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The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.
Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 10 community colleges in the nation (2021), Pierce College is an innovative, mission-driven, data-informed, and equity-minded community college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals, with a focus on racial and social equity and justice.
Reporting to the Dean of Health and Technology of Pierce College District, the Dental Hygiene Program Director leads, administers, guides, manages, and provides advocacy for Pierce College’s Dental Hygiene degree programs. As an administrator and visionary leader, the Dental Hygiene Program Director’s responsibilities include creation, administration, and enforcement oversight of program policies and procedures to comply with the laws of local, state and federal entities governing the practice of dental hygiene and associated with all aspects of a dental clinic/business including: accreditation standards and accreditation compliance; curriculum development (with dental hygiene faculty); clinical quality assurance; department scheduling; discipline specific faculty and staff development; grant management; equitable advising process and application/admissions processes; licensure compliance; budget planning and management; program marketing that reaches a diverse student population; and patient quality assurance.
The position requires that the incumbent have the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, patients, administration, vendors, state/federal associations and other stakeholders regarding the multidimensional aspects of dental hygiene education. The Director actively supports and engages in Pierce College’s equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts in order to provide access, support, and success for our diverse community of learners.
The Director represents and actively engages in professional associations and specialty/community groups with interest or influence in the education of our dental hygiene students at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
About the District
The college enjoys a strong presence in the community and participates in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.
Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom
Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake. Want a feel for our District, take a peek with aerial campus views!
Pierce College at Puyallup
Located on a luscious site with 125-acres of wooded land including modern facilities and beautiful hideaways.
Pierce College at JBLM
Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active duty families serving our country.
Essential Functions:
The Dental Hygiene Program Director will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:
Dental Hygiene Program Administration
- Participate in development of department budget (including adjunct faculty salaries) and/or plan spending for equipment and materials for the program.
- Communicate department/program needs to the dean in a timely fashion.
- Provide supervision of dental hygiene program faculty and staff.
- Coordinate (identify and facilitate) professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.
- Develop and submit updates for the department website and other marketing materials
- Provide for alternative dispute resolution or conflict resolution within and for PCDH program as per the student handbook and Pierce College Student Conduct Code.
- Ensure quality and safe operations in all areas of the PCDH program.
- Respond to inquiries about the PCDH program from prospective students or outside organizations.
- Administer admission to the PCDH program, including creation of admission standards and criteria.
- Provide overall management of equity-focused advising and application process, application site, orientation intake site, admitting of accepted students, etc.
- Administer PCDH facilities and operations to include all aspects of a dental business.
- Complete Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) annual reports, and lead (interpret, analyze, write, etc.) CODA self-studies to ensure continued compliance in meeting CODA Standards.
- Lead (develop, interpret, analyze, write, etc.) CODA self-studies to ensure continued compliance in meeting CODA Standards in the Dental Hygiene accreditation process as required by the national dental hygiene accrediting body.
- Support dental hygiene students, mentor, refer, and investigate, analyze and resolve student complaints in collaboration with Deans, as applicable using the Dental Hygiene Academic Standards.
- Administer the legal aspects of the dental hygiene clinic, dental hygiene student/patient interaction, etc.
- Patient investigation/compliance of complaints; manage, interpret, investigate, analyze and resolve.
- Create, research, analyze, modify, and enforce Dental Hygiene Program policies and procedures in collaboration with dental hygiene faculty and staff that create no barriers to student success
Institution Administration
- Recruit members for advisory committee, schedule advisory committee meetings, and prepare agenda.
- Serve as primary program representative in working with employers and community partners.
- Serve as the primary program representative and advocate at professional, state, federal regulatory and licensing agencies.
- Develop external relationships that strengthen employment pathways and opportunities for students.
- Participate in coordinator/director meetings and represent needs and perspective of the Dental Hygiene Program to members of the college community.
- Represent and advocate for Pierce College Dental Hygiene program and the profession of dental hygiene to the community – local, state, regional, and nationwide.
- Work with faculty and the Pierce College grant/resource manager in seeking external funding opportunities.
- Ensure that the Pierce College Dental Hygiene is represented and active in state-wide Dental Hygiene Director meetings.
Instructional
- Develop, in collaboration with dental hygiene team, the Dental Hygiene program and salary schedules to submit to the division office.
- Recruit, interview, and recommend hiring of potential adjunct faculty to the dean.
- Coordinate and provide equity-focused orientation for all new hires.
- Supervise faculty and staff assigned to the PCDH program, including conducting performance evaluations and recommending or organizing professional development as needed.
- Responsible for identification and leading the Dental Hygiene Program in equity-focused goal setting, curriculum development, and assessment in alignment with institutional and accreditation criteria.
- Oversee program and course curriculum, the impact of curricular changes, and clinical facility safety, laws, etc. related to instruction.
- Identify and implement interdisciplinary and service learning opportunities.
- Identify equipment needs in coordination with advisory committee/employers, faculty, and evidence-based research.
- Serve as primary contact for equipment funding and purchasing for the program.
Program Development
- Track national trends in dental hygiene education and practice, and develop recommendations for program changes for compliance and to ensure best practices.
- Participate, as able, in local, state, and national dental hygiene professional meetings and professional development opportunities.
- Identify growth and capacity opportunities aligned with community needs.
- Seek and develop opportunities for the Dental Hygiene Program.
Other Duties
- Complete class and course evaluations, waivers, and substitutions.
- Maintain compliance with licensure compliance regarding professional development, in order to maintain currency in the profession.
- Perform other duties as mutually agreed upon with the Dean and Vice President for Learning and Student Success.
Qualifications:
Education Required
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in any discipline, with an Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s degree or certificate in Dental Hygiene.
Experience Required
- Three years of teaching experience, didactic and clinical, in a dental hygiene program.
- Five years full time equivalent experience as a dental hygiene clinician.
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment
- Full scope Washington State Dental Hygiene license with sealant endorsement (Temporary license ineligible) or able to obtain prior to hire. The applicant may not have any actions against their dental hygiene licensure in Washington or any other state where licensed.
- Evidence of clinical expertise in dental hygiene, local anesthesia, and restorative as defined by WA State’s Practice Act for dental hygiene licensure.
- Consent to and pass a criminal records background check.
- Healthcare CPR with AED and First Aid certificate upon hire.
- Meet all CDC guidelines for healthcare provider’s vaccinations upon hire.
Required Competencies
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Independently identifies and analyzes problems using analytical and ethical reasoning and critical thinking skills to offer the best solution/recommendation or action for resolution; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions. Builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manages the situation at hand by drawing on personal knowledge and experience. Thinks creatively, makes decisions, visualizes and solves problems. Develops and creates ideas, processes, and approaches. Ability to interpret and explain complex regulations, guidelines, and policies.
- Visionary: Able to identify and implement emerging trends, as related to dental hygiene education, with a strong and creative imaginative power and the ability to inspire others.
- Effective Communication: Effectively communicates by actively listening and sharing relevant information with supervisor, faculty, staff, and students to anticipate problems and ensure effectiveness of the Dental Hygiene Program. Explains and interprets complex information regarding Dental Hygiene Program policies and procedures. Demonstrates effective verbal, written, listening, and presentation communication skills. Communicates decisions or actions.
- Leadership: Enables employees to grow and succeed through constructive feedback, instruction, and encouragement. Creates a positive team environment where faculty and staff are motivated to do their best; fosters the development of a common vision and fully participates in creating a unified team that gets results. Strong coaching and mentoring skills, including the ability to encourage, inspire, and support employees in achieving the district’s mission and their individual professional goals.
- Multiculturalism: Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting ethically, sensitively, effectively, and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyle preferences. Values diversity and possess an understanding of multicultural and cultural competencies. Values organizational diversity; treats others with respect, promotes cooperation, and effectively manages relationships.
- Teamwork: As an active member of a team, has the ability and desire to work cooperatively with others, participates and fosters teamwork, and influences others within a team. Model and maintain the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness, and honesty. Build and maintain the trust of others. Ability to work cooperatively with multiple organizations.
- Job Knowledge & Management: Skilled in job-specific knowledge which is necessary to provide the appropriate quantity and quality of work in a timely and efficient manner. Manages own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals. Ability to keep functioning effectively when under pressure. Checks work to ensure accuracy and completeness. Follows up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Technical Expertise: Working knowledge of MS Office to include Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Learning Management Systems, online program specific services, electronic health records software, and ability to assist in identifying and analyzing program needs for new and innovative technology.
- Fiscal Management: Develops program and resource plans and budgets and monitors expenditures and resources to ensure spending is within allotments or makes appropriate modifications. Knowledge and understanding of budget practices with the ability to analyze information for reports, monitor accounts, and organize data into effective and meaningful oral and written presentations.
- Student Focus: Works effectively and efficiently to provide quality service to students and the public to satisfy student service expectations. Seeks ways to improve service delivery; assesses the organization and its services from the student’s point of view; emphasizes a team approach to providing great student service.
- Patient Focus: Leads team to work effectively and efficiently in providing quality service to patients. Seeks ways to improve service delivery; assesses the organization and its services from the patient’s point of view; emphasizes a team approach to providing quality oral healthcare services.
Application Process:
To be considered for this position, applicants must
- Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
- Complete the online application profile and apply for the specific job opening at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr
- Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
- Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.(Résumé)
- Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to submit copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.htm (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
- Upload (attach) a list of at least two professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
- Provide a response to the following question: (Supplemental Question)
How does this position impact the College’s goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission?
Please Note
To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time administrative – exempt position. The primary work location will be at the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus. Frequent travel to Pierce College campuses or other sites may occur. Standard work hours are between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours required.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $98,870.00 to $106,026.00 annually. Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr– benefits.
Physical Work Environment
This position works indoors in an office environment as well as Dental clinic settings, including healthcare events hosted by third-party entities. Incumbent may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious waste, hazardous chemicals, heavy equipment, respiratory pathogens, and potential toxic fumes.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state’s free telecommunication access service.
Screening & Interview Process
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.
Conditions of Employment
Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination (or allowable exemption) will be required for all employees and students. More information can be found here: Vaccination Requirements.
Prior to the start of employment, the finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.
An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.