Department Chair of Dental Health Professions

Job Responsibilities

The Department Chair provides leadership to: plan and pursue the strategic and operational goals of the department and ensure quality programs and services to promote student success; implement the instructional, administrative and fiscal functions of the department; implement curriculum development and new program planning; recruit, develop, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff to meet the needs of the department and support student success initiatives; plan and monitor departmental budgets, special projects, and capital equipment needs; develop and submit department needs/requests/proposals using input from Program Coordinators, faculty, staff, students, advisory committees, curriculum review meetings, accreditation agencies, etc.; ensures compliance with College, State and regional/professional association accreditation guidelines; prepare and submit necessary reports and documentation to maintain effective operation of the program; set goals and monitor program enrollment, retention, placement, student learning outcomes, and institutional effectiveness outcomes; document and use results for continuous improvement of the department's programs and services; plan effective advising, orientation, and course scheduling for students in the department; actively participate and positively represent the department and the College on internal and external committees; in partnerships with business/industry, government, public education, and other higher education institutions; and in the general community.

Assumes teaching responsibilities for assigned courses. Prepares lectures. Updates syllabi, course competencies, and lesson objectives. Prepares, administers and evaluates tests. Selects textbooks and resource materials. Providing students with appropriate course materials (syllabus, calendar, policy statements or guidelines). Adhering to course competencies in the preparation and delivery of instruction. Being organized and prepared for classes. Teaching and testing relevant content. Pacing instruction and varying delivery to meet different learning styles. Providing appropriate and timely feedback. Maintaining a positive environment for optimum student performance. Providing for and valuing appropriate student input. Maintaining accepted standards of achievement. Pacing instruction and varying delivery to meet different learning styles. Providing appropriate and timely feedback. Maintaining a positive environment for optimum student performance. Providing for and valuing appropriate student input. Maintaining accepted standards of achievement.

College and/or other Community Service

College and/or other Community Service through: Promoting the College as possible. Assisting in recruitment and placement. Cooperating with and participating in projects and activities of the College and, as appropriate, in the community. Serving on advisory committees as requested. Promoting and supporting the continuing education program of the College.

Instructional Development

Instructional Development through: Coordinating with the department manager and other faculty, preparing and maintaining competency-based course syllabi and support materials for all courses. Assisting with selection of textbooks and other instructional resources.

Student Advisement

Student Advisement through: Providing appropriate academic guidance. Maintaining office hours and being available during assigned and optimum times for advising. Cooperating as part of the advising team for the program. Assisting students as possible in setting and meeting short- and long-range educational goals. Taking advantage of advising training. Learning and using computer resources to access data and properly advise students. Being knowledgeable of institutional policies, procedures and programs. Making referrals and conducting follow-up as appropriate. Using discretion in dealing with confidential information.

Instructional Management

Instructional Management through: Maintaining required and appropriate records and files. Submitting all reports in an accurate and timely manner. Practicing effective classroom management. Prioritizing duties and using time wisely. Maintaining current files for courses. Handling student work and records in a professional manner.

Professional Development

Professional Development through: Seeking ways to keep current in the teaching field. Developing an annual professional development plan (with short- and long-range goals) in keeping with the College's mission and institutional goals. Participating in appropriate courses, seminars and workshops, especially those that introduce new ideas or practices.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
• Current South Carolina license, or eligibility for South Carolina licensure, as a dentist or dental hygienist.
• Graduate of a CODA-accredited dental or dental hygiene program.
• Background in education, including instruction in educational theory and methodology, documented by coursework, continuing education, seminars, conferences, workshops, or similar training.
• Administrative experience, including responsibility for program operations, supervision, scheduling, budget input, compliance documentation, curriculum coordination, clinical operations, student or trainee coordination, or similar leadership responsibilities.
• Instructional experience in a dental, dental hygiene, dental assisting, allied health, clinical, academic, or structured professional training setting.
• Clinical practice experience as a dentist or dental hygienist.
• If qualifying as a dental hygienist rather than as a dentist: current DANB Certified Dental Assistant credential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and mentoring skills.
• Communication skills (writing, speaking, and listening) to interact with students, peers, administration, and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and other professional organizations.
• Knowledge of diverse learning styles and ability to implement methodologies to promote effective teaching and learning; knowledge of instructional technology, and ability to use alternative delivery methods to promote student success.
• Knowledge and implementation of effective supervisory and administrative management principles and practices.
• Ability to work independently and in groups.
• Ability to present professional appearance and implement measures to maintain health and wellness.
• Ability to think critically to carry out essential functions of the position.
• Tact and resourcefulness in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
• Ability to manage and coordinate a variety of tasks simultaneously.
• Attendance at local and state professional meetings maybe required; upholding accreditation guidelines and maintaining required continuing education credit.
• Serving on Advisory Committees (one a year) are expected.
• Site visits, will be required of all faculty.

Additional Comments

Applicants are required to provide unofficial copies of transcripts in the application process and official transcript upon hire.

Benefits

• For State Employees: The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
• Insurance Benefits: Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
• Retirement Benefits: State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
• Workplace Benefits: State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type.

Required Question

• 01 Do you possess a master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution? YesNo
• 02 Are you currently licensed, or eligible for licensure, as a dentist or dental hygienist in South Carolina? Licensed dentistLicensed dental hygienistEligible for dentist licensureEligible for dental hygienist licensureNo
• 03 Are you a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental or dental hygiene program? YesNoUnsure
• 04 Which of the following do you have? Select all that apply. Background in education or educational theory/methodologyAdministrative experienceInstructional experienceClinical practice experience as a dentist or dental hygienistOccupational experience applying four-handed dentistry principlesDANB Certified Dental Assistant credentialNone of the above