Description

At the University of Pikeville and Tanner College of Dental Medicine (TCDM), innovation and excellence drive our approach to preparing the next generation of health professionals. The TCDM seeks an accomplished and experienced leader to serve as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for its innovative three-year DMD program. This key academic leadership role will oversee the design, delivery, assessment, and continuous improvement of the Tanner College of Dental Medicine curriculum. The Associate Dean will ensure academic programs are aligned with the mission of the University and compliant with the standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

The successful candidate will provide vision and oversight for academic operations, support faculty development and calibration, and foster an environment that emphasizes academic excellence, innovation, interprofessional education, and student success. A critical aspect of this role includes collaboration with the Director of the Center for Research and Education in Technology (CRET) Innovation Center to integrate cutting-edge technologies into teaching and learning, preparing students for practice in modern, technology-enhanced clinical environments.

The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will serve as a member of the Dean’s Leadership Team and work collaboratively across the University of Pikeville to advance high-quality, student-centered education. This position reports directly to the Dean of the Tanner College of Dental Medicine.

Responsibilities: 

Leadership and Vision

• Provide strategic leadership for all academic programs and curriculum design withing TCDM.
• Ensure compliance with CODA standards and accreditation requirements for academic programming.
• Champion academic innovation, including technology-enhanced learning, interprofessional education, and competency-based assessment.
• Collaborate with the Dean and Leadership Team to align academic programs with the mission to educate, innovate, and serve. 

Academic Administration

• Oversee curriculum development, course scheduling, syllabi, and assessment systems to ensure effective delivery and evaluation of student learning outcomes.
• Coordinate faculty calibration and development to ensure consistent, evidence-based teaching and assessment practices.
• Partner with faculty to develop academic policies and procedures, ensuring clarity and consistency across the curriculum.
• Monitor academic performance data and implement continuous quality improvement processes.
• Collaborate with the Director of the CRET Innovation Center to integrate digital dentistry, simulation, and emerging technologies into the curriculum, ensuring students develop advanced clinical and technological competencies. 

Faculty and Student Development

• Mentor and support faculty in pedagogy, assessment, and scholarly teaching.
• Collaborate with the Student Affairs and Academic Excellence staff to monitor student progress and implement interventions to promote success.
• Ensure academic support services are available and effective for all students. 

Accreditation and Assessment 

• Serve as the primary leader for CODA-related academic compliance and reporting.
• Direct the preparation of accreditation self-studies, documentation, and site visit readiness related to academic affairs.
• Maintain systems for ongoing evaluation of curriculum, faculty teaching, and student outcomes.

Collaboration and Engagement

• Work collaboratively with other health professions programs within UPIKE [Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), and College of Nursing and Human Services] to foster interprofessional learning opportunities within the TCDM and the Appalachian Center for Preventive Medicine (ACPM).
• Engage with the Director of the CRET Innovation Center to align academic programming with innovation in clinical technologies, digital workflows, and simulation training.
• Engage with national dental education organizations (ADEA, ADA, CODA) to bring best practices and innovation into TCDM.
• Represent the Tanner College of Dental Medicine at professional meetings, conferences, and community events as appropriate.

Requirements:

• DMD or DDS degree from a CODA-accredited institution (or equivalent).
• Eligible for Kentucky dental licensure or faculty limited license.
• Minimum of five years of academic leadership experience in dental education.
• Demonstrated experience with CODA accreditation, curriculum development, and assessment.
• Strong record of teaching, scholarship, and service in dental education

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of CODA standards and academic accreditation processes.
• Ability to lead curriculum development and assessment.
• Commitment to innovative and evidence-based teaching methodologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to mentor faculty and support student academic achievement.
• Commitment to advancing the mission of TCDM, with emphasis on serving underserved populations in Central Appalachia.
• Knowledge of emerging digital dentistry and simulation technologies, with the ability to integrate these innovations into academic programming in collaboration with the CRET Innovation Center.

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and the contact information for three to five professional references.