Instrument Reprocessing Technician

Job summary

The technician is responsible for the sterilization and disinfection of clinical instruments and equipment within the dental clinic dispensary. This includes processing handpieces and burs, performing autoclave testing, and maintaining a clean and functional clinical environment.

Job details

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Instrument Reprocessing Technician Department Dental Clinic | Faculty of Dentistry Compensation Range $4,559.00 - $4,990.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date October 8, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date Ongoing At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. Job Summary This position works in the dispensary to sterilize and disinfect clinical instruments and equipment required to ensure the smooth functioning of all of the clinical programs Organizational Status This position would report to a Dental Assistant IV, who reports to the Clinic Director, who reports to the Dean. Work Performed 1) HANDPIECE PROCESSING - Duties include all steps of handpiece processing. Wipe down each of the components of the used hand piece cassettes, then place each piece onto its corresponding lubricating & cleaning machine. Remove the components and put back into cassette, then place onto the steam trolley for sterilization. Load steam oven, start steam sterilization cycle, unload when done and place onto appropriate shelf. 2) BUR PROCESSING - Duties include all steps of bur processing. Place used bur blocks in metal washer baskets, place into the small instrument washer. Remove bur baskets and place on bur station table. Check to ensure bur blocks are complete. Remove burs with debris on them and replace any missing ones. Bag for sterilization and place onto steam trolley for sterilization. Start sterilizer and unload when done. 3) COLD DISINFECTION - Duties include all steps of the disinfection process. Load items into the cold disinfection bath, unload and rinse when done setting the timers on the different baths. Put all items into appropriate bins to dry off. Dry off any disinfected items on counter as required. 4) INSTRUMENT STERILIZATION PROCESSING - Duties include all steps of the sterilization process including testing autoclaves to ensure vacuum is functioning properly. Perform biological indicator testing. Perform chemical indicator testing. Move instruments and cassettes in and out of the washers, and steam sterilizers. This involves the use of trolleys and physical labour; including lifting, bending, standing, scrubbing, rinsing. Setting of timers on different sterilizers required. 5) May maintain clinic, X-ray rooms and laboratory areas and performs other related duties. Consequence of Error/Judgement If an error occurred, possible damage to hand-pieces, instruments and equipment. If incorrect decisions were made it would impact on the clinic functioning properly the next day. Proper sterilization and disinfection is vital to patient care and student curriculum requirements. Supervision Received Works under minimal supervision from a Dental Assistant III or IV. Supervision Given None Minimum Qualifications Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion Preferred Qualifications High School graduation. Successful completion of a recognized Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Certificate Program. Minimum of 2 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and respectful manner.

What you’ll do

The technician is responsible for the sterilization and disinfection of clinical instruments and equipment within the dental clinic dispensary. This includes processing handpieces and burs, performing autoclave testing, and maintaining a clean and functional clinical environment.

Requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma and a minimum of 2 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Successful completion of a recognized Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Certificate Program is preferred.

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Teamwork · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Safety Compliance · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Instrument sterilization
• Disinfection
• Handpiece processing
• Bur processing
• Autoclave testing
• Biological indicator testing
• Chemical indicator testing
• Equipment maintenance
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Physical labor
• Safety compliance
• Employment Equity
• Disinfecting
• Ability To Meet Deadlines
• Medical Devices
• Research
• Autoclaves
• Dentistry
• Sterilization
• Innovation
• Steam Sterilization
• Writing
• Prioritization

Job areas

• Healthcare
• Science & Research
• Administrative
• Processing Technician
• Chemical Operator
• Chemical Processing Plant Controllers
• Chemical Plant and System Operators