Academic Faculty Director - Dental Assisting

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima Community College seeks an Academic Faculty Director for the Dental Assisting Certificate program. The role leads a 29.5-credit cohort, blending lectures, labs, and clinical rotations, with responsibilities in budgeting, curriculum, and accreditation.

Responsibilities include teaching as needed, coordinating interprofessional education, and guiding admissions; the model may change in two years. Duties may require day, evening, or weekend commitments and various learning environments.

Qualifications

• Must hold at least one of the following active credentials: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) through the DANB or Licensed Dentist.
• Must have 2 years’ experience as a dental assistant with direct, proven occupational experience applying the principles of four-handed dentistry.
• Be currently CPR-BLS, certified through The American Heart Association.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the program budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources.
• Direct curriculum development, evaluation, and coordination to maintain high academic standards.
• Oversee scheduling and utilization of program facilities, labs, and equipment.
• Lead CODA accreditation compliance and prepare required documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Curriculum development

CODA accreditation

Academic administration

Education

Baccalaureate degree or higher

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Licensed Dentist credential

Job description

About the Position

The position is available beginning the 2026-2027 academic year as a twelve-month contract. Faculty teach and work a set schedule over a twelve-month academic year, July- June, that could include day, evening, and weekend duties.

The Dental Assisting Academic Faculty Director provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and instruction for the college's accredited one-year Certificate program. Located in the state-of-the-art Center of Excellence in Health Professions at Pima’s West Campus, this full-time administrator ensures compliance with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) while managing budgets, curriculum, and faculty. Additionally, the Director spearheads interprofessional collaboration with other health profession programs at the Center of Excellence to model an integrated, modern healthcare learning environment.

The Academic Faculty Director leads a 29.5-credit cohort program that integrates in-person lectures, lab training, and clinical rotations. In this role, the Director empowers entry-level students with the experiential, collaborative learning needed to launch successful careers in private dental offices, clinics, and public health centers. This full-time position combines teaching, leadership, and administrative responsibilities. Please note that the academic faculty director model is subject to review and may change in two years.

Faculty may be asked to teach in person, online, hybrid, and virtual learning environments. Divisions may employ emerging approaches such as fast-track, IBEST, and dual enrollment as appropriate. Course scheduling may include daytime, evenings, and/or weekends.

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Administration

Develop and manage the program budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources.
Direct curriculum development, evaluation, and coordination to maintain high academic standards.
Oversee the scheduling and utilization of program facilities, labs, and equipment.
Lead all aspects of CODA accreditation compliance, including the timely preparation and maintenance of required documentation.
Establish and refine student admission criteria and enrollment procedures.

Faculty Management & Supervision

Recruit, select, and recommend qualified candidates for faculty appointments, tenure, and promotions.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate faculty performance to foster professional growth and instructional excellence.
Determine and assign faculty teaching schedules, workloads, and course allocations.

Instruction & Student Success

Teach an instructional load per semester to support students.
Evaluate and assess student performance objectively through diverse testing and grading methodologies.
Provide proactive academic advising and career mentorship to students.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

Cultivate and maintain strategic community partnerships to expand educational and clinical opportunities for students.
Convene and collaborate with a Program Advisory Committee to align training with current industry trends.
Represent the department or campus effectively on college-wide committees and task forces.
Participate actively in departmental meetings, discipline groups, and institutional initiatives.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and collegial environment when communicating with faculty, staff, and students.

• Must hold at least one of the following active credentials:
  
  
  
  • Certified Dental Assistant (CDA): Current certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) or
  
  
  • Licensed Dentist: A dentist licensed to practice in Arizona.
  
  
  
  


• Must have 2 years’ experience as a dental assistant with direct, proven occupational experience applying the principles of four-handed dentistry. Must have a baccalaureate degree or higher.


• Be currently CPR-BLS, certified through The American Heart Association.