Sterilization Technician

Position Information

Position Title

Sterilization Technician

Position Type

Unclassified

Department

Dentistry Dental Clinic

Full or Part Time

Full Time

Pay Grade

BW7

Position Summary Information

Department Specific Information

Join NEOMED’s New Bitonte College of Dentistry

The Bitonte College of Dentistry at Northeast Ohio Medical University delivers a comprehensive predoctoral dental program grounded in patient-centered care, community engagement, and evidence-based practice. The College is committed to preparing practice-ready oral health professionals while supporting student success and meeting accreditation standards. We are seeking a Sterilization Technician to maintain the cleanliness, sterilization, and organization of dental instruments and clinical support equipment across student clinics, faculty practices, and simulation labs.

At our organization, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment that is essential to fulfilling our mission. We believe every employee should feel appreciated, valued, and empowered. To maintain a supportive organizational culture, we seek individuals whose values align with our mission and who thrive in a team-based approach. We encourage individuals whose values align with this collaborative approach to patient care to apply.

Starting Pay Rate Range: $20.99 – $24.84, commensurate with experience.

Benefits & Perks

NEOMED is committed to supporting your health, well-being, and long-term success—both at work and beyond. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to help you thrive.

Healthcare Coverage

Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance through Medical Mutual

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)

Short- and long-term disability coverage, Long-term care coverage options, and Life insurance

Retirement
State retirement plan with 14% employer contribution to help you plan for the future

Paid Time Off

Generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 11 paid holidays each year

Additional Benefits

Ongoing investment in your professional growth through on-site training and Lean Six Sigma certification

Employee wellness activities and initiatives that support a healthy work-life balance

Summary

Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, sterilization, and organization of dental instruments and clinical support equipment across student clinics, faculty practices, and simulation labs. This position ensures compliance with Ohio regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with state infection-control rules under the Ohio State Dental Board (OSDB) oversight and supports efficient clinical operations, protects patients and staff, and maintains a safe clinical environment.

Principal Functional Responsibilities

Instrument Processing and Sterilization: Clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize dental instruments according to established infection control protocols (CDC, OSHA, FDA, and NEOMED policy). Operate and maintain sterilization equipment (e.g., ultrasonic cleaners, autoclaves, instrument washers). Monitor sterilization cycles and maintain documentation logs, biological indicators, and chemical indicators. Inspect instruments for damage, wear, or improper function; report issues and remove non-functional items from circulation.

Clinical Support and Workflow Management: Ensure instruments and trays are properly assembled and distributed to clinical areas in a timely manner. Maintain sufficient inventory of sterile supplies and assist with reordering when needed. Support efficient turnover of clinical operatories by preparing and delivering clean instrument kits and materials. Assist students and faculty in understanding proper instrument handling and return procedures.

Compliance, Safety and Quality Assurance: Follow all infection control, hazardous waste handling, and sterilization protocols as mandated by regulatory and accreditation bodies. Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant sterilization center. Participate in ongoing training related to safety, infection prevention, and equipment use. Support quality assurance processes and contribute to ongoing improvement efforts.

Adhere to all applicable regulatory standards, including but not limited to:

• Ohio Administrative Code 4715-20: Sterilization & disinfection
• CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
• FDA labeling and sterilization instruction requirements

All training, documentation, biological monitoring results, and sterilization logs must be maintained on site and be available for inspection by authorized Ohio State Dental Board agents.

Other Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Familiarity or experience with dental instrument processing, sterilization cycles, autoclave operation, chemical sterilization, and infection control protocols.
• Knowledge of Ohio sterilization and disinfection regulations (OAC 4715-20) and ability to maintain required documentation and logs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a dental school or central sterile processing environment.
• Knowledge of OSDB infection control rules and CDC sterilization guidelines and ability to maintain required logs.
• Knowledge of sterilization equipment maintenance and ability to support high volume sterilization demands in a school clinic environment.
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or dental infection control certification.
• Current CPR certification.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to utilize a phone, computer and other office equipment. This role operates in a fast-paced clinical environment within an academic institution. The position requires the ability to stand for long periods of time and lift 25-35 lbs. Must be able to handle instrument trays, sterilization packaging, with good annual dexterity Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive motions required. Exposure to steam sterilizers, chemical disinfectants biohazard materials and PPE requirements. Hours may include some evening or weekend assignments depending on clinic schedules.

Posting Detail Information

NEOMED Campus Safety Guidelines

In an effort to keep our campus community as healthy and safe as possible, NEOMED may require vaccinations as a condition of attendance and employment. This policy will allow for exemption of the vaccination requirement for those individuals with valid medical reasons, sincerely held religious beliefs and matters of conscience.