Dental Assistant Program Director

SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant Program Director manages the instructors and the educational activities of the department and all students, classes and labs. The Program Director is also responsible for any applicable accreditation commission standards or agency regulations as well as all school policies and procedures including those stated in the catalog or available internally on the company Intranet.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure integrity, accuracy and efficiency of academic activities including classroom, dental lab and externship.
2. Oversee monitoring of and ensure appropriate responses for at risk students including those in online or blended classes.
3. Advise students regarding academic progress in the department from enrollment to graduation.
4. Assist with student orientations.
5. Responsible for recruiting, orienting and supervising faculty members for the department.
6. Ensure appropriate, documented, and timely faculty development.
7. Supervise and ensure timely and accurate student scheduling and registration.
8. Supervise externship and ensure all students receive appropriate and sufficient experience.
9. Ensure externship capacity of 125% of need at all times.
10. Conduct all instructor observations as per policy and requirements.
11. Ensure appropriate facilitation and maximum participation in both end-of-course student evaluations and biennial Student Satisfaction Surveys.
12. Review student records for satisfactory academic progress.
13. Assist with ongoing review and development of curricula.
14. Complete and submit assigned reports and attend campus meetings as required.
15. Assist with catalog review and ensure department is in compliance with school catalog and internal policies at all times.
16. Complete and submit assigned reports and conduct and document regular department meetings.
17. Participate in school and/or Academic Affairs meetings as required.
18. Serve as a substitute instructor in the classroom or lab as required.
19. Organize and participate in advisory committee meetings.
20. Ensure dental equipment is in proper working order and lab is sufficiently stocked with consumables at all times.
21. Coordinate with the Graduate Services Director with regard to externship placement of students, job openings, potential candidates, and/or any placement updates.
22. Other duties as assigned by the Campus Director or Academic Dean.

Job Requirements:

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

1. Associates Degree preferred. Preference given to candidates with higher degree.
2. Three years’ experience as a dental assistant in a dental office.  Preference given to candidates with teaching, education, and/or management experience.
3. CDA or RDA if required in state of employment.
4. Familiarity with computer applications including those used to manage dental offices.
5. Preference given to candidate with experience in using online Learning Management System(s) to support education.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

OTHER COMMENTS/REQUIREMENTS

The Program Director must have management and communication skills and the knowledge and ability to judge instructors’ competence. The position requires a strong attention to detail and a positive professional attitude.