Chair of Pediatric Dentistry

Meharry Medical College; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Meharry Medical College is seeking a Department Chair for Pediatric Dentistry, responsible for providing vision for the department and leading faculty and staff. The ideal candidate will drive clinical services, education, and research while fostering a collaborative environment.

Minimum qualifications include a DDS or DMD, completion of a CODA-accredited postgraduate program, and significant leadership experience. Candidates must be eligible for an Academic Appointment as Associate Professor and possess a Tennessee Dental License.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of teaching and/or clinical experience.
• Relevant administrative experience.
• Dental License to practice in the State of Tennessee.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement department’s vision and strategy.
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate clinicians and faculty.
• Advance clinical services and ensure high-quality patient care.
• Engage with dental students, residents, fellows, and other health professionals.

Skills

Strategic and critical thinker

Visionary and innovative leader

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills

Expertise in evidence‑based clinical guidelines

Education

DDS or DMD from a U.S. or Canadian-accredited dental school

Completion of a CODA-accredited postgraduate program in Pediatric Dentistry

Job description

Department Chair - Pediatric Dentistry

The role of the Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry is multifaceted and carries significant responsibilities. The Chair provides overall vision for the department, encompassing clinical, academic, research, innovation, and administrative leadership for faculty, staff, students, and residents. The Chair works collaboratively with the Dean and other faculty members to develop and execute the department’s strategy to advance our clinical and academic missions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the department’s vision and strategy in partnership with the Dean’s Executive Council.
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate clinicians and faculty, including reviewing credentialing.
• Advance clinical services and ensure high‑quality patient care.
• Implement and lead quality improvement and process improvement initiatives.
• Expand the department’s academic and clinical offerings; identify and develop new clinical programs aligned with national best practices, community needs, and financial feasibility.
• Foster an environment conducive to teaching, research, and education.
• Engage with dental students, residents, fellows, and other health professionals; enhance educational programs.
• Teach didactic and clinical practice to students and residents as required.
• Oversee research programs and encourage faculty involvement in research.
• Promote innovation in pediatric dentistry.
• Encourage diversity, professionalism, respect, tolerance, and acceptance within the department.
• Manage department staff, finances, and resources in accordance with school policies.
• Assess evolving trends in pediatric dentistry and develop measures to evaluate departmental outcomes.
• Serve as an advisor to the Dean of the School of Dentistry and as a member of the Executive Council of the School of Dentistry.
• Conduct periodic departmental self‑reviews, internal reviews by faculty from other departments, and external reviews by chairs or eminent scholars.
• Schedule faculty clinical, administrative, and academic duties, publishing schedules that reflect yearly contracts and accommodate room usage and facility resources.
• Ensure faculty practices meet code of ethics accepted by national dental societies and MMC; address any unacceptable medical practices promptly.
• Support equitable salary and academic work conditions and facilitate faculty professional development.
• Oversee medical documentation of clinical encounters, ensuring accurate billing practices and rectifying documentation issues.
• Assist faculty in securing start‑up funds and promote accountability for research outcomes.

Key Skills

• Strategic and critical thinker
• Visionary and innovative leader
• Integrity and accountability
• Decisive and results‑oriented
• Credibility and presence
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills
• Exceptional presentation skills and poise with senior leaders
• Expertise in evidence‑based clinical guidelines and technological advances
• Enthusiasm for continuous change and growth
• Commitment to training the next generation of physicians
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with clinical and administrative leadership, physicians, and staff
• Familiarity with CODA requirements
• Experience with educational technology and electronic health records

Education & Experience

• Minimum qualifications: DDS or DMD from a U.S. or Canadian‑accredited dental school.
• Completion of a CODA‑accredited postgraduate program in Pediatric Dentistry.
• Eligible for an Academic Appointment as Associate Professor.
• Relevant administrative experience.
• Dental License to practice in the State of Tennessee.
• DEA registration.
• Clinical teaching experience at the predoctoral or postdoctoral level.
• Minimum of three (3) years of teaching and/or clinical experience.

Licensure

Unrestricted Tennessee Dental License; proof of dental degree required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Meharry Medical College complies with Title IX and is an affirmative action employer. Candidates will be considered for employment without discrimination for an non‑merit reason such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, handicap, or veteran status.