Dental Hygiene Program Director (RDH)

About the position

The Dental Hygiene Program Director at Pima Medical Institute is responsible for overseeing the educational activities of the Dental Hygiene Program, which includes developing and managing the curriculum, supervising faculty, and ensuring student success. This role is crucial in preparing students for careers in dental health and maintaining the program's standards of excellence.

Responsibilities

• Directs the educational activities of the Dental Hygiene Program.
• Develops and manages the approved curriculum and teaching schedule.
• Supervises the activities of the Dental Hygiene Program faculty and prepares teaching assignments.
• Recruits, trains, mentors, and evaluates faculty in conjunction with the Faculty Coordinator.
• Determines, establishes, and implements department goals.
• Reviews student success rates by class and implements plans to reduce student withdrawals.
• Meets with students to encourage them to stay in the program, maintaining an 80% student success rate.
• Coordinates, evaluates, and participates in determining student admissions criteria and procedures.
• Monitors the department budget and expenditures, making necessary corrections to maintain profitability.
• Schedules and chairs faculty and advisory board meetings.
• Coordinates and arranges educational workshops and in-services for faculty.
• Ensures didactic and clinic instruction reflects related Program competencies.
• Maintains student grades by established policies and prepares final grades at the end of each semester.
• Evaluates students' performance relating to course objectives and addresses learning needs.
• Coordinates with the Clinical Director to ensure practical and comprehensive clinical education.
• Develops and maintains a functional curriculum according to the approved design and evaluates course content.
• Prepares self-study for accreditation and performs functions of a dental hygiene instructor.
• Represents Pima Medical Institute at professional meetings and functions.
• Provides tutoring assistance to dental hygiene students as needed.

Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Graduate of a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
• Three years of full-time clinical experience as a Dental Hygienist.
• Previous teaching experience in a program accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation preferred.
• Current license, certification, or credential required by local, state, and federal laws to work as a Dental Hygienist.
• Instructional and administrative experience.
• Documented background in educational methodology consistent with teaching assignments.
• Current knowledge of the specific subjects taught.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and general computer skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous teaching experience in a program accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation.