Assistant Professor

Position Summary: Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry invites applications for a full-time faculty position as Program Director/Course Director in the Department of Periodontics. We are seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated, and experienced Periodontist to lead and actively participate in both predoctoral and postdoctoral education, including the Advanced Dental Education Program in Periodontics.
The successful candidate will provide leadership in clinical and didactic education, curriculum development, accreditation compliance, and program administration. This role requires a strong commitment to academic excellence, patient-centered care, and the advancement of oral health equity. The candidate will also engage in scholarly activity, mentorship, and institutional service.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities):

• Serve as Program Director for the Advanced Dental Education Program in Periodontics, ensuring compliance with CODA standards and institutional policies.
• Serve as a clinical and didactic faculty member in the Department of Periodontics for both predoctoral and postdoctoral programs.
• Supervise and instruct dental students and residents in periodontal diagnosis, treatment planning, and non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy.
• Provide instruction in dental implantology, laser dentistry, and dental sedation.
• Lead curriculum development, course management, and continuous program evaluation and improvement.
• Prepare and deliver lectures, laboratory sessions, and clinical demonstrations.
• Mentor students and residents in clinical competency, professionalism, and scholarly activity.
• Promote and participate in research and scholarly activities aligned with institutional priorities.
• Participate in departmental, school, and institutional committees and strategic initiatives.
• Support outcomes assessment, accreditation processes, and quality improvement efforts.
• Foster an inclusive learning environment that supports diverse learners and promotes health equity.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated expertise in clinical periodontics, including advanced surgical techniques and implant placement.
• Strong teaching, communication, and organizational skills with experience in academic dentistry.
• Ability to lead an advanced education program, including administration, accreditation, and faculty coordination.
• Commitment to working effectively with diverse students, faculty, and patient populations.
• Knowledge of current technologies and evidence-based practices in periodontology.
• Dedication to a mission-driven institution focused on health equity and community impact.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

• Experience with educational technologies and electronic health record systems.
• Record of research, publications, or scholarly contributions.
• Experience in curriculum design, program assessment, and accreditation processes.
• Commitment to interprofessional education and collaborative practice.

Education and Experience Required:

• DDS or DMD from a U.S. or Canadian accredited dental school.
• Completion of a CODA-accredited postgraduate program in Periodontology.
• Master’s degree or advanced academic credentials in a relevant field.
• Board Certification by the American Board of Periodontology.
• Minimum of three (3) years of teaching and/or clinical experience.
• Prior experience in academic leadership or program administration.
• Demonstrated clinical teaching experience at the predoctoral and/or postdoctoral level.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Prior experience in academic leadership or program administration.
• Board Eligibility by the American Board of Periodontology.
• Minimum of 3 years of teaching and/or clinical experience.

   Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:

• Must be licensed to practice dentistry in the State of Tennessee or be eligible for licensure.
• Board Certification by the American Board of Periodontology
• Current sedation certification and laser certification.

Licensure, Certification or Registration Preferred:

• Board Certification by the American Board of Periodontology.
• Current sedation certification and laser certification.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Meharry Medical College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Cover letter outlining qualifications and interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three professional references
• Proof of licensure and certifications

Submit your application through the Meharry Medical College employment portal or contact the Department of Periodontics for more information.

This job description reflects the general duties and responsibilities necessary to describe the principal functions of the job, as identified, and shall not be considered an exhaustive list of job responsibilities which may be inherent in the job. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The responsibilities listed may be subject to change at any time and individuals may be asked to perform duties outside of their regular responsibilities to support the ongoing operations and mission Meharry Medical College and its facilities