Job Description
Managers in sterilization oversee the processing and maintenance of dental instruments, ensuring cleanliness and availability for procedures that underpin patient safety in treatments ranging from orthopedics to internal medicine. Their role minimizes infection risks, allowing clinics to operate efficiently and uphold compliance standards.
Temple University's Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry provides comprehensive dental education and patient care across multiple disciplines, supporting alumni with tools like smart classrooms and digital labs. Established in 1863, it has more than 7,000 graduates and offers advanced training programs.
Assistants coordinate with managers to clean, sterilize, and dispense instruments, maintaining accurate cycle records and conducting sterile recalls if tests fail. They enforce policies, train staff, and order supplies. Using barcode systems and computers, they communicate with clinical areas. Supervisors adjust assignments for workflow, perform in-services, and handle disciplinary actions per policies. The role includes performing technician duties and providing after-hours coverage.
The full-time day shift, hours 10 AM-7 PM, pays $52,000 to $60,000 at Health Sciences Campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Full medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off with 11 holidays, tuition remission, and a retirement plan provided. Certified registered central service technician required, with three years experience, or equivalent.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the management and coordination of the decontamination, sterilization, and dispensing process for the entire dental school
- Maintain records for each sterilizer cycle, assuring its sterility and accuracy. Initiates instrument recalls if a positive test is obtained
- In conjunction with the manager, supervises central sterile processing and dispensing staff. Adjusts optimum staff assignments throughout the day to ensure efficient workflow of the central sterile processing and dispensing operation
- Utilizes and maintains computerized databases and barcode tracking systems to ensure efficient workflow of the central sterile processing and dispensing operation
- Communicates effectively with Clinical Affairs and all user departments of the sterile processing services regarding policies and procedures
- Orders department supplies, replacement instruments and equipment
- Participates in the preparation and analysis of periodic production reports and quality assurance reports
- Assists in the orientation and training of new employees. Participate in conducting in-service programs, and maintaining training and other records for all staff
- In the absence of the manager, completes counseling and other disciplinary actions in accordance with university policies and procedures
- Participates in the review and updating of job descriptions and related documentation
- Provides after hours coverage of the department for maintenance of the equipment and housekeeping
- Performs the duties of a dental central sterile processing and dispensing technician
Requirements
- Certified and registered central service technician
- Minimal 3 years of experience with instructional decontamination an sterilization of supplies, instruments, and equipment required
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
- Preferred Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Requires leadership ability, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, organizational ability and ongoing commitment for the unit’s adherence to relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations
- Knowledge of sterilization equipment, and sterilization and infection control policies and procedures
- Knowledge of dental terminology and ADA procedure codes
- Knowledge and skill in applying supervisory principles and practices
- Skill in operating a personal computer and using Microsoft Office software to produce a variety of forms, schedules, reports and communications
- Must be familiar with dental materials, instruments and equipment
- Must be able to perform all functions of a Sterilization Clerk