory, and organize dental instruments and equipment.
• Deliver sterilized instruments to clinic dispensary and retrieve contaminated instruments.
• Ensure compliance with CDC , OSHA , manufacturer, and University infection control standards.
• Assist in maintaining adequate supply and instrument inventory levels.
• The role requires standing, walking, lifting, pushing, and pulling instruments and equipment throughout the shift.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

Entry level position.

Preferred

Work experience in a medical setting or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience).

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Preferences

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow sterilization procedures and infection control protocols.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred

• 1+ year of experience in sterile processing, dental assisting, or instrument reprocessing.
• Experience working in a dental or medical clinic environment.
• Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and instrument cassettes.
• Knowledge of dental instruments and terminology.
• Experience monitoring biological and chemical sterilization indicators.
• Sterile Processing Certification such as CRCST or CSPDT preferred.

This role may be especially well suited for dental assistants seeking a non–patient facing position or individuals interested in specializing in instrument sterilization and infection control.

This position is patient-sensitive and must meet all immunization requirements in accordance with CDC guidelines and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be considered for documented medical or religious reasons.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work).

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page .

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

• How many years of prior sterile processing experience do you have?
  • less than 1 year
  • 1 - 3 years
  • 3 - 5 years
  • 5 years or more
• How many years of work experience in a medical setting do you have?
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year or more, but less than 2 years
  • 2 years or more, but less than 4 years
  • 4 years or more