Dental Hygiene Program Director

Colorado Mesa University•Grand Junction, CO

17d

About The Position

The Director of the Dental Hygiene Program is responsible for the academic and operational aspects of the program, including ensuring instruction follows approved curriculum guidelines and maintaining required program standards and compliance with applicable Colorado regulations and Committee on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requirements. The Director provides technical medical input regarding curriculum, content, and procedures and supervises and trains faculty, including clinical adjunct faculty. The role includes program oversight, curriculum leadership, student advising and success support, faculty development, accreditation and program reviews, administrative liaison work, and budget management. The Director teaches courses as needed and assigned and maintains at least five office hours per week for student support and advising.

Requirements

Dental hygienist or dentist who graduated from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
For dental hygienists: current dental hygiene license; successful completion of the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination; and successful completion of a Colorado regional or state clinical board examination.
For dentists: current dental license; successful completion of the written National Board Dental Examination; and successful completion of a Colorado regional or state clinical board examination.
Master’s degree from an accredited university.
At least 4,000 occupational or industry hours within the past five years.
Proof of continuing education in the courses the candidate will teach.
Background in education and professional experience necessary to understand and fulfill program goals.
Ability to use PowerPoint and learning management system technology to maintain grades and course content.
Ability to read and interpret general written materials, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations; write reports; and prepare and deliver verbal and visual presentations.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from top management, public groups, and boards of directors.
Ability to apply accounting models and mathematical concepts, including probability and statistical inference, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
Strategic and analytical reasoning skills, practical problem-solving ability, and ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Ability to verify U.S. employment eligibility.
Final applicants are subject to background investigations, including reference checks and criminal history checks, and, when appropriate, financial and/or motor vehicle history checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
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.
Teach an assigned course load as needed.
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.
Build professional rapport with students and encourage instructor-student communication.
Facilitate program reviews on the scheduled cadence.
Define and manage the program budget.
Supervise and train faculty, including clinical adjunct faculty.
Provide technical medical input regarding curriculum, content, and procedures.
Oversee program compliance, student clinicals, program review, and student advising.
Contribute to staff and faculty evaluations, program budgeting, and student success reporting.