Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry seeks an organized, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as the next Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, shaping the future of dental education in Oklahoma and beyond.

Reporting to the Dean, the role provides strategic oversight for curriculum innovation, technology integration, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with Division Heads, Program Directors, and Course Directors to elevate educational programs and

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in dental education at the institutional level.
• At least 5 years of administrative experience in a leadership role.
• Experience in curricular design, didactic and clinical assessment methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead teams to identify and resolve academic problems.
• Experience supervising staff in a dental education setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight for academic initiatives, including curriculum innovation and technology integration.
• Collaborate with Division Heads, Program Directors, Department Chairs, and Course Directors to guide educational progression.
• Engage external stakeholders to advance the College's academic mission and accreditation readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Curricular design

Administrative experience

Team collaboration

Educational assessment

Education

DDS/ DMD or PhD

Job description

The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry seeks an organized, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as the next Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, helping to shape the future of dental education in Oklahoma and beyond. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will provide strategic oversight and vision for academic initiatives, including curriculum innovation, advanced education programs, technology integration, and regulatory compliance.

As the state’s only dental school, the College is deeply committed to preparing exceptional dentists and addressing the oral health needs of the state of Oklahoma. With a renewed emphasis on evidence-based education, cutting-edge research, emerging dental technologies, and patient-centered care, the College is advancing a comprehensive strategy for curriculum review and enhancement. The incoming Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will join during a period of significant growth within the broader University of Oklahoma system—an exciting opportunity for a collaborative academic leader to make a lasting impact on dental education and community health across the region.

The ideal candidate will possess strong administrative leadership skills and a deep understanding of contemporary curricular models and transformative competencies that elevate clinical education. In this role, the Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will work closely with Division Heads, Program Directors, Department Chairs, Course Directors, and fellow academic leaders to guide the educational progression of students across the College’s diverse programs. This individual will also demonstrate expertise in leveraging educational technologies and integrating research with clinical practice throughout the curriculum. As a key representative of the College, the Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will engage with external stakeholders to advance its academic mission.

The College of Dentistry is entering a transformative era, guided by strategic planning, collaborative innovation, and ambitious goals in clinical expansion, research, and curriculum development. With a growing focus on serving Oklahoma’s rural communities, embracing innovative technologies, and fostering a values-based culture rooted in achievement, access, opportunity, compassion, and respect, the College is well-positioned to build on its strengths and advance the future of dental education and patient care, both locally and nationally.

The Assistant/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will play a central role in this continued evolution, partnering with faculty, staff, and leadership to sustain momentum around academic excellence while thoughtfully assessing, refining, and strengthening existing programs and processes. This position offers a meaningful opportunity for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader to help shape the next phase of the College's success through continuous improvement, shared governance, and a commitment to excellence.

Candidates must have a DDS, DMD, or PhD degree and a proven record of educational and academic experience commensurate with an appointment as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor at the University of Oklahoma. Successful candidates will be able to play a major administrative and strategic leadership role in a large, complex, public research university.

Successful candidates will also have a broad set of skills and assets deemed important for success. While perhaps no candidate will possess all the following traits, the successful candidate will bring many of these personal attributes, professional experiences, and demonstrated strengths:

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of experience in dental education at the institutional level.
• At least 5 years of administrative experience, including current or previous experience in a leadership role.
• Experience in curricular design, didactic, and clinical assessment methodology.
• Demonstrated experience working with effective teams to identify and resolve academic problems.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising the work of others in a dental education setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dental education experience in the development, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring of an institutional education program leading to the dental degree.
• Experience with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and preparation for CODA accreditation.

The University of Oklahoma, College of Dentistry, has retained the national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.