CCHS - Assistant/Associate Professor Rural Dental Scholars Concentration Lead– Renewable Contract - 530096

The University of Alabama•Alabama, AL

23d•Onsite

About The Position

The College of Community Health Sciences (CCHS) at the University of Alabama is seeking a 12-month, half-time (0.50 FTE) Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor of Rural Programs – Dentistry. This faculty member will lead the Rural Dental Scholars concentration within the Master of Science in Rural Community Health program. This program is designed to prepare rural students for success in dental school. The position builds on the success of the Rural Medical Scholars Program and expands opportunities for rural students to strengthen Alabama’s rural health workforce. This half-time role is designed to complement the clinical practice of a licensed dentist and offers a balanced academic appointment within a supportive educational environment. Appointments are based on the personnel requirements of the University’s academic programs and the goal of achieving and maintaining excellence in teaching, research, and service/academic citizenship.

Requirements

Licensed dentist with an active, unencumbered license in a U.S. jurisdiction and eligibility for Alabama licensure.
Doctoral degree in dentistry (e.g., DMD or DDS).
Qualifications commensurate with Teaching Assistant or Associate Professor within CCHS.
Demonstrated interest in or record effective teaching, student mentorship, and scholarly activity appropriate to rank.
Experience relevant to supporting clinical learning or community-based placements.
Record of professional activity appropriate for clinical-track faculty.

Nice To Haves

Rural background or demonstrated commitment to working with rural populations.
Experience providing dental care to rural populations.
Experience mentoring pre-dental or dental students.
Experience in developing or contributing to curriculum refinement or educational program improvement.
Experience collaborating with community partners, clinics, or health-related organizations.

Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality instruction at the graduate level for at least two courses in Rural Community Health – Dental concentration.
Plan and coordinate shadowing experiences for Rural Dental Scholars.
Provide structured mentorship to Rural Dental Health Scholars and Rural Dental Scholars, including guidance on professional development and preparation for dental school.
Contribute to ongoing improvement of the Rural Dental Scholars curriculum, including course refinement and incorporation of current best practices in rural dentistry and community health.
Assess and report student outcomes data as requested.
Collaborate with Rural Programs leadership to maintain a coherent and high-quality dental concentration within the Master of Science in Rural Community Health.
Participate in recruitment activities for Rural Dental Health Scholars and Rural Dental Scholars, including applicant review, interviews, and outreach to rural communities and academic partners.
Foster a collaborative and innovative culture of excellence in teaching, practice, research, and service.
Ensure effective internal and external communication with UA leadership, faculty, students, clinical partners, alumni, and community stakeholders.
Build and sustain a robust clinical education network, with emphasis on areas of need, including rural settings across Alabama.
Contribute to annual program assessment activities related to the Rural Dental Scholars concentration (e.g., student learning outcomes, course evaluations, and placement feedback).
Cultivate and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with dentists, clinics, and community partners who host Rural Dental Scholar shadowing placements.
Support faculty and student scholarship and seek extramural funding where appropriate.
Engage in scholarly or professional activities appropriate for clinical-track faculty (e.g., presentations, curricular innovations, community-engaged scholarship).
Stay current with developments in dental education and oral care in rural settings.
Represent the Rural Dental Health Scholars and Rural Dental Scholars programs at relevant local, state, regional, and national meetings or events to advance the visibility and reputation of the Rural Dental Health Scholars and Rural Dental Scholars Programs.