Responsible for the decontamination, cleaning, identification, and assembly of dental instruments used across clinics. Duties include operating sterilization equipment and managing the inventory and delivery of supplies to various practices.
Requirements summary
Requires an Associate's Degree or equivalent with 0-2 years of experience depending on the specific tech level. Must be physically capable of lifting up to 100 lbs and pushing/pulling up to 150 lbs.
associate degreeInventory ManagementMulti-taskingInstrument SterilizationEquipment MaintenanceDecontaminationPatient ServiceScanning Equipment OperationClinical Practice
Job description
University Overview The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation.
This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S.
News & World Report survey.
Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.
Market context
Sterilization support roles stay steady in Missouri
In Missouri, instrument sterilization attendant roles are typically tied to ongoing patient volume and infection-control needs in dental settings, so demand is often steady rather than seasonal. This role can be competitive because employers may look for an associate’s degree or equivalent, basic experience, and the ability to handle physically demanding tasks like lifting and moving equipment. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm the original posting for any tech-level details before applying.
As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia.
The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities.
With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title Instrument Sterilization Attendant, Penn Dental Family Practice Job Profile Title Instrument Sterilization Attendant B
Job Description
Summary Penn Dental Medicine’s Family Practice (PDFP) is interested in hiring the best and the brightest INSTRUMENT STERILIZATION ATTEDANT who is looking to broaden their skill sets and gain valuable experience in the art and science of the dental field. As a member of the PDFP family, individuals are provided the opportunity to work alongside a team whose mission is to provide quality dental care which exceeds patient expectations. Ideal candidate must: 1. Be ready to have a voice on a highly collaborative team 2. Stay thirsty and always seek to learn and improve upon patient service and clinical practice 3. SMILE…because WE make people smile! Penn Dental Family Practice is comprised of over 35 doctors, 15 dental hygienists, 22 dental assistants, 17 staff AND GROWING! Together, the team works collaboratively to provide multi-specialty care utilizing leading techniques in patient care.The Instrument Sterilization Attendant is responsible for the decontamination, cleaning, identification, and assembly of all the dental instruments used throughout the Penn Dental Family Practice clinics. The Attendant must be able to select the correct method of sterilization of instruments and will be required to learn how to operate the various types of sterilization equipment utilized in the department. Additional responsibilities include delivery and inventory of equipment to and from the various practices.
Job Description
The Instrument Sterilization Attendant is responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, cleaning, identification, and assembly of all the dental instruments used throughout the Penn Dental Family Practice clinics. Issue/collect instrument supplies and laboratory equipment utilizing scanning equipment. Candidate will be required to learn how to operate and perform maintenance of the various types of sterilization equipment utilized by the department. Additional responsibilities include delivery and inventory of equipment to and from the various practices. Cross-train and rotate to work in instrument dispensing areas of assigned practices. Perform additional duties as assigned. Flexibility with work schedules required; clinic coverage may be staggered between the hours of 7:00AM - 7:00PM (Monday through Friday). Flexibility with Saturday and overtime work coverage required.
Qualifications
Instrument Sterilization Tech A: An Associate's Degree or two year college equivalent and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Instrument Sterilization Tech B: An Associate's Degree or two year college equivalent and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Dental or medical background helpful but not required. Must be able to push or pull up to 150 lbs. and lift up to 100 lbs. Must be able to follow detailed oral and written instructions. Be able to multi-task between responsibilities, to accurately complete assigned task in a fast-paced working environment. Occasional weekend and/or overtime work required. Job Location - City, State Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department / School School of Dental Medicine Pay Range $19.32 - $20.00 Hourly Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered. Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job. University Benefits Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time
Away from
Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term
Care
Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and
Work-life
Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and
Personal
Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University
Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and
Special
Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible
Work
Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn
Home
Ownership
Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption
Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
