Program Director and Department Chair, Assistant​/Associate Clinical Professor, Dental Hygiene

About Sacred Heart University:
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs.

More than 10,000 students attend the University's eight colleges and schools:
College of Arts & Sciences;
School of Communication, Media & the Arts;
School of Social Work;
School of Computer Science & Engineering;
College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si' campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities.

The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre.(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..edu

Job Title:

Program Director and Department Chair, Assistant/Associate Clinical Professor, Dental Hygiene
Department:
Dental Hygiene

Reports To:

Dean, College of Health Professions
Anticipated

Start Date:

August 2026

Contract Length: 12-months

About the College of Health Professions:
The College of Health Professions (CHP) at Sacred Heart University prepares students for meaningful careers in today's dynamic healthcare environment through inclusive, collaborative, and experiential learning. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong emphasis on interprofessional education, CHP offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the clinical and health sciences. Students gain hands-on experience through advanced simulation, clinical placements, and global service-learning.

Guided by the University's mission, the College fosters excellence, compassion, and a commitment to social justice, community, and the common good.

Position Summary:

The College of Health Professions invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure-track faculty position as the founding Program Director for the BS in Dental Hygiene Program. The successful candidate will also serve as Chair of the Dental Hygiene Department and provide academic, clinical, and administrative leadership for this newly established program and department, guiding its development, launch, and ongoing effectiveness, including attainment and maintenance of Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

The Director ensures integration of didactic, laboratory, and clinical education; oversees curriculum design and assessment; oversees operation of the dental clinic; develops and sustains clinical education partnerships; and leads faculty recruitment and supervision to ensure high-quality program delivery, student success, and alignment with workforce needs. Faculty rank will be commensurate with qualifications.

PRINCIPAL

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership, Administration & Accreditation

Provide overall leadership, administration, and strategic direction for the BS in Dental Hygiene program.
Lead program development, implementation, and continuous evaluation to ensure alignment with institutional mission, workforce needs, and accreditation standards.
Ensure ongoing compliance with CODA accreditation standards and oversee all accreditation activities, including reporting, self-study preparation, and site visits in collaboration with institutional leadership.
Develop, implement, and maintain program policies, procedures, and strategic planning initiatives.
Collaborate with college leadership on budgeting, staffing, enrollment planning, and resource allocation.
In collaboration with the clinical coordinator, serve as a liaison with clinical affiliates, healthcare partners, and advisory stakeholders to support program quality and clinical placement capacity.
In collaboration with the clinical coordinators and dental staff, oversee the operation of the dental clinic, including overseeing patient standards, staff management, budgeting, equipment maintenance and procurement, inventory, HIPAA compliance, infection control, and regulatory compliance to deliver high-quality, patient-centered clinical training.
Support student recruitment, admissions processes, and community engagement efforts to promote program visibility and sustainability.

Curriculum, Assessment, & Academic Oversight

Oversee development,…