Program Director, Dental Hygiene

Program Director, Dental Hygiene - Moline, IL

Excelon Associates is seeking an experienced and dedicated Program Director to lead the Dental Hygiene program at a well-established institution in Moline, Illinois. The Program Director serves as the highest-level academic and operational leader for the program, responsible for ensuring instructional excellence, student success, accreditation compliance, and continuous program improvement.

This role requires a strategic leader who can mentor faculty, uphold academic integrity, foster a culture of professionalism, and maintain alignment with institutional standards. The Program Director will oversee all aspects of program delivery, including curriculum management, faculty development, compliance with accreditation requirements, and the achievement of key student outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Program Leadership & Faculty Oversight

• Oversee daily program operations to ensure instructional quality and efficiency.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate program faculty and staff.
• Conduct classroom and lab observations, providing constructive coaching and development feedback.
• Facilitate regular department meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions with faculty.
• Lead faculty performance evaluations and professional growth planning.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all program-related concerns.
• Collaborate with campus leadership to address faculty and student performance matters.

Curriculum & Accreditation

• Ensure adherence to the approved curriculum and instructional standards.
• Lead curriculum development and revision efforts in alignment with industry requirements and licensure standards.
• Ensure full compliance with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison with CODA, preparing self-studies, annual reports, and facilitating site visits.
• Maintain comprehensive accreditation documentation and program records.
• Ensure program policies comply with HIPAA, OSHA, and state board regulations.
• Organize and lead Program Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings to gather industry feedback and drive improvement.

Student Success & Outcomes

• Monitor key student outcomes, including retention, credentialing, and job placement, with a minimum benchmark of 70% and a goal of 80%.
• Collaborate with academic and student success teams to support advising, tutoring, and career preparation initiatives.
• Review academic progress each term to determine graduation eligibility.
• Provide intervention support for students experiencing academic or behavioral challenges.
• Serve as a substitute instructor when necessary to maintain instructional continuity.

Resource & Budget Management

• Develop and oversee the program budget, including instructional materials and equipment procurement.
• Manage course schedules, faculty assignments, and student-to-instructor ratios.
• Ensure sufficient instructional resources and materials are available and maintained.
• Coordinate supply orders and approve expenditures in collaboration with administration.
• Review catalog content to ensure program accuracy and compliance.

Campus & Community Engagement

• Represent the program at institutional events such as open houses, graduations, orientations, and job fairs.
• Participate in campus leadership meetings and institutional review processes.
• Maintain active membership in relevant professional organizations.
• Build and sustain relationships with local dental professionals, employers, and community partners to support program development and growth.

Professional Development

• Promote a culture of lifelong learning and continuous improvement among faculty.
• Maintain all required continuing education units (CEUs), certifications, and professional licenses.
• Participate in at least two professional development activities annually beyond the minimum requirements.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Must be a Dental Hygienist or Dentist who is a graduate of a CODA-accredited program.
• Must hold an active, unrestricted license as a Dental Hygienist or Dentist.
• Master's degree required.

Experience

• Minimum of four (4) years of professional dental hygiene practice.
• Documented postsecondary teaching experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in curriculum design, accreditation, and program evaluation.
• Proven leadership in faculty supervision and clinical operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with learning management and student information systems preferred (Canvas, Campus Nexus, etc.).
• Strong record of fostering student success and faculty engagement.

Work Environment

• The position operates in classroom and clinical lab settings, with adherence to all OSHA safety and PPE standards.
• Limited travel or extended hours may be required for training or accreditation activities.
• Instructional work occurs primarily in climate-controlled environments, though some clinical activities may take place in non-climate-controlled settings.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, and paid time off.
• Employer-sponsored continuing education for licensure renewal when applicable.

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Excelon does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital or veteran status, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.