Sterile Processing Technician

Lyon College; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Lyon College's Dental Sterile Processing Technician role supports safe clinical sterilization for the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine (LCSDM) Clinics. Responsibilities include instrument decontamination, sterilization, storage, distribution, and maintaining logs and quality assurance records.

The position partners with faculty, students, and staff to ensure infection control standards are met. The role requires attention to detail, PPE discipline, and teamwork in a fast-paced dental

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Sterile processing experience or dental assisting experience preferred.
• Sterile processing certification (e.g., CRCST) or equivalent infection control training is required/preferred.
• Ability to comply with OSHA and infection control policies; PPE protocols followed.

Responsibilities

• Perform instrument receiving, sorting, and decontamination.
• Clean, disinfect, inspect, assemble, and package instruments per IFUs and clinic protocols.
• Operate and maintain sterilization equipment and document cycle data.
• Conduct sterilization monitoring and expediting failures as needed.
• Label, date, store, rotate sterile packs, and distribute supplies to operatories.
• Support operatory turnover and inventory control; assist with ordering and stocking.

Skills

Infection control

Sterilization procedures

Documentation & logs

Communication & teamwork

Attention to detail

PPE compliance

Inventory tracking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Autoclaves

Ultrasonic cleaners

Instrument washers

Sterilization monitors

Job description

Sterile Processing Technician-

The Dental Sterile Processing Technician supports safe, efficient clinical sterilization operations for the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine (LCSDM) Clinics by ensuring all instruments, equipment, and operatories meet infection prevention and sterilization standards. The technician performs instrument decontamination, sterilization, storage, and distribution; maintains sterilization documentation and quality assurance logs; supports operatory turnover; and assists with inventory control and supply stocking. This role works closely with faculty, students, and clinic staff and supports compliance with CDC infection control recommendations and OSHA standards. This position reports to the LCSDM Clinic Manager and ultimately, the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Perform instrument receiving, sorting, and decontamination using appropriate PPE and workflows (dirty-to-clean separation).
• Clean, disinfect, inspect, assemble, and package instruments/cassettes according to manufacturer IFUs and clinic protocols.
• Operate and maintain sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves/sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, instrument washers) and document cycle data.
• Conduct and document required sterilization monitoring (mechanical, chemical indicators, and biological spore testing) and expedite failures per policy.
• Label, date, store, and rotate sterile packs; distribute instruments and supplies to operatories and specialty areas as needed.
• Support operatory turnover by ensuring treatment rooms are stocked, barriers are placed/removed appropriately, and surfaces are cleaned/disinfected per protocol.
• Track instrument flow to reduce loss, maintain kit completeness, and ensure timely availability for clinic sessions and student needs.
• Maintain accurate logs, SDS access, maintenance records, and incident reports; protect confidential information as applicable.
• Monitor and restock sterile processing and operatory supplies; assist with ordering, receiving, and inventory organization.
• Participate in infection control audits, safety meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives; assist with training students/staff on proper instrument handling and infection prevention practices.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of infection prevention principles for dental settings, including aseptic technique and safe handling of sharps and contaminated instruments.
• Ability to follow manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs), clinic policies, and standardized sterile processing workflows.
• Skill in operating sterilization and cleaning equipment and accurately documenting cycle/monitoring results.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks to support clinic schedules and respond to urgent instrument needs.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills; ability to interact professionally with students, faculty, and staff.
• Basic computer skills for documentation/logs; ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Commitment to safety, confidentiality, and compliance with clinic policies and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma/GED required.
• Experience: Sterile processing, dental assisting, or clinical support experience preferred (equivalent related experience considered).
• Required Certifications: Sterile processing certification (e.g., CRCST) or dental infection control training.
• Compliance: Ability to support compliance with OSHA and clinic infection control policies; follow required PPE and exposure-control procedures.

Lyon College is a USN&WR "top tier" national liberal arts college and recognized by Forbes as "One of America's Top Colleges." Founded in 1872, the College is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Arkansas and offers undergraduates exceptional preparation for their post-baccalaureate objectives, particularly in STEM fields, Business, Economics and Accounting, and the Arts. The Lyon College Institute of Health Sciences in Little Rock will house the College’s professional programs, including the School of Oral Health and Dental Medicine, as well as the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Lyon College does not discriminate with respect to the hiring of applicants or with respect to the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. It is the continuing policy of Lyon College to comply with any applicable state and federal law regarding equal employment opportunities.