Sterile Processing Technician

Sterile Processing Technician

The Dental Sterile Processing Technician supports safe, efficient clinical sterilization operations for the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine (LCSDM) Clinics by ensuring all instruments, equipment, and operatories meet infection prevention and sterilization standards. The technician performs instrument decontamination, sterilization, storage, and distribution; maintains sterilization documentation and quality assurance logs; supports operatory turnover; and assists with inventory control and supply stocking. This role works closely with faculty, students, and clinic staff and supports compliance with CDC infection control recommendations and OSHA standards. This position reports to the LCSDM Clinic Manager and ultimately, the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Perform instrument receiving, sorting, and decontamination using appropriate PPE and workflows (dirty-to-clean separation).
• Clean, disinfect, inspect, assemble, and package instruments/cassettes according to manufacturer IFUs and clinic protocols.
• Operate and maintain sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves/sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, instrument washers) and document cycle data.
• Conduct and document required sterilization monitoring (mechanical, chemical indicators, and biological spore testing) and escalate failures per policy.
• Label, date, store, and rotate sterile packs; distribute instruments and supplies to operatories and specialty areas as needed.
• Support operatory turnover by ensuring treatment rooms are stocked, barriers are placed/removed appropriately, and surfaces are cleaned/disinfected per protocol.
• Track instrument flow to reduce loss, maintain kit completeness, and ensure timely availability for clinic sessions and student needs.
• Maintain accurate logs, SDS access, maintenance records, and incident reports; protect confidential information as applicable.
• Monitor and restock sterile processing and operatory supplies; assist with ordering, receiving, and inventory organization.
• Participate in infection control audits, safety meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives; assist with training students/staff on proper instrument handling and infection prevention practices.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of infection prevention principles for dental settings, including aseptic technique and safe handling of sharps and contaminated instruments.
• Ability to follow manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs), clinic policies, and standardized sterile processing workflows.
• Skill in operating sterilization and cleaning equipment and accurately documenting cycle/monitoring results.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks to support clinic schedules and respond to urgent instrument needs.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills; ability to interact professionally with students, faculty, and staff.
• Basic computer skills for documentation/logs; ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Commitment to safety, confidentiality, and compliance with clinic policies and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma/GED required.
• Experience: Sterile processing, dental assisting, or clinical support experience preferred (equivalent related experience considered).
• Required Certifications: Sterile processing certification (e.g., CRCST) or dental infection control training.
• Compliance: Ability to support compliance with OSHA and clinic infection control policies; follow required PPE and exposure-control procedures.

Lyon College is a USN&WR "top tier" national liberal arts college and recognized by Forbes as "One of America's Top Colleges." Founded in 1872, the College is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Arkansas and offers undergraduates exceptional preparation for their post-baccalaureate objectives, particularly in STEM fields, Business, Economics and Accounting, and the Arts. The Lyon College Institute of Health Sciences in Little Rock will house the College's professional programs, including the School of Oral Health and Dental Medicine, as well as the School of Veterinary Medicine.