Coordinator, Sterilization (Healthcare)

Job SummaryUnder the general supervision of the Campus Dean, Dental Hygiene and direct supervision of the Clinic Administrator, coordinates the sterilization center using current OSHA recommendations and CDC guidelines; advises and demonstrates sterilization protocol to students; oversees chair side infection control during clinic sessions; remains current in applicable state and federal infection control mandates and oversees West Coast University compliance; maintains required clinic manuals and compliance reports; participates in department meetings. Participates in university activities such as student functions, graduation exercises, open houses, and new student orientations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Sterilization Center and Clinic Responsibilities:
  • Manages sterilization center using the current OSHA recommendations and CDC guidelines.
  • Receives and processes contaminated instrument cassettes and supply containers.
  • Returns sterilized instrument cassettes in a timely manner to student mailboxes.
  • Returns supply center treatment kits and/or equipment cleaned and sterilized as indicated by the product.
  • Advises and demonstrates sterilization protocol to students.
  • Assumes complete responsibility for students in the sterilization center.
  • Clarifies sterilization center expectations with students.
  • Maintains current clinic manuals including Policy on Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control Policies.
  • Monitors and reports state and federal regulatory changes such as the CDC and OSHA.
  • Maintains monitoring logs for pre-sterilization washers, sterilizers, and nitrous oxide-oxygen units.
  • Manages supplies necessary to run an efficient and organized sterilization center.
  • Monitors chair side infection control procedures during clinic sessions.
  • Instructs and monitors student protocol for cleaning evacuation lines.
  • Manages and addresses student and faculty requests regarding the computer hardware and software.
• General Scope of Responsibilities:
  • Cross-trained in responsibilities of dental hygiene department administrative assistant and supply coordinator positions.
  • Assists the Campus Dean of Dental Hygiene and others as designated by the Campus Dean of Dental Hygiene.
  • Deals discreetly with large volumes of sensitive, confidential information concerning patient, student, staff, faculty and university affairs, information contained in minutes, letters and other documents.
  • Composes correspondence, memos, and reports.
  • Answers telephone calls and routes to appropriate individuals; distributes incoming faxes to appropriate student or instructor when necessary.
  • Establishes and maintains record-keeping and filing systems. Classifies, and files correspondence, records and other regulatory documents.
  • Assists with annual review of infection control policies for West Coast University with clinic lead instructors.
  • Assures care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
  • Distributes supplies as requested/needed.
  • Maintains accreditation files and prepares accreditation reports as directed.
  • Assists with West Coast University internal audit for the department.
  • Adheres to University policies and procedures and provides leadership to others through guidance and example.
  • Maintains regular and timely attendance, reports to work as scheduled and assures time worked and/or time- off is recorded properly.
  • Conducts job responsibilities by the standards set out in the University's Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy or any of its policies and procedures, applicable federal and states laws, and applicable professional standards.
  • Maintains confidentiality of all patient, student, associate, and/or university information as required.
  • Exercises care, proper use and maintenance of department equipment and supplies and identifies unsafe conditions and makes appropriate adjustments.
  • Maintains order, cleanliness and safety at work.
  • Contributes to University-Wide service as assigned
  • Provides consistent high quality instruction to students.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.

    • Preferred Education, Certifications and Licensures

      • An associate degree in dental assisting or a related field is preferred.

      Preferred Experience and Skills

      • The ability to demonstrate bilingual skills is preferred.

      Required Education, Certifications, and Licensures

      • Must have documented continuing education dated within the previous two years to include a minimum of two (2) hours of Infection Control and two (2) hours of the Dental Practice Act.
      • A current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license is required.
      • Current certification in basic life support procedures including healthcare provider CPR with an Automated External Defibrillator.
      • Health Certification:
        • OSHA Category I classified position (potential for exposure to infectious diseases at work). As an essential component of the West Coast University infection-control program the following immunization documentation is required.
        • Immunizations - based on the CDC Recommended Immunizations for Health-Care Personnel (HCP), all HCPs must submit documentation of immunization to Hepatitis B (series of three doses with anti-HBs serologic testing 1-2 months after dose #3), proof of immunity to Hepatitis B, or a signed declination; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Varicella (chickenpox); and Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (booster every 10 years). Highly recommended immunizations for the HCP include Influenza (yearly), Hepatitis A, and Pneumonia. For some individuals, a titer test will be indicated vs. vaccinations. Titer tests showing immunity to listed pathogens are acceptable. Titer tests showing a negative response require appropriate immunizations and follow-up titers must be completed and submitted. If one or more of the listed immunizations are contraindicated, documentation must be submitted clearly indentifying the reason(s). Clinical laboratory reports with facility stamp and medical doctor's signature are required.
        • Tuberculosis Clearance - the CDC Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings are intended to protect the HCP and patients. The TB screening program consists of two major components: (1) baseline single test for M. tuberculosis infection and (2) serial testing/screening for M. tuberculosis infection. The HCP must have a baseline single test followed by serial skin testing every 6 months. If the HCP has a baseline positive result or has previously had a positive result, a chest radiograph must be completed to exclude a diagnosis of TB disease. Thereafter, every 6 months the HCP must receive a symptom screen. Documentation of positive skin test and negative chest x-ray must be submitted

      Required Experience and Skills

      High school graduate or equivalent required.
      • Two to three years of experience working in a dental office performing a variety of duties and responsibilities of a dental assistant including administrative support.
      • Proficient command of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and correct usage of the English language.
      • Comprehensive knowledge of dental office systems, practices, and administration.
      • Proficient skills and experience in Microsoft Office computer software systems, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
      • Proficient reception and telephone communication skills and techniques.
      • Principles and practices of classifying, indexing, processing, retrieving, and controlling a large volume of records.
      • Record keeping, account maintenance, and purchasing practices and procedures.
      • Ability to interpret and apply administrative and departmental rules, policies, and procedures.
      • Ability to compose correspondence independently.
      • Ability to compile and maintain complex and extensive records and files for a department.
      • Ability to represent the department using good judgment, poise, tact, and diplomacy.
      • Ability to multi-task and prioritize; demonstrate excellent organizational skills; follow through and attention to detail.
      • Ability to work independently with light supervision.
      • Ability to exercise good customer service skills.
      • Ability to work effectively in a highly ethnic and culturally diverse student and associate community.
      • Ability to demonstrate strong professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
      • Ability to self-direct, self-pace, multi-task and function well under pressure of deadlines and conflicting priorities.
      • Ability to maintain confidentiality of all associate, student and administrative information.
      • Ability to establish and maintain professional effective working relationships with diverse groups and individuals.
      • Willingness to work a flexible schedule and to work as the dental hygiene department administrative assistant or supply coordinator when needed.
      • Ability to exercise good judgment.

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