Faculty, Dental Program

Position: Full Time Faculty, Dental Program
North West Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.
As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

The Dental Assisting Program Director will oversee the administration, curriculum development, accreditation compliance, and day-to-day operations of the Dental Assisting program at Northwest Arkansas Community College. The Director will ensure the program meets academic and professional standards, fosters student success, and prepares graduates for a rewarding career in dental assisting.
** Essential Duties:
**** Program Leadership and Management:
*** Develop, implement, and evaluate program curriculum to ensure compliance with the standards set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and other relevant accrediting bodies.
* Lead the program through accreditation processes, including self-studies, site visits, and continuous improvement.
* Manage program budget, resources, and scheduling to support program objectives.
* Collaborate with college administration, faculty, and advisory committees to align program goals with institutional priorities.
** Teaching and Student Support:
*** Teach courses in the Dental Assisting program, as needed, ensuring high-quality instruction and student engagement.
* Advise and mentor students regarding academic progress, career planning, and licensure requirements.
* Facilitate student learning experiences, including laboratory sessions and clinical rotations.
* Develop course curriculum, course handouts, lectures, labs, and presentations.
* Participate in program level learning assessment. Participation includes helping articulate learning outcomes, choosing and administering measures, evaluating student performance, and suggesting changes to improve student learning.
* Work with other faculty and administrators in developing program curriculum, standards, and policies, including reviewing and participating in textbook selection process where appropriate.
* Schedule, supervise, debrief, and evaluate students in clinical, internship, observation, field experience, and similar settings as appropriate for the course or program.
* Be available to students via email, phone, or personal conferences. The method of contact and hours of availability should be clearly communicated to supervisors and to students through the course syllabus each semester.
* Assign grades and maintain course/student records in accordance with FERPA regulations and submit grades and records by established deadlines.
* Meet all classes and other scheduled responsibilities such as office hours and meetings at the designated times. A faculty member should inform the supervisor if he or she is unable to meet a class on time.
* Keep a flexible weekly schedule that best facilitates student learning and access. Any changes in the scheduled class times or locations should have prior approval by the faculty's supervisor. Examples of the various ways faculty keep flexible schedules to accommodate student learning from week to week could include:  + Late night or early morning preparation of lab materials or activities.  

+ Organizing, rehearsing, and hosting musical or dramatic performances or other events.  + Arranging and conducting on-site clinical or internship experiences.  + Planning and supervising field trips.  + Keeping weekend and/or late night online office hours or online discussions.  + Conducting special review sessions outside of scheduled class times.  + Accommodating student make-up work  + Spending extended periods grading exams or assignments to allow prompt feedback to students.
* Participate in faculty evaluation process.
* Remain current in academic or program discipline, including attending professional conferences, and maintaining licensure, certification, or continuing education requirements where appropriate.
* Receive training or stay current in technological or pedagogical advances that promote student learning.
** Community and Industry Engagement:
*** Maintain relationships with local dental practices, professional organizations, and community stakeholders to ensure program relevance and to secure clinical placement opportunities.
* Represent the program and college at local, state, and national meetings related to dental education.
** Compliance and Reporting:
*** Ensure program compliance with state, federal, and institutional policies and regulations.
* Prepare and submit required reports, such as accreditation updates, program outcomes, and licensure pass rates.
* Monitor and maintain program records, including student achievements and…