Director, Center for Research and Education in Technology (CRET) & Faculty

The University of Pikeville•Pikeville, KY

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) invites applications for a faculty member to serve as Director of the Center for Research and Education in Technology (CRET). This position is open to a general dentist or dental specialist with demonstrated expertise in technology integration, industry collaboration, education, and innovation in dental medicine. This is a unique leadership opportunity for an individual who is passionate about transforming dental education through digital dentistry, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary innovation, and who is motivated to grow CRET into a nationally recognized hub for applied research, industry partnership, and educational excellence. The successful candidate will contribute to TCDM’s innovative three-year DMD curriculum while advancing patient-centered care, scholarly activity, and emerging technologies in a dynamic, mission-driven academic environment.

Requirements

DDS or DMD degree from a CODA-accredited institution (or equivalent).
Applicants must include all active and inactive professional license numbers on their CV/resume.
Completion of an advanced education program (e.g., Prosthodontics or related specialty) or demonstrated expertise in advanced clinical care, digital dentistry, and innovation.
Eligibility for Kentucky dental licensure or faculty-limited licensure.
Demonstrated experience or strong interest in teaching and mentoring dental students.

Nice To Haves

Experience in predoctoral dental education, particularly within CODA-accredited programs.
Demonstrated engagement with dental industry partnerships, product development, or technology evaluation.
Experience implementing technologies that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient care and dental education.
Evidence of, or strong potential for, research, innovation, and scholarly productivity.
Leadership experience or demonstrated ability to build and grow programs or centers of excellence.

Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality instruction across didactic, preclinical, and clinical settings in areas such as prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, and/or related disciplines.
Integrate digital dentistry, CAD/CAM workflows, AI applications, and emerging technologies into the curriculum.
Develop and implement innovative, competency-based teaching and assessment strategies aligned with CODA standards.
Collaborate with faculty to continuously advance curriculum design and student learning outcomes.
Provide vision and leadership to develop CRET into a center of excellence and a growing research institute in dental technology and innovation.
Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with dental industry leaders, technology companies, and vendors.
Oversee CRET operations, including evaluation and implementation of new devices, materials, and digital platforms.
Lead initiatives that promote AI integration, digital workflows, and innovation in oral health education and clinical care.
Seek and support externally funded projects, industry-sponsored research, and collaborative development opportunities.
Supervise and mentor students in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in prosthodontics and restorative dentistry.
Emphasize evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration.
Model best practices in clinical excellence, professionalism, and recognition of the oral-systemic health connection.
Engage in scholarly activity with a focus on areas such as digital dentistry, prosthodontics, AI in healthcare, oral-systemic health, and salivary diagnostics.
Lead and support the development of CRET as a platform for applied research and innovation.
Mentor students and faculty in research design, implementation, and dissemination.
Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and innovation initiatives that enhance institutional visibility and impact.
Participate in institutional committees, accreditation processes, and faculty development efforts.
Contribute to TCDM’s mission through community outreach and service-learning programs, particularly in support of oral health access in Central Appalachia.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the College.