Description

Mission Statement: 

Meharry Medical College is a global academic health sciences center advancing health equity through innovative research, transformative education, exceptional and compassionate health services and policy-influencing thought leadership. True to its legacy, Meharry empowers diverse populations to improve the well-being of humankind. 

Position Summary:

The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all aspects of the dental academic program, including the ongoing development and implementation of the School of Dentistry’s strategic plan as it relates to the goals and objectives of the college and school and accreditation standards. Their responsibilities include curriculum development, academic policy management, accreditation maintenance, and the support of both faculty and students in the learning environment.

This individual will also be responsible for preparing data collection and outcomes analysis in support of the school’s educational programs, along with report preparations for internal and external agencies. They will also have some level of didactic and/or clinical teaching responsibilities consistent with his/her area of expertise.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs is a member of the Dental Executive Committee and reports directly to the Dean of the School of Dentistry. Furthermore, the individual is expected to facilitate a humanistic and supportive environment for a varied faculty, staff, and student body while advocating and promoting the highest standards for scholarship, academic achievement, honesty, and professional integrity.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities): 

        Direct the planning, implementation, and continuous evaluation of the pre-doctoral (DDS) curriculum.

        Ensure continuous integration between biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences.

        Incorporate modern educational technologies and evidence-based teaching methodologies.

        Serve as the primary lead for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) site visits and annual reporting.

        Manage the outcomes assessment program to measure student competency and institutional effectiveness.

        Oversee the Curriculum Management Plan.

        Chair the Curriculum Committee.

        Monitor student progress and serve as Chair of the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee.

        Establish and enhance protocol for INBDE preparation; remediation when needed.

        Collaborate with Student Affairs to provide academic counseling and support services.

        Collaborate with Clinical Affairs to ensure that the clinical curriculum, student progression, and patient care are aligned to meet accreditation standards.

        Support faculty growth and development through mentorship, workshops, etc.

        Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

        Working knowledge and experience in curriculum planning and management

        Working knowledge and experience with the accreditation process

        Excellent communication and managerial skills in dealing with students, faculty, and staff.

        Familiarity with educational software such as Examsoft, aXium, Simple Syllabus, Blackboard, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

        Deep knowledge and experience in curriculum planning and management

        Strong understanding of the accreditation requirements of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)

        Understanding of the accreditation requirements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

        Prior experience working with Examsoft, aXium, Simple Syllabus and Blackboard.

Education and Experience Required:

        DDS/DMD or equivalent from an accredited American or Canadian institution. 

        Significant experience in dental education (5-7 years) and clinical practice (2-3 years).

        Proven track record in academic administration or heading a major committee (Curriculum, Student Evaluation, Admissions, etc.).

Education and Experience Preferred:

        Significant experience in dental education (7-10 years) and clinical practice (3-5 years).

        Proven track record in academic administration.

        Deep understanding of CODA standards and accreditation.

        Deep understanding of SACSCOC standards and accreditation. 

        Ed.D or other professional degree relating to educational leadership.

Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:

        License or eligibility for a license to practice Dentistry in the State of Tennessee.

Licensure, Certification or Registration Preferred:

        License to practice Dentistry in the State of Tennessee.

        BLS Certification