Sterile Processing Technician

About the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

Since 1897, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has shaped talented students into outstanding dental professionals. Through challenging clinical education, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to service, Ostrow provides future oral health professionals with the skills they need to excel. We are committed to maintaining an environment of excellence and eminence, and this commitment shines through in all that we do.

About the Role

The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is seeking a skilled Sterile Processing Technician to join our team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and clinical care by cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing dental instruments, bur blocks, handpieces, cassettes, and equipment. You will help maintain smooth clinical operations by preparing instrument packs, managing inventory, and supporting compliance with infection control standards.

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a leading dental school that values collaboration, professional growth, and a commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize dental instruments and equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).

• Operate ultrasonic cleaners, washers, sterilizers, and handpiece maintenance systems.

• Inspect, assemble, and prepare instruments for sterilization, identifying items needing repair or replacement.

• Dispense and receive instruments using our electronic health record inventory tracking system.

• Conduct Bowie-Dick and biological indicator tests to validate sterilization processes, maintaining accurate records for compliance.

• Perform weekly washer verification testing and maintain documentation.

• Maintain inventory levels of sterile instruments and supplies, replacing barcodes as needed.

• Follow infection control, PPE, and safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Specialized technical training in sterile processing preferred.

• 1–2 years of experience in sterile processing, preferably in a dental or clinical environment.

• Working knowledge of sterilization techniques and equipment.

• Experience with sterilizers, washers, and handpiece maintenance systems.

• One of the following certifications is required:

  • Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

  • Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT)

  • Certified Surgical Technician (CST)

  Candidates with 10+ years of sterile processing experience may substitute for certification.

Why Join Us

This role directly supports USC’s mission of excellence in education and patient care by ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed clinically and academically. You’ll be joining a collaborative team in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where your contributions have a meaningful impact every day.

The hourly rate range for this position is $21.03 - $21.50. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

Minimum Education: Specialized/technical training Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Completion of sterilization/central service technician training course and certification as Central Service Technician. Experience as Central Service Technician in a clinical setting. Registered Central Service Technician certification or Sterile Processing Technician certification required. Working knowledge of sterilization techniques and equipment, universal safety precautions, and requirements of organizations such as JCAHO, Board of Dental Examiners, OSHA and ADA.