UNIV - Sterile Processing Technician - College of Dental Medicine

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

2d

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Central Sterilization Manager. Under general supervision, the Dental Assistant/Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing, sterilization and distribution of instruments in compliance with dental clinic policies and procedures, state, local and federal requirements. This position Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and one year experience or training within the specific work area.
• Some positions require licensure by the South Carolina Board of Dentistry.
• Some positions require certification as a dental assistant by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.
• Ability to perform job functions while standing.
• Ability to perform job functions while sitting.
• Ability to perform job functions while walking.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to work indoors.
• Ability to work from elevated areas.
• Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces.
• Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions.
• Ability to bend at the waist.
• Ability to twist at the waist.
• Ability to squat and perform job functions.
• Ability to perform 'pinching' operations.
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.
• Ability to fully use both legs.
• Ability to reach in all directions.
• Possess good finger dexterity.
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.
• Ability to lift and carry 50# , unassisted.
• Ability to lift/carry patients to 350# (+/-), assisted.
• Ability to lift objects from floor level to height of 36 inches, to 50#, unassisted.
• Ability to lower objects, to 50#, from height of 36 inches, unassisted.
• Ability to push/pull objects to 350#(+/-), unassisted.
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected.
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand.
• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance.
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors.
• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception.
• Good peripheral vision capabilities.
• Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction.
• Ability to hear and understand whispered conversations at a distance of 3 feet.
• Must be ambidextrous.
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
• Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work rotating shifts.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, equipment as required.

Responsibilities

• Operates all required sterilization equipment and machinery to accurately and safely, prepare, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of Health, OSHA, CDC, FDA and AAMI standards.
• Handles and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function, identification and assembly according to guidelines and preparation for sterilization; retrieves malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.
• Packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization, inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness and cleanliness.
• Retrieves contaminated instruments and delivers sterile instruments to and from dental clinics as scheduled for each shift
• Maintains appropriate records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards. Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays belonging to the facility.
• Serves as back up Dental Assistant for all dental clinics as needed
• All other duties as assigned by manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED