Tufts University·Boston, Massachusetts
The Central Sterilization Assistant is responsible for processing, packaging, and sterilizing dental instruments using autoclaves and tracking systems. They ensure dispensaries are stocked and maintain handpieces according to manufacturer and university protocols.
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) offers one of the most forward-looking educational environments in dental medicine in the country.
Since its founding in 1868, TUSDM has been committed to leadership in education, patient care, research, and community service.
Students obtain an interdisciplinary education, integrated with medicine, with access to training in dental specialties.
Clinics managed at TUSDM provide quality comprehensive care to more than 20,000 individuals annually.
Nationally and internationally, the school promotes health and educational programs and researches new procedures, materials, and technologies to improve oral health.
Clinical administration supports the clinical and educational efforts within the pre-doctoral and postgraduate clinic operations.
The clinical administration staff provides courteous, professional and effective support services and is committed to providing patient, student, and faculty with information, guidance, and quality service to contribute to a successful dental clinic experience.
This includes maintaining a safe environment, assuring that patients’ dental needs are addressed in a caring, confidential, timely, and thorough manner that patients are informed about their treatment and clinic procedures, and those patients’ finances are handled accurately and efficiently.
The central sterilization facility is responsible for sterilization processing, security and transportation of equipment and instruments used in patient care within the dental school clinics for treatment of more than 600 patients per day.
Processing instruments, inspecting cassettes, replacing missing or damaged instruments, preparing and packaging, loading and unloading the autoclave, transporting and securing instruments following instrument tracking system protocols and servicing dispensaries throughout building with adequate inventory to contribute to a smooth clinic operation and positive clinic experience for patients, students, and staff.
Instrument processing: Attention to detail required to inspect cassettes, replace missing or damaged instruments, and prepare and package for sterilization. Load and unload autoclave and adhere to university safety policy.
Instrument transport and security: Follow Instrument tracking system protocols and service dispensaries throughout building with adequate inventory needs to contribute to a smooth clinic operation and positive clinic experience for patients, students, and staff.
Handpiece maintenance: Process Handpieces on airstation following manufactures recommendations and university protocol. Work with Clinical Support Project Manager and Coordinator to ensure smooth operation of facility and clinic other contributions of effort and specials projects as needed.
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by: High School Diploma or the equivalent and up to 1 year related experience. Basic computer skills. Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs without accommodation.
Knowledge in Dental Instrumentation. CRCST (Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician) IAHCSMM certification preferred. 5+ years’ experience in a sterile processing role. Knowledge of decontamination, assembly, packaging and sterilization procedures. Understanding of dental instrumentation, and/or dental assisting. Special Work Schedule Requirements: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday 11am – 8pm
Minimum $19.35, Midpoint $22.60, Maximum $25.90
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
Market context
In Massachusetts, Central Sterilization Assistant roles in dental schools are typically tied to ongoing clinical operations, so demand often follows the need to keep instruments ready and compliant for patient care and training. This role is competitive because employers may prefer CRCST certification and experience in sterile processing or dental assisting, while still requiring a high school diploma, basic experience, and the ability to lift 30 lbs. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit, then highlight any sterilization, infection-control, or dental support experience in your application.