Dental Hygiene Program Director

Colorado Mesa University•Grand Junction, CO

18d•$75,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Dental Hygiene Program Director is responsible for the academic and operational aspects of Colorado Mesa University’s dental hygiene program. The role ensures instruction follows approved curriculum guidelines and that the program meets required standards, including Committee on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requirements and applicable Colorado regulations. The Director also provides technical medical input on curriculum, content, and procedures, and supervises and trains faculty, including clinical adjunct faculty. The Director leads program oversight, student success, faculty development, and curriculum maintenance. Responsibilities include teaching courses as needed, supporting and advising students, evaluating admissions procedures and student performance, facilitating scheduled program reviews, and managing the program budget. The position maintains at least five office hours per week for student support and advising and serves as a liaison with university administration. The successful candidate is a dental hygienist or dentist and must meet the relevant professional licensing, examination, education, and experience requirements listed in the posting. The position is based in a typical open-office environment, with moderate to loud noise and occasional disruptions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Be a dental hygienist or dentist who graduated from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
For dental hygienists: hold a current Dental Hygiene license; successfully complete the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a Colorado regional or state clinical board examination; and hold a master’s degree from an accredited university.
For dentists: hold a current Dental License and successfully complete the written National Board Dental Examination and a Colorado regional or state clinical board examination.
Have 4,000 occupational or industry hours within the past five years.
Provide proof of continuing education in the courses the candidate will teach.
Have an educational background and professional experience sufficient to understand and fulfill program goals.
Be able to use PowerPoint and learning management system technology to maintain grades and course content.
Be able to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
Be able to write reports and prepare and deliver verbal and visual presentations, including presenting information and responding to questions from management, public groups, and a board of directors.
Have the ability to apply accounting models and mathematical concepts, including probability and statistical inference, and to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Have strategic and analytical reasoning skills and the ability to solve practical problems, handle concrete variables with limited standardization, and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Frequently stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear; occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds; and have the specified vision abilities, including close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Verify U.S. employment eligibility and complete the required background investigation if a final applicant.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates with experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access and success for underrepresented students in higher education.

Responsibilities

Ensure the program meets accreditation standards and complies with Committee on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requirements and applicable state regulations.
Teach courses as needed and assigned.
Lead faculty in developing and maintaining a current, relevant curriculum.
Monitor student success rates, evaluate student performance, and address student needs.
Serve as a liaison with institution administration and perform administrative functions.
Maintain a minimum of five office hours per week for student support and advising.
Approve and evaluate student admissions criteria and procedures.
Develop professional rapport with students and encourage instructor-student communication.
Facilitate program reviews on the scheduled cadence.
Define and manage the program budget.
Provide technical medical input regarding curriculum, content, and procedures.
Supervise and train faculty, including clinical adjunct faculty.
Oversee student clinicals, student advising, and program review processes.