Clinical Instructor - Oral Pathology, Radiology & Medicine / Dental Public Health & Behavioral Science, UMKC School of Dentistry

Hiring Department

University of Missouri Kansas City
UMKC School of Dentistry
Department of Dental Public Health and Behavioral Science and the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine

Job Description

The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry is seeking applications for a joint appointment, Oral Health Prevention (School-Based Programs & Outreach) and Diagnostic Sciences Clinical Support Specialist for the Department of Dental Public Health and Behavioral Science and the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine.

Successful candidates will enjoy working in a professional environment with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. This position plays a critical role in advancing the Department of Dental Public Health's mission to improve oral health outcomes through prevention, education, and community partnerships, while preparing future oral health professionals to address population health needs. Additionally, this position will provide a vital role in ensuring that students are competent in acquiring and interpreting diagnostic radiographic images. The position also includes formal instructional and course leadership responsibilities within the predoctoral dental and dental hygiene curricula.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Program Operations, Logistics & Development
  • Lead the day-to-day operations of the Preventive Services Program (PSP) in the Independence School District, including coordination with school personnel, scheduling, delivery of preventive services, student supervision, and program evaluation.
  • Coordinate supplies, equipment, and materials for program activities, including ordering and inventory management.
  • Maintain documentation, tracking, and reporting of program activities and outcomes.
  • Ensure compliance with school district policies, infection control standards, and university protocols.
  • Identify opportunities to expand and strengthen community-based prevention programs and outreach efforts aligned with departmental priorities.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, public health agencies, safety-net clinics, and other relevant entities.
  • Coordinate and deliver outreach activities (e.g., health fairs, community presentations, oral health education events) in collaboration with community organizations and student groups.
  • Serve as a liaison between the School of Dentistry and community organizations.
• Student Education & Support
  • Serve as Co-Course Director for Patient Care I (D6310C), including coordination and oversight of the community-based rotation within the Independence School District.
  • Serve as course faculty in Oral Radiology Clinical (D6636C), including support of radiology rotations for predoctoral dental and dental hygiene students, and co-course director for Clinical Oral Radiology (DH4001).
  • Serve as faculty for interprofessional education (IPE) events and activities.
  • Support student rotations in community-based settings, including logistics, orientation, coordination with site partners, and supervision of students (e.g., PSP in the Independence School District).
  • Assist faculty in evaluating student performance related to prevention and public health competencies.
  • Provide guidance to students on prevention strategies, health promotion, and community engagement.
  • Contribute to student instruction, mentoring, assessment (e.g. Radiology OSCE), and feedback within clinical and community-based educational settings.
• Diagnostic Clinical Support
  • Evaluate student-acquired radiographs (full-mouth series, bitewings, panoramic, and limited series) for diagnostic quality
  • Determine the need for image retakes and discuss with the student. Order the retakes in axiUm when needed.
  • Approve diagnostically acceptable images in radiographic software and complete appropriate EHR documentation.
  • Provide written feedback and assessment of student self-reflections within HER
  • Support student learning of radiographic prescribing criteria based on ADA-FDA guidelines
  • Employ varied instructional strategies tailored to individual student learning needs (e.g., verbal explanation, visual aids, diagrams)
  • Assist students with technical challenges and patient management issues, such as limited mouth opening, anatomical variation, and gag reflex
  • Facilitate the development of interpretive skills by discussing radiographic findings such as caries, defective restorations, and periodontal bone loss.
  • Acquire routine dental radiographs and CBCT scans as needed
  • Supervise and lead the interpretation rotations when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, dental hygiene, health promotion, or related field.
• Must be licensed to practice Dental Hygiene in Missouri.
• Experience in community health, prevention programs, oral health initiatives, and/or student instruction in clinical or community-based settings.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated advanced ability to utilize Microsoft 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs.
• Reliable personal vehicle to perform work-related duties at off-site locations.