Dental School Faculty Member Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of healthcare, the focus on dental school faculty members is more crucial than ever.
As dental education progresses, there is a growing demand for knowledgeable individuals who can impart, enhance, and uphold the standards of dental academia.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a dental school faculty member?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the inner workings of dental education,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable dental school faculty member job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Dental School Faculty Member Duties and Responsibilities
Dental School Faculty Members are responsible for teaching and guiding the next generation of dentists.
They may also conduct research and provide dental services.
Their main duties and responsibilities include:
- Teaching dental-related courses, which may include lectures, demonstrations, and supervising clinical practice
- Developing course curriculum and materials for dental programs
- Evaluating student performance through grading assignments and exams, and providing constructive feedback
- Staying updated with the latest developments and advancements in the field of dentistry
- Conducting research in their area of expertise, and publishing their findings in academic journals
- Providing dental services to the community as part of the school’s clinic, if applicable
- Mentoring students and providing them with career guidance
- Participating in academic events such as seminars, workshops, and conferences
- Contributing to the administration of the dental school by participating in committees, program planning, and accreditation processes
Dental School Faculty Member Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are searching for a dedicated and experienced Dental School Faculty Member to join our educational team.
The Faculty Member’s responsibilities include delivering lectures, overseeing students’ clinical practice, and contributing to the development of educational programs and curriculum.
An ideal candidate is a skilled clinician with solid teaching experience and a passion for educating the next generation of dentists.
Responsibilities
- Deliver lectures and practical classes to undergraduate and postgraduate dental students.
- Provide guidance and feedback to students during their clinical practice.
- Participate in the planning and development of the dental program curriculum.
- Conduct and supervise student research projects.
- Stay current with the latest industry trends, techniques, and advancements.
- Participate in school meetings and serve on academic or administrative committees.
- Assess, grade, and provide feedback on student performance.
- Contribute to the development of teaching materials and resources.
Qualifications
- A DDS, DMD, or equivalent degree from a recognized institution.
- State licensure to practice dentistry.
- Previous teaching experience in a dental school environment.
- Strong clinical skills and knowledge of various dental procedures.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to foster a positive learning environment.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
Benefits
- Health insurance, including dental and vision coverage.
- Retirement plan.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Generous leave policies.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Additional Information
- Job Title: Dental School Faculty Member
- Work Environment: Academic setting with hands-on clinical practice.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean of Dentistry.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Dental School Faculty Member Do?
Dental School Faculty Members are educational professionals who work in dental schools, providing education and guidance to students pursuing their career in dentistry.
They develop and deliver lectures on various dental topics, such as oral anatomy, dental health, oral diseases, dental procedures, and more.
They also prepare and update course syllabus, assignments, and exams, ensuring the curriculum is up-to-date with current dental practices and trends.
Faculty members supervise students during their practical sessions, offering insights, correcting techniques, and ensuring they adhere to safety standards and practices.
They may also provide one-on-one mentoring to students, nurturing their skills and knowledge in dentistry.
In addition to their teaching responsibilities, they often engage in research, contributing to advancements in the field of dentistry.
They may publish their findings in academic journals and present them at dental conferences.
Dental School Faculty Members also collaborate with other faculty members, participate in faculty meetings, and contribute to the overall functioning and improvement of the dental school.
They may also liaise with dental professionals and organizations to provide better opportunities and resources for their students.
Furthermore, they are expected to uphold the highest standards of dental ethics, instilling the same in their students, to shape responsible and compassionate future dentists.
Dental School Faculty Member Qualifications and Skills
A Dental School Faculty Member should possess a set of qualifications and skills that align with the educational, mentoring, and research responsibilities of the role, including:
- Doctoral degree in Dentistry (DDS or DMD) or a related field, and often a specialty certification or other advanced qualifications in a dental discipline.
- Experience in providing dental care, with a comprehensive understanding of dental procedures, tools, and diagnostics.
- Strong academic and teaching background with a thorough understanding of the latest dental theories, technologies, and practices.
- Exceptional communication skills to effectively impart knowledge, provide clear instructions, and interact with students, peers, and the community.
- Leadership and mentoring abilities to guide students in their academic and professional growth.
- Research skills, including designing, conducting, and evaluating dental-related research studies.
- Ability to develop and revise curriculum based on the latest advancements in the field.
- Administrative skills for managing courses, setting schedules, grading, and other academic responsibilities.
- Commitment to continued professional development, keeping abreast of new technologies and treatment methods in dentistry.
- Patience and empathy to work with students at different levels of understanding and ability.
Dental School Faculty Member Experience Requirements
Dental School Faculty Members are often required to have a substantial amount of professional experience.
This can range from 5 to 10 years of direct patient care in a dental practice, depending on the rank and specifics of the faculty position.
During this time, they should have honed their knowledge and skills in various fields of dentistry, such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry.
This experience is crucial for sharing real-world scenarios and expertise with their students.
In addition to this, many institutions prefer their faculty members to have experience in research or scholarly activities.
This can be demonstrated through a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, participation in clinical trials, or contributions to dental science.
Teaching experience is another key requirement.
Some dental schools may require their faculty members to have prior experience in an academic setting, such as being a course director, module leader, or clinical instructor.
This experience helps to ensure that they are familiar with curriculum development, student assessment, and effective teaching methods.
Lastly, administrative or leadership experience is often preferred for senior faculty positions.
This may include experience in department management, program development, or participation in professional organizations.
Hence, in addition to a DDS or DMD degree, and a license to practice dentistry, extensive experience in clinical practice, research, teaching, and leadership are typically required for a Dental School Faculty Member.
Dental School Faculty Member Education and Training Requirements
Dental School Faculty Members are typically required to have a Doctorate degree in Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine.
These individuals have usually completed a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Biology or Chemistry, before pursuing their doctoral degree.
In addition to their formal education, they would have completed a residency program where they receive specialized training in various aspects of dentistry such as Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Most Dental School Faculty Members are licensed practitioners who have passed the National Board Dental Examinations.
The licensing requirements vary by state, but it is mandatory for practicing and teaching dentistry.
Previous teaching experience at a dental school or in a postgraduate program is often a requirement.
A background in research may also be beneficial, especially for those interested in working at research-intensive institutions.
Continued professional development through workshops, seminars, and courses is highly encouraged to stay updated with the latest advances in dental science and education.
Certain faculty roles may require additional qualifications, such as a Master’s degree in Education for those involved in curriculum development or a PhD for those interested in conducting original research.
Dental School Faculty Member Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Dental School Faculty Member is $114,000 (USD) per year.
However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as the level of experience, the prestige of the dental school, and the geographical location of the school.
Dental School Faculty Member Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Dental School Faculty Member need?
A Dental School Faculty Member should possess a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited institution.
Some dental schools might also require faculty members to have postdoctoral training in a specialized area of dentistry.
A faculty member should also have the appropriate licensure to practice dentistry.
What is the role of a Dental School Faculty Member?
A Dental School Faculty Member is responsible for teaching and mentoring students in both classroom and clinical settings.
They may also conduct research in their area of expertise, publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the curriculum development of the dental program.
What are the daily duties of a Dental School Faculty Member?
A typical day for a Dental School Faculty Member includes providing instruction to dental students, planning lessons, and developing curriculum.
They also supervise students during clinical practice, evaluate their performance, and provide feedback.
Some faculty members may also see patients in a clinic setting or conduct research related to their area of expertise.
What qualities make a good Dental School Faculty Member?
A good Dental School Faculty Member is knowledgeable about their subject, passionate about teaching, and able to effectively communicate complex ideas.
They should be patient and supportive, able to provide constructive feedback to students, and dedicated to their students’ learning and success.
They should also be committed to staying current in their field through continuing education and research.
Is it challenging to hire Dental School Faculty Members?
Hiring Dental School Faculty Members can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and expertise required for the role.
Additionally, the demand for experienced dental educators often exceeds the supply, making the hiring process competitive.
Therefore, it’s essential to offer an attractive benefits package and a supportive, collaborative work environment to attract top candidates.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve unveiled the intricate details of being a dental school faculty member.
And you know what?
It’s not just about teaching dentistry.
It’s about molding the future of dental care, one lesson at a time.
With our handy dental school faculty member job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.
But why stop at being ready?
Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to brilliance.
Remember:
Every lesson taught is a piece of the broader puzzle.
Let’s shape the future of dental care. Together.
How to Become a Dental School Faculty Member (Complete Guide)
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