Program Director Dental Assistant

Concorde Career Colleges, Inc.•Fort Myers, FL

About The Position

The Program Director Dental Assistant leads and elevates the program, ensuring strong academics, full accreditation compliance, high-quality theory and clinical training, and successful student outcomes. This role balances operational leadership, curriculum innovation, faculty mentorship, and community partnerships. The Program Director is also required to implement, monitor, and uphold all applicable policies and procedures to ensure effective functioning of the department.

Requirements

HS Diploma (or GED) and certificate of completion from an accredited postsecondary institution in relevant subject area (required)
Minimum three (3) years of practical work experience in dental assisting (required)
Direct and specialized knowledge in the area of instruction (required)
Proficient in curriculum design, program administration, evaluation, instruction, and counseling
Proficient in assessing instructors’ competence and effectiveness
Independently manage complex tasks and projects
Coach and mentor junior team members
Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions
Present ideas in a compelling and structured format to diverse audiences
Demonstrate refined listening skills and emotional intelligence
Facilitate training sessions and cross-functional meetings
Drive consistent results in a fast-paced environment
Leverage enterprise-level tools and systems to streamline processes
Create new and better ways for the organization to succeed
Develop people to achieve their goals and support organizational success
Navigate complex policies, processes, and organizational dynamics with ease
Operate effectively in uncertainty and ambiguity
Work independently, escalating complex or high-impact issues
Drive innovation to improve organizational success
Develop others to achieve individual and organizational goals
Navigate complex organizational dynamics with confidence
Perform effectively amid uncertainty and ambiguity
Able and willing to: Communicate, think, learn, and reason
Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasks
Safely ambulate and/or maneuver when on-site at Company locations
Demonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibility
Ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneously
Ability to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the position
Ability to foster long-term relationships with stakeholders
Use hearing and sight (both near and far vision)
Communicate with faculty and students to provide direct instruction
Use fine motor skills to operate personal computers, manual and electrical (dental, nursing, etc.) equipment, as well as various diagnostic or procedure equipment
Ability to travel to local worksites
Use fine and large motor skills to operate a motor vehicle
Use hearing and sight (both near and far vision) to operate a motor vehicle

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in dental assisting (preferred)

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations and support long-term strategic planning for the Dental Assisting program
Drive compliance with regional or state accrediting bodies, including self-study, reaccreditation processes, annual reports, self studies and responses
Promote and enforce safety and compliance standards in labs and clinical environments
Inspect and confirm dental equipment is in proper working order and lab is sufficiently stocked with consumables
Monitor and validate that faculty are providing active and engaging learning experiences to students within a respectful environment that is conducive to learning, and focused on student satisfaction and positive results
Support curriculum development, review student learning outcomes, and align program content with evolving industry standards
Ensure externship capacity of 125% of need at all times
Mentor and advise students, prepare them for the licensing exam, and support their professional growth
Maintain systematic program evaluation—tracking retention, completion, placement, and exam passage rates
Participate in budget planning, oversee expenditures, and make recommendations for equipment, lab enhancements, and supplies management
Maintain and nurture effective relationships with clinical affiliates, advisory boards, local schools, and healthcare organizations.
Participate in, and document, ongoing faculty and professional development activities (e.g. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for certification or licensure where required by law)
Review and ensure accurate and timely course, student, and faculty scheduling
Participate in the local professional community to raise awareness of the institution, enhance student opportunities, and build professional networks
Actively participate in student, campus, and community activities as required
Provide instruction in both the Clinical and Didactic aspects of the program
Organize and deliver class objectives in a clear, concise manner
Evaluate student performance through assignments, exams, and practical assessments
Provide constructive feedback and support to students to help them achieve academic and professional success
Identify and report on any at-risk students; creates individualized success plans to mitigate attrition
Foster relationships with students to help them meet program competency requirements
Meet with students and education personnel to discuss instructional programs and related issues
Provide and maintain regular, substantive interaction with students in online course components
Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress
Deliver engaging lectures and lab sessions on assigned topics, diagnostic procedures, equipment operation and troubleshooting.
Establish/maintain a high performance team of professional, motivated and engaged staff utilizing effective training, performance management and career-development activities while leading them to achieve established business results and performance metrics
Recognizes and rewards employee contributions and achievements
Other duties as assigned