Sterilization Technician

Sterilization System Owner

Innovation Reminder System Owners are empowered to improve, redesign, and innovate within their systems to enhance efficiency and patient care, provided changes remain ethically sound, patient-safe, and legally compliant, and are aligned through the LSAL.

Reports To: Location-Specific Assistant Lead (LSAL)

Purpose

The Sterilization System Owner ensures all sterilization processes operate predictably, safely, and consistently to support patient care and clinical excellence. This role oversees and ensures completion of the people, processes, and materials involved in cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining instruments. Ownership includes maintaining clear, up-to-date documentation of workflows and protocols to support compliance, team alignment, and training.

Definition of Ownership

Ownership at Monokian Dentistry means being responsible for the outcome of a system, not personally completing every task within it. The Sterilization System Owner is expected to help simplify systems, support documentation, coordinate training when appropriate, delegate effectively, and follow up to ensure consistency. Delegation and escalation are essential components of responsible ownership.

Key Responsibilities

System Oversight

Oversee and ensure sterilization equipment, autoclaves, and instruments are properly maintained, calibrated, and ready for use according to manufacturer and Monokian standards.

Workflow Coordination

Oversee and ensure completion of sterilization workflows from instrument use through storage, confirming protocols are followed and documented.

Quality Assurance

Oversee and ensure instruments are sterilized correctly, monitored appropriately, and safely stored to minimize contamination risk.

Troubleshooting & Escalation

Identify equipment issues or supply shortages and coordinate resolution through delegation or escalation. Escalate unresolved issues to the LSAL, and when needed, coordinate through the LSAL with Equipment Maintenance or the Location-Specific Clinical Manager to prevent workflow disruption.

Inventory & Organization

Oversee and ensure sterilization supplies are stocked, organized, and properly stored to support daily operations.

System Documentation

Ensure sterilization logs, biological monitoring records, checklists, and SOPs are accurate, current, and accessible. Communicate process changes to the LSAL and team to ensure consistency.

Team Communication

Ensure clear communication with the team regarding sterilization processes, equipment status, and any changes impacting patient care or workflow.

Training & Continuous Improvement

Support cross-training once systems are simplified and documented, and contribute to continuous improvement of sterilization processes and protocols.

Key Competencies

• Ownership mindset focused on outcomes and safety
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Commitment to documentation and compliance clarity
• Attention to detail with infection-control awareness
• Ability to coordinate, delegate, and escalate appropriately

Measures of Success

• Instruments and equipment are consistently sterilized and ready for use
• Sterilization documentation and monitoring records are current and accessible
• Minimal workflow disruption related to sterilization issues
• Sterilization area remains organized, compliant, and inspection-ready
• Positive feedback from doctors and team members regarding reliability and communication
• Sterilization systems are documented and executable by trained team members

Collaboration Framework

• Partners with the LSAL to review system performance, documentation, and escalation effectiveness
• Coordinates with Equipment Maintenance and Supply Management to ensure equipment and materials are available
• Communicates with assistants, doctors, and front desk staff regarding instrument status
• Supports onboarding and training related to sterilization systems and documentation

Monokian Core Value Connection

• Consistency: Builds repeatable sterilization systems that function reliably every day
• Caring: Protects the health and safety of patients and the team
• Craftsmanship: Maintains high standards in instrument preparation and equipment handling
• Control: Owns outcomes through clear systems, documentation, and escalation