Job Purpose
To support the dental team by ensuring that all dental instruments, equipment, and clinical environments are cleaned, disinfected, sterilised, and stored safely in line with national decontamination standards, infection prevention policies, and local procedures.
Key Responsibilities - Decontamination and Infection Control
* Carry out the full cycle of instrument decontamination: cleaning, disinfection, inspection, sterilisation, and storage.
* Operate and maintain decontamination equipment, including ultrasonic cleaners, washer-disinfectors, and autoclaves.
* Perform routine testing, monitoring, and documentation of decontamination equipment (e.g. daily, weekly, and quarterly tests).
* Ensure compliance with HTM or equivalent local/national guidance).
* Maintain a clean, safe, and organised decontamination area, following zoning principles (dirty, clean, sterile).
Documentation and Quality Assurance
* Accurately complete decontamination records, logs, and audits.
* Report equipment faults, test failures, or breaches in protocol promptly to the appropriate person.
* Support audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives related to infection control.
Health, Safety, and Compliance
* Adhere to infection prevention and control policies at all times.
* Follow health and safety procedures, including COSHH, manual handling, and waste management.
* Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and consistently.
* Maintain patient and staff confidentiality in line with GDPR and organisational policies.
Team Support
* Work collaboratively with dental nurses, clinicians, and practice staff to ensure smooth clinical workflows.
* Assist with stock control of decontamination supplies and consumables.
* Participate in training, updates, and mandatory learning as required.
Person Specification Essential
* Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
* Ability to follow detailed procedures and protocols accurately.
* Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Understanding of the importance of infection prevention and control.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
* Experience working in a dental or healthcare environment.
* Knowledge of HTM 01-05 or equivalent decontamination standards.
* Qualification or training in dental decontamination or infection control.
* Experience using autoclaves or washer-disinfectors.
Working Conditions
* May involve repetitive tasks and standing for extended periods.
* Requires use of PPE and handling of contaminated instruments.
* Compliance with vaccination and occupational health requirements.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,420.00-£37,460.24 per year
Work Location: In person