Dental Hygiene Program Director

Dental Hygiene Program Director

Position Summary:

The Program Director is responsible for administration, organization, supervision, continuous review, curriculum planning and development, and general effectiveness of the program. The program director teaches in his/her assigned discipline, works with faculty to promote continuous improvement of the quality of instruction within the assigned program(s), is the lead administrator for the department, and, as such, is responsible for developing, coordinating, and administering the academic program(s) and outcome activities within the department.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Fulfills all the functions and responsibilities of teaching the assigned course load as directed by the DOE/Dean.
• Demonstrates excellent teaching qualities and sets a positive example for other instructors regarding appropriate dress, class preparation, punctuality, student assessment, and a student-centered approach to classroom instruction.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for students, instructional staff, and advisory committees regarding academic curriculum.
• Provides leadership in developing, evaluating, and maintaining curricula and programs that respond to community needs, prepare students for success, and meet the requirements of the regulatory agencies. 
• Assists in the development and implementation of strategies that support student enrollment, retention, externship/internship/clinical programs, and program completion.
• Visits the externship sites, and review the students’ performance, and conducts meetings with students.
• Monitors attendance, SAP, and other program data to take necessary corrective action to ensure successful graduation and retention outcomes.
• Develops a schedule of classes in a timely fashion and in consultation with the DOE/Dean that is responsive to student needs and educational efficiencies. 
• Oversee textbook review and selection process at the department level, update textbook inventory, and submit textbook orders for approval by the DOE/Dean and ultimately the campus director.
• Coordinates with the DOE/Dean to conduct classroom observations, faculty evaluations, performance reviews, conferences, in-services, and professional development sessions.
• Assists the DOE/Dean in the hiring, training, development, and supervision of faculty and substitutes to cover classes as needed.
• Assists the Dean/DOE in providing product knowledge training to the admissions personnel from time to time and before the implementation of new or updated program(s).
• Works with faculty to provide mentoring for new full-time and adjunct faculty.
• Organizes and conducts new employee orientations regarding program procedures, instructional issues, and faculty training.
• Works with faculty to support course consistency in accordance with the approved course syllabus and lesson plans.
• Conducts weekly meetings with the faculty in his/her department to identify at-risk students, review policies and procedures, and resolve faculty and student issues.
• Ensures faculty support the attainment of department and institutional goals as laid out in the Institutional Effectiveness Plan.
• Maintain inventory of equipment, software, and supplies in the laboratory and classroom, and monitor the cleanliness of the labs/classrooms.
• Monitors classroom and student safety and immediately reports safety concerns to the DOE/Dean and Campus Director.
• Participates in student activities, such as serving as a club advisor, if asked.
• Is aware of the school catalog, faculty handbook, and student handbook and understands all the procedures and expectations stated within them, as well as policies stated therein.
• Ensures that student surveys are completed at the end of each course in a timely fashion.
• Ensure that faculty members in the department submit final grades to the Registrar by the established deadline.
• Selects and engages in advisory board activities at least twice a year with the coordinated effort of Career Services and the DOE/Dean.
• Assists Career Services in working with students before and after graduation in securing positions related to their area of training.
• Develops and maintains industry contacts for instructional and employment purposes.
• Keeps abreast of industry changes through participation in industry events and regular involvement in professional organizations.
• Organizes and implements programming designed to help graduates transition from school to employment.
• Adheres to and supports school policies and procedures as referenced in the employee handbook, faculty handbook, and catalog.
• Attends student orientation and graduation ceremonies.
• Performs other duties as may be specified by the DOE/Dean or the Campus Director.
• Maintains Regular and reliable attendance.

Skills/Competencies/Qualifications:

• Is a dental hygienist or a dentist who graduated from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Possesses a minimum of a master degree, or higher.
• Possess the appropriate licenses and/or certifications per accreditation and state licensing standards
  • RDH in the State of Virginia 
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience as an RDH is necessary to understand and fulfill the program goals.
• Prior higher education/postsecondary-related teaching experience of at least 2 years.
• Documented expertise in academic subject area as demonstrated by data sheets, diplomas, transcripts, certifications, and/or résumés.
• Expertise in interpersonal and verbal presentation/written communication skills.
• Ability to provide effective direction and leadership, and work effectively and collaboratively with others.

Classification: Exempt
Work Hours: Day/Evening hours regularly.
Travel: None
Working Environment: Interior/Office