"Assistant or Associate Professor/Program Director - Dental Therapy"

Position Summary

12-month tenure-track faculty position (Assistant or Associate Professor), which includes teaching and related responsibilities in the newly developing Dental Therapy program and serving as Program Director to provide operational and program oversight, development and maintenance of internal and external relationships, and mentorship and support of new faculty with their academic and scholarly activities. Responsibilities include developing the dental therapy curriculum, completing application to the specialized accrediting agency, providing instruction, and preparing, administering, and grading examinations; advising students on related academic matters; engaging in scholarly activities and professional development; and serving on departmental and faculty committees to promote curriculum development with the College of Health Professions. The anticipated start date of this position is May of 2025 at the earliest and August 2025 at the latest. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed. Courses are to be taught in person at our main and extended Ferris State University Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment.

Required Education

Graduate of a DDS or DMD program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Required Work Experience

A minimum of five years of dental practice experience or a combination of dental practice and higher education experience.

Required Licenses and Certifications

Michigan Dental License or demonstrated ability to obtain a Michigan Dental license prior to employment.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Oversight and facilitation of program approval and/or accreditation processes.
• Participate in curriculum development, program evaluation and accreditation compliance.
• Develop and teach new dental therapy courses.
• Active engagement in assessment of student learning and its related analysis and improvement processes.
• Provide classroom, clinical, online and off campus instruction and supervision as assigned.
• Serve as academic advisor for students in the assigned program.
• Oversee and coordinate the development of student recruitment and program marketing materials.
• Development and maintenance of relationships with community dental clinics and other healthcare providers.
• Maintain a consistent physical presence for the purpose of engagement in the university community and the advancement of the program and college.
• Maintain practice currency, service and scholarship responsibilities commensurate with academic rank, and the initiatives and expectations of the program and college.
• Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include advising students, orientation, and registration of students, participation in university committees, keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (ex. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time).
• Faculty members may be required to teach off-campus and/or at regional sites and in face to face or on-line environment.
• Operates university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Skills and Abilities

Possess energy, creativity, and demonstrated leadership potential. Make definitive decisions and implement set plans and processes. Apply knowledge of current theories, research, and high-quality practice in dental education. Offer innovative ideas to develop programming, curricula, and pedagogy. Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript 1
• Certification/License

Special Instructions to Applicants

Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of DDS or DMD program. Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Applicants who have completed college coursework or attained a degree must attach a copy of unofficial transcript. Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. License (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of their Michigan Dental License or the demonstrated ability to obtain a Michigan Dental license prior to employment.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. Faculty Health Benefit Plans

Initial Application Review Date: March 28, 2025

Open Until Filled: Yes