Overview
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) offers one of the most forward-looking educational environments in dental medicine in the country. Tufts Special Care Dental Clinics (formerly Tufts Dental Facilities for Persons with Special Needs) is a network of seven outpatient
clinics that provides dental care to approximately 7,000 developmentally disabled patients in the state of Massachusetts under the umbrella of TUSDM and in partnership with the Massachusetts Departments of Public Health (DPH) and Developmental Services (DDS).
In addition to outpatient services, patient care is also delivered in operating room settings at three affiliated hospitals within the state. TSCDC serves as a vital teaching venue for General Practice Residents through the Tufts GPR program and for fourth-year dental students, offering hands-on experience in treating patients with special needs.
What You'll Do
Under limited supervision, the Lead Dental Assistant supports clinical care by providing assistance to dentists, hygienist, post-graduate dental residents and performs expanded administrative duties.
- Assist clinicians (dentists, hygienists, and post-graduate dental residents in training) in
four-handed dentistry and hygiene with patient care including prophylaxis/prevention, deep
scaling, restorative dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery, and fixed/removable prosthetics. - Facilitates patient workflow and takes patient vital signs. Educate patients by providing
post-op instructions and oral hygiene tips. Comforts and supports patients to ease anxiety
and answer questions. Access patient health records to chart findings, review medical history and view radiographs. - Takes digital radiographs (panoramic, periapical, bitewing). Work in dental laboratory
pouring models, polishing crowns and dentures, taking impressions and making temporary
crowns. - Turns over treatment rooms between patients, and processes instruments in accordance
with proper sterilization infection control practices. - Oversees clinic equipment maintenance and repairs, inventory management and ordering
and restocking of materials and supplies. Manages purchasing card transactions in
compliance with university policies. Pays clinic invoices. - Point of contact for third-party vendors, service providers and onsite state and city inspections.
- Assists the Practice Manager with DA onboarding and ensures Dental Assistants understand clinical
operations and protocols. - Provides front desk support when necessary.
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
- High School Diploma/GED.
- 5-7 years Direct clinical chairside experience.
- Basic proficiency with dental management software and Microsoft Office applications.
- Formal and/or on the job dental assistant training program.
- Exhibits knowledge and proficiency with procedural mix within general dentistry.
- Sound knowledge of HIPAA and OSHA compliance regarding infection control, bloodborne pathogens, sterilization, and radiology.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Warm and caring personality needed in helping our patients. Positive attitude.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to work well as a team and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
- Ability to resolve issues.
- Should demonstrate willingness to articulate creative and innovative ideas for improving daily clinical activities, and laboratory procedures.
- Massachusetts Dental Assistant License.
- Radiology Certification (DANB).
- Infection Control (DANB).
- General Chairside (DANB).
- CDA (Dental Assisting National Board) Dental Assistant Certifications, or within the first 90 days.
- Travel to other clinics required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate's Degree.
- Strong ability to balance both dental assisting role and lead role.
Pay Range
Minimum $33.00, Midpoint $39.30, Maximum $45.60
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
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Tufts University
Minimum $33.00, Midpoint $39.30, Maximum $45.60
Jun 23, 2026