New

Dispensary Supervisor - School of Dental Medicine

Tufts University
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
1 Kneeland Street (Show on map)
Mar 09, 2026
Overview 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. What You'll Do The Dispensary Supervisor provides daily supervision and operational leadership for clinical dispensary services at TUSDM. This position directly supervises a team of Dispensary Assistants and ensures consistent coverage and service quality throughout assigned shifts. The Supervisor is responsible for scheduling, training, performance evaluation, and compliance oversight, while also performing working duties as needed to support the flow of operations. There will be two Dispensary Supervisors - one assigned to the morning/early afternoon shift and one to the late afternoon/evening shift - to provide continuous oversight during all hours of clinic operation. While each Supervisor will manage a portion of the Dispensary Assistants for purposes of HR accountability and performance reviews, assistants are expected to work at the direction of the Supervisor on duty at any given time. Shift Operations and Oversight The Dispensary Supervisor is responsible for managing daily dispensary operations during their assigned shift to ensure efficient and consistent support of clinical and academic activities. This includes overseeing the issuance and return of instruments, maintaining par levels of supplies, enforcing security protocols for cassettes and equipment, and ensuring infection control standards are followed at all times. The Supervisor monitors clinic floors throughout the shift, organizes bays and workspaces, and works with Facilities or custodial staff when needed to address environmental concerns. As a working supervisor, the individual will also perform hands-on dispensary duties when necessary, including stocking, distribution, and direct support for students, residents, and faculty. By balancing frontline support with supervisory responsibilities, the Supervisor ensures uninterrupted operations and a strong service focus. Staff Supervision and Leadership The Supervisor provides direct supervision to a team of Dispensary Assistants, dividing staff assignments between the two Supervisors for the purpose of scheduling, vacation requests, timekeeping, and annual performance reviews. While assistants report formally to one Supervisor for HR purposes, they are expected to follow the direction of whichever Supervisor is on duty to ensure seamless service coverage across all hours of operation. Responsibilities include coaching, training, and developing staff, conducting annual performance reviews, and addressing attendance or conduct concerns in accordance with university policy. The Supervisor establishes clear expectations, monitors daily performance, and fosters a team culture that emphasizes customer service, compliance, and accountability. Inventory and Compliance The Supervisor is responsible for monitoring supply usage in dispensaries, ensuring proper inventory levels, and working closely with the Materials Management Manager to communicate needs, shortages, or issues with materials. They assist in reviewing materials for expiration dates, help prepare reports, and ensure dispensary practices align with infection control policies, OSHA standards, and TUSDM protocols. The Supervisor ensures that all dispensary staff adhere to established policies and procedures, escalating compliance issues to the Materials Management Manager when appropriate. Customer Service and Collaboration The Dispensary Supervisor models excellent customer service, ensuring that all students, residents, faculty, and staff are treated with professionalism and respect. The Supervisor collaborates with faculty and other departments to support academic and clinical needs, and communicates regularly with the Materials Management Manager to provide updates, raise concerns, and recommend improvements. The Supervisor also assists with new initiatives or projects as requested, contributing to departmental goals of efficiency, sustainability, and continuous improvement. Other Duties This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The Dispensary Supervisor may perform other duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. What We're Looking For Basic Requirements: Knowledge and experience typically acquired by: High School Diploma or equivalent required Minimum of 3 years of experience in a dental dispensary, dental assisting, or healthcare support services role, including at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory capacity. Demonstrated knowledge of dental materials, supplies, and equipment commonly used in predoctoral and postgraduate clinics. Strong understanding of inventory management and control practices, including stocking, par levels, and supply distribution. Working knowledge of infection control protocols, OSHA, and DPH requirements in a clinical or dental environment. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead a diverse team and interact effectively with faculty, staff, and students. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn institution-specific inventory and scheduling systems. Ability to complete required background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer. Preferred Qualifications: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in healthcare administration, dental hygiene, or related field Certification or coursework in supervisory/leadership training. Prior experience supervising staff in a unionized environment. Familiarity with dental school operations and academic program support. Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to operational efficiency. Bilingual or multilingual skills to support a diverse student and patient population. 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.