Sterilization/Dispensing Technician

Sterilization/Dispensing Technician

Primary Purpose:
Under the immediate supervision of the sterilization and dispensing manager, perform duties related to the dispensary area including dispensing of dental instruments and materials, and collection of contaminated items.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

Essential Functions:

• Process used dental instruments and equipment to include receiving, cleaning, wrapping, and sterilization of semi-critical and critical items; disinfect non-critical portable dental equipment; inspect contents of all instrument cassettes and packages for completeness and damage; replace as needed.
• Operate and assist in the maintenance of washing and cleaning sterilization machines in central sterilization, including weekly biological testing of all autoclaves.
• Prepare pre-packaged disposable items; dispense instrument cassettes and dental materials/equipment according to established procedures.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of borrowed and returned cassettes, materials, and equipment; maintain security of all inventory according to established procedures.
• Understand and properly employ the electronic tracking system using bar coding, scanners, and reports provided by tracking software.
• Order supplies for dispensing windows; restock inventory as needed; track inventory in the dispensary and storage lockers.
• Maintain a neat, clean and orderly sterilization room and dispensing area according to established standards.
• Monitor adherence to infection control policies and procedures among clinic students, residents and faculty.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Sterilization and Dispensing Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge of:

• Sterilization techniques.
• Dental instruments/materials and their use.
• Dental terminology
• Infection control protocol and requirements.

Ability To:

• Index and alphabetize accurately.
• Recognize and set-up dental instruments.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience in a dental/medical setting.

Education/Certifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification in Central Sterilization required or obtain within 12 months of employment

Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and patients.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Effectively provide assistance to staff and students.

Experience:

• Previous experience in a hospital or health care delivery system is highly desirable.

Other:

• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Requires standing during majority of working hours.
• Requires lifting of instrument baskets in and out of autoclave machine and lifting boxes of gloves and dental materials up to 40 lbs.
• Requires moving large mobile carts through clinic areas and into/out of elevators.

Hiring Range: 32.39

Background Check Statement:
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:
University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.