Director of Behavioral Sciences

Position Summary

Yeshiva University announces its proposed new DDS program and is hiring new faculty and staff to support the school. The curriculum will integrate Digital Dentistry techniques to be taught by today's dental thought leaders and master clinicians. The school plans to provide a unique 36-month dental education program through an innovative 'Block' style curriculum, which will ensure in-depth learning and understanding. Please join this new and innovative proposed DDS program.

The Director of Behavioral Sciences provides leadership for the development, implementation, integration, and continuous evaluation of the behavioral sciences curriculum within the predoctoral dental program. The role ensures that foundational principles from psychology, sociology, ethics, communication science, and cultural competence are incorporated throughout the educational program to prepare students to deliver patient-centered, ethical, and compassionate oral health care. The Director is responsible for ensuring that students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand patient behavior, communicate effectively with diverse patient populations, and address the psychosocial and cultural factors that influence oral health outcomes and access to care.

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Dental Education, the Director collaborates closely with course directors, clinical faculty, and academic leadership to integrate behavioral sciences across both didactic and clinical components of the curriculum. The position supports curricular alignment with accreditation expectations, promotes evidence-based educational practices, and contributes to program assessment and continuous quality improvement related to student learning outcomes. Through teaching, curriculum leadership, and faculty collaboration, the Director advances the integration of behavioral and social sciences in dental education and helps prepare graduates to deliver culturally responsive, patient-centered care consistent with professional and ethical standards in dentistry.

Position Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development and Oversight: Provide leadership in the design, implementation, coordination, and continuous evaluation of the behavioral sciences curriculum within the predoctoral dental program. Ensure alignment with program competencies, accreditation standards, and the integration of behavioral, ethical, and social sciences into dental education.
• Instruction and Teaching Leadership: Deliver lectures, seminars, and small-group instruction addressing topics such as patient communication, ethics and professionalism, behavioral determinants of oral health, stress and anxiety management, cultural competence, and patient-centered care.
• Integration of Behavioral Sciences into Clinical Training: Collaborate with clinical and didactic faculty to integrate behavioral and social science principles into clinical education, ensuring students demonstrate effective communication, professionalism, ethical decision-making, and culturally responsive care in patient interactions.
• Faculty and Student Mentorship: Provide mentorship and guidance to faculty and students in the application of behavioral and psychosocial principles in dental education and clinical practice, supporting the development of professionalism, patient communication skills, and collaborative care.
• Research and Scholarship: Promote and participate in scholarly activity related to behavioral sciences, oral health, and dental education, including research, presentations, and publications that advance understanding of behavioral influences on patient care and oral health outcomes.
• Compliance and Accreditation: Ensure behavioral sciences curriculum content, instruction, and student assessment meet institutional policies, professional standards, and the requirements of the Commission on Dental Accreditation, including documentation and participation in accreditation review processes.
• Community Engagement and Outreach: Support community engagement initiatives that promote understanding of behavioral, cultural, and social determinants of oral health, reinforcing the importance of patient-centered care and community-oriented oral health education.

Experience & Educational Background

• DDS or DMD degree or equivalent from a CODA-accredited institution
• Eligibility for dental licensure in New York State.
• Minimum of five years of clinical experience, including patient care, academic teaching, and curriculum development.
• Demonstrated experience in clinical education support, faculty practice oversight, and compliance with CODA and institutional accreditation standards.
• Familiarity with HIPAA, FERPA, OSHA, and laws/regulations pertaining to the practice of dentistry in New York State.

Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in Behavioral Sciences: Advanced knowledge of behavioral principles and their application to healthcare, with a focus on patient-centered care and communication.
• Instructional and Curriculum Development Skills: Experience in developing and delivering behavioral sciences curricula that emphasize practical applications in dental practice.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Proven ability to lead and mentor faculty and students, fostering a collaborative and supportive educational environment.
• Research and Scholarship: Commitment to advancing behavioral sciences through research, publication, and scholarly contributions.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to Holistic Patient Care: Dedication to integrating behavioral principles into dental education to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
• Cultural Competency: Expertise in addressing cultural and psychosocial factors in patient care, promoting inclusivity and equity.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a Cover Letter, CV or resume, three (3) references, and proof of NYS certifications.

Salary Range

$75,000 - $80,000

About Us

Yeshiva University announces its proposed new College of Dental Medicine and is hiring new faculty and staff to support the school. The curriculum will integrate Digital Dentistry techniques to be taught by today's dental thought leaders and master clinicians. The school plans to provide a unique 36-month dental education program through an innovative 'Block' style curriculum, which will ensure in-depth learning and understanding. Please join this new and innovative DDS program.