Sterilization Technician

Job Overview

Under the direct supervision of the SVP of Dental Services, the Sterilization Technician supports daily operations of all activities that relate to the reprocessing of reusable medical supplies and instrumentation, including decontamination, cleaning, assembly, wrapping, sterilization, and storage processes. The Technician follows all professional standards, regulations, and strict infection control guidelines and assists the site staff in performing sterilization, equipment maintenance, and inventory as needed.

Job Type: Full‑time

• Performs all functions in full compliance with the center’s Infection Control Plan, the Sterilization Policy, and PPE and universal precautions policies.
• Performs all functions related to decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization of all instruments, equipment, and clinical areas in the dental and medical services, including monitoring of processes.
• Ensures the sterility of all reusable sterilizable instruments and equipment in accordance with directives and protocols, following AAMI Guidelines and other standards.
• Periodically reviews standards and guidelines to ensure compliance and address changes.
• Operates and maintains equipment in the sterilization area and lab according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Instructs and oversees site operation and maintenance procedures of equipment in sterilization areas.
• Ensures the proper handling of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Zufall Health Center policies and state and federal regulations.
• Maintains all areas involved in disinfection and sterilization in compliance with regulatory directives, protocols, and center policies related to infection control, exposure control, and safety.
• Reviews QA and monitoring activities related to disinfection and sterilization processes.
• Identifies areas in need of improvement and reports corrective actions to the Sterilization Technician Coordinator, Director of Dental Services, Director of Nursing, and the Infection Control Committee.
• Participates in related committees such as the Infection Control Committee and others as assigned.
• Performs independent sterilization and related procedures as delegated by the SVP of Dental Services in accordance with state regulation, law, and Dental Department directive.
• Maintains medical and dental reusable equipment inventory in accordance with manufacturer’s directions, Zufall policy, and protocol, and updates IFU information.
• Performs scheduled maintenance of equipment and coordinates general maintenance with outside vendors when indicated.
• Addresses problems with autoclaves and other equipment, troubleshoots, and contacts vendors for parts and repairs as requested by the Dental Director/designee.
• Works with other Zufall Health Center departments as scheduled and as needed.
• Regular travel to Zufall sites is required.
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals.
• Demonstrates and teaches new staff, students, interns, and volunteers the use of equipment and proper dental protocol related to safety and infection control.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Requires a comprehensive knowledge of sterilization techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry.
• Knowledge of materials used, their storage, handling, and applications is desired.
• Completion of an accredited course in central sterilization.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teaching skills, with a positive and proactive attitude.
• Ability to attend to multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize assignments to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.
• Must be able to work with health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal results for patients.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English are required.
• Ability to work with people from diverse social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds is necessary.
• Work under stressful conditions as well as irregular hours may be required.
• Frequent exposure to communicable disease, body fluids,…