Dental Hygiene Program Director

Keiser University•Jacksonville, FL

About The Position

The Dental Hygiene Program Director (PD) shall oversee and manage the operations of Dental Hygiene program. The PD shall be proficient in program administration, curriculum design, instruction, evaluation, budget planning, faculty mentoring and accreditation processes. The PD must possess strong organizational, leadership and communication skills and be able to work independently with consultation. The PD will provide support to the Dean/Associate Dean regarding the selection of faculty and promote on-going strategies for professional development.

Requirements

Licensed Dental Hygienist (or state-eligible) and graduate of a CODA-accredited Dental Hygiene program.
Unrestricted Florida Dental Hygiene license (or ability to obtain prior to start)
Current BLS for Healthcare Providers
Radiography qualifications per state law/regulation
Master's degree or higher in a related field (e.g., Dental Hygiene, Education, Health Sciences, Public Health, Administration)
Have a minimum of three years of full-time experience in dental hygiene practice, education, or administration.
Have documented evidence of knowledge and skills in educational methodology, curriculum development, and evaluation

Nice To Haves

Active membership/engagement in ADHA or discipline-relevant organizations encouraged

Responsibilities

Work with faculty, Dean of Academic Affairs, and the Campus President to assure program effectiveness
Creating and maintaining core curriculum that is consistent across the Keiser system
Identify trends within the profession to include best practices, industry changes, new technologies, and other significant factors indicative of curricula or course revision/update
Collaborate proactively with the Associate Vice Chancellor of Programmatic Accreditation to ensure strategic alignment on all CODA-related activities, including standards interpretation, report preparation, and submission timelines. Serve as the primary contact with CODA, preparing self-studies, progress reports, and site-visit materials; maintaining evidence repositories and timelines in accordance with CODA's Evaluation and Operational Policies and Procedures (EOPP). Ensure full adherence to CODA standards and university policies, and coordinate Advisory Committee activities and third-party comment processes as required.
Participate in University budget planning as it pertains to the Dental Hygiene program (maintain operational equipment, resources, instructional/training tools and faculty professional development) which may include additional locations
Work with faculty to prepare budget and equipment requests
Maintain a current master plan of education
Maintain process for programmatic self-assessment, reflective of on-going faculty assessment of student learning outcomes and program outcomes
Ensure student achievement of patient care competencies and integration of ethics/professionalism, critical thinking, and community health standards
Lead program assessment and data dashboards (enrollment, retention, completion, licensure, placement, patient care productivity); use results for continuous improvement.
Prepare annual program reports, budgets, and resource requests.
Conduct reviews with faculty to assess program textbooks, training materials, program evaluation tools, student projects, and assignments
Conduct monthly departmental meetings to discuss program effectiveness and methods for improvement
Attend monthly University faculty meetings, facilitate bi-annual Advisory Board meetings,
Evaluate and ensure clinical education effectiveness and compliance with state and federal regulations
Ensure compliance with Infection Control, Radiation Safety, emergency preparedness, and life support certification requirements
Work with campus Librarian to maintain current books, periodicals, and electronic resources relevant to the professional discipline
Maintain current knowledge of professional discipline and educational methodologies through continuing professional development
Create inclusive process that engages faculty in curriculum enhancement and development
Facilitate student engagement and enhance participation in student governance
Assess student academic progress and assist faculty in providing developmental feedback and/or customized remediation plans
Oversee the maintenance and compliance of the Dental Hygiene clinic, laboratory, and classroom equipment, as well as instructional resources, to support effective teaching and learning environments.
Prepare for and actively participate in the annual faculty Convocation to ensure programs are up to date
Working one on one with students
Assessing students and providing development feedback
Meet with local advisory boards to ensure programs meet community/employers needs
Prepare for and facilitate annual faculty convocation to ensure programs are up to date.