The University of South Dakota invites applications for the position of Chair for the Department of Dental Hygiene.

The Chair is the administrative head of the department who will provide oversight to the academic program, the two University-based clinics, and the multiple outreach clinical experiences providing dental care to vulnerable and underserved populations. One of the clinics is located on the main campus in Vermillion and the other is located in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Department of Dental Hygiene is one of nine departments housed in the School of Health Sciences (SHS). The School of Health Sciences and the Sanford School of Medicine share a mutual vision for interprofessional education and are both housed under the Division of Health Affairs.

The Dental Hygiene program delivers a Baccalaureate degree and is the only dental hygiene program in the state of South Dakota. The program is fully accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Hygiene Accreditation.

Enrolling over 2,100 students, the USD School of Health Sciences is the only comprehensive School of Health Sciences in the state and is a leader in interprofessional education. The School of Health Sciences is home for eleven graduate degree majors, six undergraduate degree majors, four minors, and five certificate programs. The majors include Addiction Counseling and Prevention, Dental Hygiene, Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Public Health, and Social Work. In addition, the SHS is home for two centers: the Center for Prevention of Child Maltreatment and the Interprofessional Health Education Center.

The Chair position is a 12-month full time administrative appointment whose primary responsibility is for operation, evaluation, and supervision of the clinics and the program. Salary and rank are negotiable and commensurate with education and experience. The Chair should be a visionary leader who will be able to grow the interprofessional education mission, service, and research and galvanize student and faculty engagement in these endeavors. The Chair should also be able to provide effective management of the department's resources, recognize and reward excellence, and promote accountability. The position will develop and assist with implementation of departmental, school, and university strategic plans. The Chair will effectively communicate with faculty and staff, clearly establish goals, and continue strong working relationships with many and varied constituencies and stakeholders within South Dakota and region.

Minimum Qualifications? 

Applicants for this position must:

• Be a dental hygienist who is a graduate of a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), or a dentist who has a background in education and professional experience necessary to understand and fulfill the program goals who is also a graduate of a program accredited by (CODA)
• Holds master’s degree in dental hygiene or a doctorate in a related field. Applications are accepted from candidates who are currently enrolled in a doctorate program with an expected graduation date within two years from date of hire.
• Has a minimum of three years of professional experience in clinical practice
• Holds a current South Dakota dental or dental hygiene license in good standing or has the ability to obtain such license.?
• Has a minimum of two years of administrative experience with necessary authority and responsibility to fulfill the dental hygiene academic program mission
• Has a minimum of five years’ experience as an educator within a CODA accredited dental hygiene program
• Provides a vision to lead a department that emphasizes clinical excellence and quality instruction.?
• Demonstrates commitment to community engagement, diversity and inclusion.?
• Possesses exceptional written and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Preference is given to candidates with: 

• A doctorate degree
• Experience cultivating community ties
• Experience in grant funding and fundraising activities
• Experience with accreditation
• Experience serving in a chair position

Application Instructions?

Applicants must submit the following materials online (as one document) at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu: ?  

• Cover letter summarizing how their experience addresses position qualifications?
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement of administrative philosophy
• Full contact information for three references ?

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Dental Hygiene program at The University of South Dakota. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2021, with a desired start date of June 22, 2021.

Nominations or questions may be sent to:

Haifa Abou Samra, PhD, RN, CNL, FAAN

Dean, School of Health Sciences

Haifa.AbouSamra@usd.edu

The University of South Dakota is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, staff and students. Diversity and inclusiveness are values that are embraced and practiced at the University of South Dakota. Candidates who support these values are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA