Sterilization Assistant- IL- College of Dental Medicine

Midwestern University US; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institution as a Sterilization Assistant, where you'll play a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of dental hygiene and safety. In this hands-on position, you'll be responsible for the sterilization of dental instruments, ensuring compliance with infection control protocols, and actively participating in the management of supplies. This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with faculty, staff, and students in a collaborative environment. If you are detail-oriented, enjoy working in a dynamic setting, and are passionate about dental health, this position is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in sterilization or dental office required.
• Knowledge of OSHA guidelines and sterilization equipment essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct sterilization of dental instruments and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of sterilizing rooms.
• Assist with infection control and quality assurance processes.

Skills

Sterilization Techniques

Dental Terminology

Infection Control Protocols

Inventory Management

Data Entry

Customer Interaction

Cross-Training

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Sterilization Equipment

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Dental Software

axiUm Electronic Tracking System

Job description

Sterilization Assistant- IL- College of Dental Medicine

Job Category: Staff

Requisition Number: STERI003933

• Posted: December 5, 2024
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Illinois Dental Clinic
Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA

Description

Summary

The Sterilization Assistant is responsible for conducting proper sterilization techniques related to dental instrumentation, dental terminology, and 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Disinfect mobile carts for timely instrument transportation.
• Maintain inventory data for department supplies.
• Assist with data entry for supplies used in the dental clinic.
• Participate in instrument, equipment, and supply management by:
  • Preparing, processing, 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, spatula, and knives.
  • Identifying instrumentation and monitoring all cassettes for completeness.
  • Operating 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.
  • Tracking missing and broken instruments.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of sterilizing rooms.
• Participate in quality assurance processes.
• Assist with dental operatory equipment infection control.
• Perform weekly biological testing and record keeping on all autoclaves.
• Perform daily Bowie-Dick testing on sterilizers.
• Assist in training staff, faculty, and students on sterilization and infection control.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This individual must have the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and must have regular, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Qualifications

This position requires significant interaction with the public and internal customers; therefore, the individual must be able to develop positive rapport effectively. The ability to maintain a professional demeanor, be detail-oriented, and promote a welcoming atmosphere is essential. Cross-training in other areas of the Dental clinic is required. The individual must also be familiar with the axiUm electronic tracking system and learn proper biohazard protocol.

Education and/or Experience

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 and knowledge of OSHA guidelines is essential.

Computer Skills

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

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is regularly required to push/pull carts by applying up to 40 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state, and local laws.