Associate/Professor and Director of Biological and Behavioral Education

Larkin University

Job Title – Assistant/Associate Professor, Dental Education (Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences)

Job Type – Full Time

Location – Winter Garden

Department – School of Dental Medicine, Office of the Dean

Position Reports to – Dean or Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Anticipate Start Date – January 2027

Larkin University (LU) is a private, non-profit educational institution currently comprising the College of Biomedical Sciences, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Physician Assistant Studies and School of Dental Medicine. Larkin University was created to support the education and health care needs of South Florida’s diverse communities. With a focus on small class sizes and individual attention from student-centered faculty and staff, the University has created an intellectual environment that promotes optimal learning.

Consistent with our mission and vision, to create the Larkin University School of Dental Medicine, we will deliver cutting-edge dental healthcare in the Orlando area. The university is situated on a beautiful, new campus in the Horizon West area, offering a unique working environment.

Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the world, known for tourism, major events, and various conventions. With its two largest theme parks, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, the city is also known for its major cultural sites and world-renowned nightlife in Downtown Orlando, making it the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Job SummaryThe Assistant/Associate Professor in Dental Education (Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences) is responsible for delivering, integrating, and assessing foundational biomedical and behavioral science content within the predoctoral dental curriculum. This role supports student development in biological principles, evidence-based decision-making, and social and behavioral competencies essential for patient-centered care, consistent with CODA Standards.

Primary Responsibilities1. Teaching and Curriculum Delivery (80%)

• Deliver didactic, small-group, and case-based instruction in biomedical sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathology) and behavioral sciences (e.g., communication, ethics, psychology, cultural competence).
• Facilitate integration of biomedical and behavioral content with clinical sciences.
• Participate in simulation, preclinical, and interprofessional education activities.
• Develop active learning strategies that promote critical thinking and lifelong learning.
• Contribute to calibration and standardization of teaching across courses.
• Participate in curriculum design, mapping, and continuous quality improvement aligned with CODA Standards.
• Analyze course and program outcomes, including student performance data.
• Participate in accreditation activities and self-study documentation.
• Support student mentoring, advising, and wellness initiatives.
• Participate in faculty calibration and development programs.
• Mentor junior faculty, residents, and students.
• Engage in continuous professional development in teaching and learning methodologies.

3. Scholarship and Research (10%)

• Engage in scholarly activity in biomedical sciences, behavioral sciences, or dental education.
• Disseminate research through publications and presentations.
• Collaborate in interprofessional or translational research initiatives.
• Seek internal/external funding where applicable.

4. Service and Engagement (10%)

• Serve on school, university, and professional committees.
• Participate in community outreach and service-learning initiatives.
• Contribute to faculty governance and academic policy development.

Qualifications

Required

• DDS/DMD, PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in a biomedical, social/behavioral science, or related field.
• Eligibility for Florida State Dental License or Florida State Teaching License
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in teaching biomedical and/or behavioral sciences.
• Knowledge of evidence-based dentistry and patient-centered care principles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred

• Advanced training or degree in biomedical sciences, behavioral sciences, public health, or dental education.
• Prior teaching experience in a CODA-accredited dental or health professions program.
• Experience with curriculum design, assessment, and accreditation processes.
• Record of scholarly activity or potential for research productivity.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Director of Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences or Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
• Collaborates with: Course Directors, Clinical Faculty, Curriculum Committee, and Office of Academic Affairs

Effort Distribution Summary

• Teaching: 80%
• Scholarship/Research: 10%
• Service: 10%

Measurable Outcomes (Assessment Metrics)

• Student performance on internal and national board examinations.
• Course evaluations and teaching effectiveness scores.
• Contribution to curriculum integration, innovation and assessment methodologies.
• Scholarly output (publications, presentations, grants).
• Participation in accreditation and continuous quality improvement processes.
• Engagement in service and institutional initiatives.

Job Location -Winter Garden, Orlando

EEO/AA Statement

Larkin University is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Larkin University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

• higher education teaching: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• DDS/DMD (Preferred)

Work Location: In person