Dental Hygienist - Program Director (RDH)

Pima Medical Institute; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima Medical Institute's Houston campus has launched a new Dental Hygiene Associate Degree program, and seeks a visionary Program Director to lead it. This full-time role combines strategic leadership, accreditation oversight, and hands-on instruction to build a premier program from the ground up.

You will design the curriculum, coordinate CODA accreditation, recruit and mentor faculty, and ensure high student success.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Graduate of a CODA-accredited Dental Hygiene program.
• Minimum of three (3) years of full‑time clinical Dental Hygienist experience.
• Current, active Texas Dental Hygienist license.
• Background in educational methodology and instructional strategies.
• Demonstrated administrative and instructional experience; CODA program teaching preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the new Dental Hygiene program in Houston.
• Prepare CODA self-study documentation and coordinate accreditation activities.
• Recruit, train, and oversee program faculty and assign teaching duties.
• Develop and maintain a high-quality curriculum aligned with CODA standards.
• Support student success and maintain accurate academic records.

Skills

Clinical experience

Microsoft Office

Educational methodology

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

CODA-accredited dental hygiene program graduate

Texas RDH license

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Dental Hygienist - Program Director (Full-Time)Location: Houston Campus | On-SiteType: Full-Time | Salaried ExemptDepartment: Dental Hygiene ProgramCompensation: $100,000 – $107,290 per year depending on experience

Dental Hygienist - Program Director (Full-Time)

Location: Houston Campus | On-Site

Type: Full-Time | Salaried Exempt

Department: Dental Hygiene Program

Compensation: $100,000 – $107,290 per year depending on experience

Position Summary

Our Houston campus has expanded and launched a new Dental Hygiene Associate Degree program!

Pima Medical Institute has a proven track record with many successful Dental Hygiene programs across the United States. We are looking for a visionary leader to lead our new program, continue our legacy of excellence in teaching and clinical training, and prepare the next generation of Dental Hygienists for impactful careers in oral health.

This role combines strategic leadership, curriculum design, accreditation oversight, and hands‑on instruction. If you are a dedicated professional ready to grow a premier program from the ground up, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Accreditation:

• Launch & Oversight: Architect, establish, and implement department goals for the new Dental Hygiene program in alignment with institutional standards.

• CODA Accreditation: Prepare self‑study documentation, lead accreditation site visits, and ensure all didactic and clinical instruction continuously reflects CODA competencies.

• Advisory & Community: Schedule and chair faculty and advisory board meetings; represent Pima Medical Institute at local, state, and professional dental meetings.

Faculty Management & Development:

• Team Building: Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate program faculty in conjunction with the Faculty Coordinator, preparing teaching assignments and scheduling coverage.

• Professional Growth: Coordinate and arrange educational workshops and in‑service training sessions for both didactic and clinical faculty.

Curriculum & Instructional Excellence:

• Curriculum Design: Develop and maintain a functional, high-quality curriculum according to approved educational standards; evaluate course content and select textbooks.

• Teaching Duties: Perform the functions of a Dental Hygiene Instructor, preparing lesson plans and delivering engaging didactic and lab instruction.

• Clinical Collaboration: Coordinate with the Clinical Director to ensure clinical education is practical, comprehensive, and reflective of modern dental practices.

Student Success & Academic Administration:

• Retention Leadership: Review student success rates by class and implement proactive support plans to maintain a target 80% student success rate.

• Student Mentorship: Meet with students to advise, tutor, and encourage them throughout their academic journey, referring students to Student Services when additional support is needed.

• Record Integrity: Evaluate student performance against course objectives, maintain accurate grades per policy, and prepare final semester grades for transcripts.

Fiscal & Operational Oversight:

• Admissions & Budget: Participate in establishing student admissions criteria and procedures. Monitor department budgets and expenditures to ensure a sustainable and high‑performing program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree from an academic institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the USDE.

• CODA Program Graduate: Graduate of a Dental Hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

• Clinical Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of full‑time clinical experience as a Dental Hygienist.

• Licensure: Current, active license or credential required by state and federal laws to work as a Dental Hygienist in the state of Texas.

• Educational Background: Documented background in educational methodology, instructional strategies, and current knowledge of specific subjects taught.

• Experience: Demonstrated administrative and instructional experience; prior teaching experience in a CODA‑accredited program is strongly preferred.

• Technical Skills: Strong verbal/written communication skills and functional proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).