Dental Hygienist - Program Director (RDH)

About the role

Our Houston campus has expanded and launched a new Dental Hygiene Associate Degree program! Pima Medical Institute has a proven track record with many successful Dental Hygiene programs across the United States. We are looking for a visionary leader to lead our new program, continue our legacy of excellence in teaching and clinical training, and prepare the next generation of Dental Hygienists for impactful careers in oral health. This role combines strategic leadership, curriculum design, accreditation oversight, and hands-on instruction. If you are a dedicated professional ready to grow a premier program from the ground up, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Accreditation: Architect, establish, and implement department goals for the new Dental Hygiene program in alignment with institutional standards. Prepare self-study documentation, lead accreditation site visits, and ensure all didactic and clinical instruction continuously reflects CODA competencies. Schedule and chair faculty and advisory board meetings; represent Pima Medical Institute at local, state, and professional dental meetings.
• Faculty Management & Development: Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate program faculty in conjunction with the Faculty Coordinator, preparing teaching assignments and scheduling coverage. Coordinate and arrange educational workshops and in-service training sessions for both didactic and clinical faculty.
• Curriculum & Instructional Excellence: Develop and maintain a functional, high-quality curriculum according to approved educational standards; evaluate course content and select textbooks. Perform the functions of a Dental Hygiene Instructor, preparing lesson plans and delivering engaging didactic and lab instruction. Coordinate with the Clinical Director to ensure clinical education is practical, comprehensive, and reflective of modern dental practices.
• Student Success & Academic Administration: Review student success rates by class and implement proactive support plans to maintain a target 80% student success rate. Meet with students to advise, tutor, and encourage them throughout their academic journey, referring students to Student Services when additional support is needed. Evaluate student performance against course objectives, maintain accurate grades per policy, and prepare final semester grades for transcripts.
• Fiscal & Operational Oversight: Participate in establishing student admissions criteria and procedures. Monitor department budgets and expenditures to ensure a sustainable and high-performing program.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an academic institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the USDE.
• Graduate of a Dental Hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Minimum of three (3) years of full-time clinical experience as a Dental Hygienist.
• Current, active license or credential required by state and federal laws to work as a Dental Hygienist in the state of Texas.
• Documented background in educational methodology, instructional strategies, and current knowledge of specific subjects taught.
• Demonstrated administrative and instructional experience; prior teaching experience in a CODA-accredited program is strongly preferred.
• Strong verbal/written communication skills and functional proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

Pay

$100,000 – $107,290 per year depending on experience

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)—become a direct stakeholder in our employee-owned company.
• Medical (PPO & HDHP options), Dental, and Vision coverage for overall well-being.
• 401(k) Plan with match, HSA/FSA options, and company-paid Basic Life Insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, EAP, and Health & Wellness incentive programs.