Dental Hygiene Program Director

The Dental Hygiene Program Director  is responsible for developing the curriculum and associated syllabi and competencies to create an Associates in Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene.  This curriculum should meet the requirements for securing and subsequently maintaining accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and the New Jersey Board of Dentistry.

 The Dental Hygiene Program Director's  primary role will initially consist of all facets of program development and the achievement of program accreditation, including, but not limited to, course and program development, staffing, overseeing the setup of a lab, and establishing an admissions process and criteria. Once the program enrolls students, the Dental Hygiene Program Director role shifts to attaining educational goals and objectives; managing the day-to-day operations of the Program; ensuring Program compliance with all CODA, State, and College standards; formulating strategies to enhance student success; supervising and mentoring part and full time faculty; developing in service programs to enhance faculty and student performance; promoting personal and professional development; providing student guidance and appropriate referrals; and generating periodic assessment reports. Additional duties encompass designing faculty and class schedules; coordinating activities, networking with the community to promote dental health; maintaining the laboratory and clinical facilities, assessing Program and student outcomes; developing and implementing strategic plans based upon gathered data; and management of the Program budget.

Classification: Non-Affiliated Administrator

Staff Duration: Full Time 12 months1. Designs, develops and implements the Dental Hygiene Program curriculum consistent with accreditation standards set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and the New Jersey Board of Dentistry Dental Hygiene requirements.

2.Manages the Program based on existing and new standards and CODA requirements through an on-going curriculum review process including: evaluation of all courses to determine relationship to program goals and competencies; review of course content to determine scope, depth, sequence, level of instruction, duplication, and relevancy; utilization of data from faculty input, surveys, course evaluations, and board scores to strengthen and revise curriculum. Participates in systematic program assessment and strategic planning.

3.Recommends and schedules board review sessions, coordinates the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments - Western Regional Examining Board- Council of Interstate Agencies, Inc.  (CDCA - WREB - CITA)  Computer-Simulated Clinical Examination (CSCE) and Manikin Treatment Clinical Examination (MTCE) and National Board Dental Hygiene Examination annually. Assists students with state licensure applications.  

4.Collects and analyzes data from student learning outcomes, student evaluations, and licensure examination scores to enhance critical thinking, promote student retention, and improve student success.

5.Oversees the daily operations of the program; hires, trains, evaluates, and supervises full-time and part-time faculty, recommends ongoing professional development, and ensures maintenance and currency of faculty credentials.

6.Develops Program operational manuals and student clinical and policy documents.

7.Identifies admissions and performance criteria for students.

8. Manages preparation, maintenance, inventory, and operation of all laboratory and clinical equipment and supplies.

9.Monitors and prepares budgets including operational and funding requests with recommendations for purchase of equipment and supplies aligned with technological change in consultation with the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences.

10. Assumes public relations and communications for the Program including but not limited to: maintaining satisfactory relationships with other college departments and outside agencies; participating in health-related professional and community activities; and serving on department and college wide committees.

11. Develops and contributes to Departmental procedures and practices. 

12. Provides educational support to Program faculty and staff regarding the use of equipment and educational strategies to promote student success.

13. Monitors changing trends, clinical practice protocols, and technologies in dental education to ensure currency.

14. Promotes computer-facilitated learning and knowledge of equipment utilized in the professional dental setting to foster competency in the use of related technology.

15. Performs related duties, projects and initiatives as assigned by the administration.1. Master's Degree.

2.Current Dental Hygiene or Dental license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry and graduation from a CODA institution.

3.Five (5) years of recent professional dental experience with demonstrated proficiency in current dental practices.

4.Experience teaching at the undergraduate level with documented coursework in education methodology.

5.Knowledge of the CODA Standards and the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry  requirements for Dental Hygiene Education.  Experience with achieving initial or re-accreditation.

6.Four (4) years of leadership experience.

7.Administrative experience with accountability for individual and program results; ability to identify, develop, and implement training and development for both students and designated college personnel.

8.Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products (specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and other related technology required of the position such as multimedia computers and the ability to analyze and create detailed documents, reports, charts, presentations, and the ability to learn additional software, hardware and video techniques as necessary.

9.Strong interpersonal and communication skills1. Licensed dentist with a background in education.

2.Experience with learning management systems.

3.Professional membership in the American Dental Hygienists' Association.