Dental Hygienist - Program Director (RDH)
About The Position
Our San Antonio campus is expanding and launching a new Dental Hygiene Associate Degree program! Pima Medical Institute has a proven track record with many successful Dental Hygiene programs across the United States. We are looking for a visionary leader to establish our new program, continue our legacy of excellence in teaching and clinical training, and prepare the next generation of Dental Hygienists for impactful careers in oral health. This role combines strategic leadership, curriculum design, accreditation oversight, and hands-on instruction. If you are a dedicated professional ready to build a premier program from the ground up, we want to hear from you!
Requirements
- Master’s degree from an academic institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the USDE.
- Graduate of a Dental Hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Minimum of three (3) years of full-time clinical experience as a Dental Hygienist.
- Current, active license or credential required by state and federal laws to work as a Dental Hygienist in the state of Texas.
- Documented background in educational methodology, instructional strategies, and current knowledge of specific subjects taught.
- Demonstrated administrative and instructional experience.
- Strong verbal/written communication skills and functional proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
Nice To Haves
- Prior teaching experience in a CODA-accredited program is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Architect, establish, and implement department goals for the new Dental Hygiene program in alignment with institutional standards.
- Prepare self-study documentation, lead accreditation site visits, and ensure all didactic and clinical instruction continuously reflects CODA competencies.
- Schedule and chair faculty and advisory board meetings; represent Pima Medical Institute at local, state, and professional dental meetings.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate program faculty in conjunction with the Faculty Coordinator, preparing teaching assignments and scheduling coverage.
- Coordinate and arrange educational workshops and in-service training sessions for both didactic and clinical faculty.
- Develop and maintain a functional, high-quality curriculum according to approved educational standards; evaluate course content and select textbooks.
- Perform the functions of a Dental Hygiene Instructor, preparing lesson plans and delivering engaging didactic and lab instruction.
- Coordinate with the Clinical Director to ensure clinical education is practical, comprehensive, and reflective of modern dental practices.
- Review student success rates by class and implement proactive support plans to maintain a target 80% student success rate.
- Meet with students to advise, tutor, and encourage them throughout their academic journey, referring students to Student Services when additional support is needed.
- Evaluate student performance against course objectives, maintain accurate grades per policy, and prepare final semester grades for transcripts.
- Participate in establishing student admissions criteria and procedures.
- Monitor department budgets and expenditures to ensure a sustainable and high-performing program.
Benefits
- Medical (PPO & HDHP options), Dental, and Vision coverage
- 401(k) Plan with match
- HSA/FSA options
- Company-paid Basic Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- EAP
- Health & Wellness incentive programs
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
