Program Director Dental AssistantThe Program Director Dental Assistant leads and elevates the program, ensuring strong academics, full accreditation compliance, high-quality theory and clinical training, and successful student outcomes. This role balances operational leadership, curriculum innovation, faculty mentorship, and community partnerships. The Program Director is also required to implement, monitor, and uphold all applicable policies and procedures to ensure effective functioning of the department.ResponsibilitiesOversee daily operations and support long-term strategic planning for the Dental Assisting programDrive compliance with regional or state accrediting bodies, including self-study, reaccreditation processes, annual reports, self studies and responsesPromote and enforce safety and compliance standards in labs and clinical environmentsInspect and confirm dental equipment is in proper working order and lab is sufficiently stocked with consumablesMonitor and validate that faculty are providing active and engaging learning experiences to students within a respectful environment that is conducive to learning, and focused on student satisfaction and positive resultsSupport curriculum development, review student learning outcomes, and align program content with evolving industry standardsEnsure externship capacity of 125% of need at all timesMentor and advise students, prepare them for the licensing exam, and support their professional growthMaintain systematic program evaluation—tracking retention, completion, placement, and exam passage ratesParticipate in budget planning, oversee expenditures, and make recommendations for equipment, lab enhancements, and supplies managementMaintain and nurture effective relationships with clinical affiliates, advisory boards, local schools, and healthcare organizations.Participate in, and document, ongoing faculty and professional development activities (e.g.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for certification or licensure where required by law)Review and ensure accurate and timely course, student, and faculty schedulingParticipate in the local professional community to raise awareness of the institution, enhance student opportunities, and build professional networksActively participate in student, campus, and community activities as requiredProvide instruction in both the Clinical and Didactic aspects of the programOrganize and deliver class objectives in a clear, concise mannerEvaluate student performance through assignments, exams, and practical assessmentsProvide constructive feedback and support to students to help them achieve academic and professional successIdentify and report on any at-risk students; creates individualized success plans to mitigate attritionFoster relationships with students to help them meet program competency requirementsMeet with students and education personnel to discuss instructional programs and related issuesProvide and maintain regular, substantive interaction with students in online course componentsMaintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progressDeliver engaging lectures and lab sessions on assigned topics, diagnostic procedures, equipment operation and troubleshootingEstablish/maintain a high performance team of professional, motivated and engaged staff utilizing effective training, performance management and career-development activities while leading them to achieve established business results and performance metricsRecognizes and rewards employee contributions and achievementsOther duties as assignedQualificationsHS Diploma (or GED) and certificate of completion from an accredited postsecondary institution in relevant subject area (required)Associate's degree in dental assisting (preferred)Minimum three (3) years of practical work experience in dental assisting (required)Direct and specialized knowledge in the area of instruction (required)Proficient in curriculum design, program administration, evaluation, instruction, and counselingProficient in assessing instructors' competence and effectivenessIndependently manage complex tasks and projectsCoach and mentor junior team membersAnalyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutionsPresent ideas in a compelling and structured format to diverse audiencesDemonstrate refined listening skills and emotional intelligenceFacilitate training sessions and cross-functional meetingsDrive consistent results in a fast-paced environmentLeverage enterprise-level tools and systems to streamline processesCreate new and better ways for the organization to succeedDevelop people to achieve their goals and support organizational successNavigate complex policies, processes, and organizational dynamics with easeOperate effectively in uncertainty and ambiguityWork independently, escalating complex or high-impact issuesDrive innovation to improve organizational successDevelop others to achieve individual and organizational goalsNavigate complex organizational dynamics with confidencePerform effectively amid uncertainty and ambiguityAble and willing to:Communicate, think, learn, and reasonUse computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasksSafely ambulate and/or maneuver when on-site at Company locationsDemonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibilityAbility to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skillsAbility to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretionAbility to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneouslyAbility to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the positionAbility to foster long-term relationships with stakeholdersFrequently (80% or more of workday):Use hearing and sight (both near and far vision)Communicate with faculty and students to provide direct instructionOccasionally (up to 50% of workday):Use fine motor skills to operate personal computers, manual and electrical (dental, nursing, etc.) equipment, as well as various diagnostic or procedure equipmentRarely (less than 20% of workday):Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with the assistance of mechanical interventions, students, or other employeesBend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to provide instruction in labs and demonstrate proceduresRarely (less than 20% of workday):Ability to travel to local worksitesUse fine and large motor skills to operate a motor vehicleUse hearing and sight (both near and far vision) to operate a motor vehicleWork is performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment when on site at assigned company location. Employees must be able to safely ambulate when on company premises.This position is designated as On Campus or On site; Work environments may include exposure to student learning environments with a variety of conditions. Employees must be able to follow all safety precautions including the use of personal-protective equipment.
Employees must also be able to adhere to site-specific safety procedures.Local travel required (up to 10%)