Dental Hygiene Program Director

Colorado-Mesa-University; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Mesa University is seeking a Director of the Dental Hygiene Program to oversee academic and operational aspects, ensure CODA accreditation compliance, and maintain current curriculum guidelines. The position leads faculty development, supervises clinical adjuncts, supports student success, manages program budget, and collaborates with university leadership to advance the program and campus goals.

Qualified candidates include a licensed dental hygienist or dentist with advanced education

Qualifications

• Must hold a current Dental Hygiene license or equivalent.
• Master’s degree from an accredited university.
• National Board Dental Hygiene Examination completed.
• Colorado regional or state clinical board examination completed.
• Experience in education and curriculum development.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure CODA accreditation standards are met.
• Teach course load as needed.
• Lead curriculum development and maintenance.
• Monitor student outcomes and provide advising.
• Liaise with administration and manage program budget.
• Maintain a minimum of 5 office hours per week for student support.

Skills

Curriculum development

Faculty training

Student advising

Budget management

Accreditation compliance

Education

Master’s degree from an accredited university

Current Dental Hygiene license

National Board Dental Hygiene Examination

Colorado regional or state clinical board examination

Tools

PowerPoint

Learning Management System (LMS)

Job description

ANNOUNCMENT OF POSITION VACANCYFLSA Status:United States of America (Exempt)Compensation:$75,000-$80,000Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package:SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTUREAt CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It’s this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.From this place of humility and courage, we’ve built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.Inspired by the soul of the West—the spirit that our region embodies—we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.Colorado Mesa University Core ValuesLove - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and othersDignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwillCourage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilitiesHumility - Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of othersResiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing OpportunityCuriosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknownPower - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goalsSECTION II – THE SEATAt CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the “right seats” in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.The Director of the Dental Hygiene Program is responsible for the academic and operational aspects of the dental hygiene program. Responsibilities include ensuring that the instruction is in accordance with approved curriculum guidelines, maintaining required program standards for the dental hygiene program and applicable state regulations as applied to the dental hygiene education industry in Colorado. In addition, this individual provides technical medical input regarding curriculum, content, and procedures. This seat supervises and trains faculty, including clinical adjunct faculty.OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKSEnsure the program meets accreditation standards and is compliant with the Committee on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requirements.Teach course load as needed and assignedLead faculty in developing and maintaining the curriculum to ensure it is current and relevantMonitor student success rates, evaluate student performance, and address student needsServe as a liaison with institution administration and perform administrative functionsMaintain a minimum of 5 office hours per week for student support and advisingApprove and evaluate student admissions criteria and proceduresDevelop rapport with students that is professional and encourages instructor and student communicationFacilitate Program Reviews on scheduled cadenceDefine and manage budgetROLESLead, Manage, Accountability (LMA)Program oversight and complianceStudent SuccessFaculty developmentCurriculum maintenanceundefinedACCOUNTABILITY TO RESULTSQuarterly Rocks – 80% Completion RateStudent Assessments – 80% RatingStudent Competency Verification – 100%Program Outcomes Achievement – 80%CORE PROCESSESOwned:Program ReviewStudent AdvisingStudent ClinicalsContributor:Program BudgetStaff and Faculty EvaluationsStudent Success ReportingReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.SECTION III – OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FITFor the success of our mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a “Right Fit” in our seats. We define “Right Fit” as those who embrace our culture, demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek individuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have the capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FITDental hygienist or a dentist who is a graduate of a program accredited by the Commission on Dental AccreditationDental Hygienist:Current Dental Hygiene licenseSuccessful completion of the written National Board Dental Hygiene ExaminationSuccessful completion of a Colorado regional or state clinical board examinationMaster’s degree from an accredited universityDentist:Current Dental LicenseSuccessful completion of the written National Board Dental ExaminationSuccessful completion of a Colorado regional or state clinical board examinationOccupational Experience: 4000 occupational/industry hours within 5 years.Proof of Continuing Education in the courses that you will be teachingBackground in education and the professional experience necessary to understand and fulfill the program goalsComputer Skills: Ability to utilize PowerPoint, Learning Management System technology to maintain grades and content.LANGUAGE SKILLSThe language skills include:Ability to read, analyze and interpret general written materials, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.Ability to write reports and prepare and conduct verbal and visual presentation of materials.Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from top management, public groups, and board of directors.MATHEMATICAL SKILLSAbility to apply accounting models and mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.REASONING ABILITYStrategic and analytical reasoning skills are necessary. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the individual in this position will encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual typically performs the duties of the job in an open office setting. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud at times, with several disruptions throughout the day.DIRECT INQUIRIES CONTACT: Pam Holder, [e-mail] TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:Cover letterResumeCopy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:Cover letterResumeCopy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.