"Assistant Professor of Public Health and Community Service"

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) offers one of the most forward-looking educational environments in dental medicine in the country. Since its founding in 1868, TUSDM has been committed to leadership in education, patient care, research, and community service. Students obtain an interdisciplinary education, integrated with medicine, with access to training in dental specialties. Clinics at TUSDM provide quality comprehensive care to more than 20,000 individuals annually. Nationally and internationally, the school promotes health and educational programs and researches new procedures, materials, and technologies to improve oral health.

The Department of Public Health and Community Service oversees a large number of content areas related to dental public health including geriatrics, community health, health promotion, dental prevention, epidemiology, biostatistics, research design, special needs dentistry, inclusive excellence, artificial intelligence, behavioral sciences, trauma informed care, school-based dental care delivery and more. Faculty teach courses both for the predoctoral program and for the postdoctoral programs (Masters, Doctorate, General Practice Residency, Advanced Education in General Dentistry, Dental Public Health residency). Faculty are also involved in research and scholarship. Several funded active projects are housed within the department including the Dental AI Laboratory, a project looking at care optimization for special needs patients, a HRSA training grant and more. The department also operates a network of Special Care Dental Clinics across Massachusetts and has established working relations with community health centers and hospitals.

TUSDM PHCS is seeking a full-time Assistant Professor to work closely with dental students, staff, and faculty to promote the Department’s activities within the School of Dental Medicine. Although not complete, the following is a sample of the variety of responsibilities the candidate will be responsible about (percent time is suggested and may change in the future):

• Teaching (~60%)
  • Directing and Teaching of the Predoc Health Promotion I Course (Winter)
  • Directing and Teaching of the Predoc Health Promotion II Course (Summer/Fall)
  • Clinical Teaching of the Predoc Public Health Community Service Learning (CSL) Rotation (as needed)
  • Directing and Teaching of a seminar/course for the DPH residents (Bi-Weekly, year-round)
  • Oversight of the community engagement student credits
• Community engagement activities (~15%)
• Research and scholarship (~15%)
• Service in Committees (~5%)
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Department Chair (~5%)

Research, scholarship and expertise in the field of data analytics and artificial intelligence applications in dentistry are highly desirable as is Board Certification by the American Board of Dental Public Health.

Teaching responsibilities include two didactic courses in the predoctoral program (Winter, Summer and Fall) and one seminar/course in the Dental Public Health Residency (year-round). Clinical teaching includes supervision of predoctoral students in the Public Health Community Service-Learning CSL Rotation (as needed).

In addition, this faculty position will work with predoctoral and master’s students in a mentorship capacity; sit on thesis committees for DSc, postdoctoral, and postgraduate students; participate in research activities; interacting with external research sponsors; presenting results and publishing scholarly articles. Proficiency in written and verbal English is required.

Basic Requirements:

• A DDS, DMD, or BDS degree or equivalent
• Licensure or eligibility for licensure in Massachusetts.
• A minimum of one year of experience in academia, or dental research, or dental insurance.
• Candidates must demonstrate a passion for teaching and a strong desire to mentor students in a demanding, fast-paced, academic and research environment.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Collaborative and cooperative.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple demands.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as evidenced by written works, videos, etc.
• Comfort with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of a statistical software package, such as SAS, SPSS or STATA.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent in Epidemiology, Data Analytics, or Computer Science.
• Python coding.
• Working knowledge of Machine Learning and LLMs.
• Experience in an academic/teaching environment.
• Evidence of scholarly activities.
• Demonstrated interest in dental education through active participation in associations and ongoing dental education.
• Experience with IRB submissions or administration.

Please provide the following:

• Personal Statement, addressing why you are interested in this position and your qualifications that fit the tasks
• Updated CV
• List of 3 individuals that will serve as references (only conducted in late stage of hiring)

Any questions about the position itself, please write to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Athanasios Zavras at Athanasios.Zavras@tufts.edu. Any questions about the application process or Interfolio, please write to the Senior Faculty Affairs Officer, John R. Tedesco, PhD at john.tedesco@tufts.edu.

Pay Range:

Assistant Professor: Minimum $116,000.00, Midpoint $145,000.00, Maximum $174,000.00

Please Note: Pay ranges represent full-time 12-month base salaries.

Tufts University is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation that reflects each candidate’s experience, expertise, responsibilities, and performance. The pay offered within the posted range will be determined based on a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the individual’s education and experience, discipline, rank, internal equity, and budgetary considerations.