Sterilization Technician — Dental Office (Escondido)
2-Month Temporary, Full-Time, Four-Day Workweek
TLC Escondido Dental is a private, doctor-owned general and implant dental practice serving families in Escondido and North San Diego County. We are hiring a Sterilization Technician to keep our instruments, operatories, and lab area clean, sterile, and ready — every single day.
SCHEDULE
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a one-hour unpaid lunch (typically 11:30 AM, may be staggered based on patient flow). Fridays off. 32 hours per week.
PAY
$18.00 to $22.00 per hour, depending on experience.
ASSIGNMENT LENGTH
This is a temporary position of approximately two months. We are bringing on extra sterilization support so our clinical team can stay focused on patient care during a planned leave of absence. This is a real, defined need — not a trial run — and we are looking for someone who wants to do the job well for the full assignment.
This is the role that keeps the whole practice running. If you take pride in doing things the right way, following a process without cutting corners, and being the person the team can count on, we want to meet you.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Instrument Sterilization
- Transport, sort, and process contaminated instruments following CDC and Cal/OSHA infection control guidelines
- Operate the ultrasonic cleaner and instrument washer; hand-scrub instruments as needed
- Inspect, sort, package, and seal instrument cassettes and pouches with proper indicators
- Load, run, and unload the autoclave; verify cycle results before returning instruments to circulation
- Run and document weekly biological (spore) testing and daily chemical indicator checks
- Maintain sterilization logs and equipment maintenance records
- Restock sterile instruments, burs, and supplies in every operatory
Operatory and Dental Chair Turnover
- Break down and disinfect operatories between patients using approved surface disinfectants and proper contact times
- Clean and disinfect dental chairs, delivery units, lights, hoses, headrests, and countertops
- Place and remove surface barriers on all touch points
- Flush and clean suction lines and evacuation traps on the required schedule
- Maintain dental unit waterlines, including shocking and testing per protocol
Lab and Sterilization Area
- Clean and disinfect the dental lab, including counters, lathe, model trimmer, and equipment
- Disinfect impressions, appliances, and cases coming in from and going out to the dental laboratory
- Keep the sterilization area organized, stocked, and clearly separated between dirty and clean zones
- Clean and disinfect X-ray sensors, holders, and imaging equipment
Daily Support
- Handle sharps, biohazard, and medical waste according to Cal/OSHA and county requirements
- Monitor and reorder sterilization and infection control supplies before they run out
- Complete opening and closing checklists
- Assist the clinical team with room setup and general practice cleanliness as needed
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Required
- Reliable, on time, and consistent — this role directly affects whether patients can be seen
- Strong attention to detail and comfort following a written protocol exactly
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds throughout the shift
- Comfortable working around chemicals, disinfectants, and sterilization equipment
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to pass a background check
Preferred
- Previous experience in a dental or medical sterilization role
- Current California Dental Board 8-hour Infection Control and California Dental Practice Act course completion, or willingness to complete
- Current BLS/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain
- Bilingual English and Spanish
- Familiarity with Dentrix
DRESS CODE AND WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Team members provide their own scrubs. Solid color, clean, and professional.
- We provide your clinic jacket, gloves, masks, eyewear, and all other required personal protective equipment at no cost to you.
- Full training on our specific protocols and equipment
- Hepatitis B vaccination series at no cost, per Cal/OSHA
WHY TLC ESCONDIDO DENTAL
- Doctor-owned practice — decisions get made in the building, not at a corporate office
- Clear expectations, written protocols, and real training instead of "figure it out"
- A team that treats every role as essential
- A four-day workweek with Fridays off
- When we do hire permanently, we look at people who have already worked with us first
TO APPLY
Apply through Indeed with your resume. Tell us in one or two sentences why you would be good at a job where doing it right every time matters more than doing it fast.
TLC Escondido Dental is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Pay: $18.00 - $30.22 per hour
Work Location: In person
