Sterilization Assistant- AZ - Dental Institute

Overview

The Sterilization Assistant is responsible for conducting proper sterilization techniques related to dental instrumentation, dental terminology, and infection control protocols established by the College of Dental Medicine. The role includes dispensing, collecting, and processing instruments and supplies used in the Dental Institute clinics and reporting to the Supervisor of Sterilization. The assistant must adapt to work schedule changes based on clinic hours.

• Disinfect mobile carts to transport instruments to clinic dispensaries for both shifts.
• Maintain inventory data to support clinic supplies.
• Assist with data entry for supplies used in the dental clinic.
• Participate in instrument, equipment, and supply management by:
• Generating reorder lists of clinic materials.
• Sorting and stocking clinical supplies.
• Operating high‑capacity sterilization units, ultrasonic cleaning units, and instrument washers.
• Cleaning and lubricating dental hand pieces, accessories, instrument cassettes, and bur blocks.
• Identifying instrumentation and monitoring cassettes for completeness.
• Using aseptic techniques when handling instruments.
• Tracking, inventorying, and dispensing dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Performing weekly maintenance on all sterilization equipment.
• Packaging and wrapping pre‑sterilized instruments.
• Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and appearance of the sterilizing rooms and related storage facilities.
• Assist with dental operatory equipment infection control.
• Perform weekly biological testing and record keeping on all autoclaves located throughout the clinic.
• Perform daily Bowie‑Dick testing and record keeping on all Getinge sterilizers in Central Sterilization.
• Participate in Dental Clinic meetings.
• Participate in the quality assurance process within the department.
• Be adaptable to shift changes.
• Train staff, faculty, and students about sterilization and infection control issues.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Consistently provide exceptional service to internal customers.
• Other duties may be assigned.

High school diploma or GED required. 1–2 years of experience in a sterilization department or dental office, experience with sterilization equipment, and ability to troubleshoot equipment are essential. Familiarity with OSHA guidelines, knowledge of dental equipment, and strong written and verbal communication skills are required. The candidate must be able to work in a constant state of alertness, attend regularly in person, and become familiar with the axiUm electronic tracking system.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

High school diploma or GED required. Additional education or experience in a dental setting is preferred.

Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general dental software.

Requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting up to 10 to 25 pounds regularly. Must be able to push or pull carts applying up to 40 pounds. Vision capabilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment is typically moderate noise but can be occasionally high. Must wear PPE (gown, gloves, goggles) at all times during work and respond to varying noise frequencies from sterilization equipment and conversations.

Midwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long term disability, pet insurance, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy, 403(b) retirement plan, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program. A wellness facility on‑site with a fully equipped fitness center is also provided.

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, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected class, in accordance with all federal, state and local laws, and regulations.

Midwestern University complies with the Smoke‑Free Arizona Act, the Smoke‑Free Illinois Act, the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003, and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.