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Job Title: Dean – College of Dentistry

College: Dentistry

Job Purpose:

The Dean of the College of Dentistry serves as the chief academic and administrative officer responsible for providing strategic leadership that advances high-quality dental education, research, and clinical practice. The Dean ensures the academic and professional growth of students, faculty, and staff while fostering a dynamic learning environment that supports innovation, community oral-health initiatives, and international best practices. The role aligns the College’s mission with the broader institutional vision and national healthcare priorities.

Supervision:

The Dean reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA) and is responsible for:

• Ensuring the effective execution of all academic and administrative duties.
• Overseeing the academic, clinical, financial, and operational management of the College of Dentistry.
• Building productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, dental councils, and healthcare partners.
• Promoting excellence in dental education, patient care, research, and community service.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and articulate a clear strategic vision for dental education, clinical practice, and research within the College.
• Lead the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of undergraduate, postgraduate, and residency dental programs.
• Engage faculty, staff, and students in strategic planning, accreditation processes, and decision-making.
• Ensure alignment with institutional goals and compliance with national and international standards for dental education.

Academic & Clinical Excellence:

• Oversee the implementation of competency-based dental curricula, ensuring rigorous academic standards and modern pedagogical approaches.
• Ensure continuous assessment and improvement of academic and clinical programs through measurable learning outcomes and feedback systems.
• Lead efforts to secure and maintain relevant accreditations (e.g., national accreditation bodies, international dental accreditation frameworks).
• Promote excellence, integrity, and innovation in dental teaching, clinical training, research, and service delivery.

Faculty and Staff Development:

• Recommend recruitment, promotion, and retention of qualified faculty and clinical staff to the VCAA.
• Promote professional development in teaching methodologies, research skills, and clinical competencies.
• Encourage collaborative, interdisciplinary, and translational research projects.
• Ensure faculty workload planning supports teaching, clinical practice, and research productivity.

Resource & Clinical Facility Management:

• Develop and manage the College’s budget in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Ensure the effective allocation of resources, including dental laboratories, simulation centers, clinics, and diagnostic facilities.
• Oversee procurement and maintenance of dental technologies, materials, and equipment required for patient care and training.
• Ensure a safe, ethical, and patient-centered clinical environment in compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Liaise with the Center for Continuing Education and Enterprises (CCEE) in regards to the AU
  Private Dental Clinic and the various dental training programs are jointly administered with CCEE.

External Relations and Community Outreach:

• Build strong partnerships with dental associations, healthcare institutions, accreditation bodies, industry partners, and government agencies.
• Promote community outreach programs, oral-health campaigns, and partnerships that advance public dental health services.
• Facilitate sponsorships, grants, research funding, and fundraising opportunities.
• Represent the College in regional and international conferences, professional forums, and community events.

Governance and Collaboration:

• Participate actively in the Council for Academic Affairs (CfAA) and contribute to University-wide initiatives.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to develop interdisciplinary programs and integrated healthcare initiatives.
• Ensure that policies, procedures, and academic standards are effectively implemented across the College.

Qualifications:

• A doctorate in Dentistry (DDS, DMD, or BDS) and a PhD or professional doctorate (e.g., Doctorate in Dental Sciences or related field) from a reputable, accredited institution.
• Distinguished academic record with appointment at the rank of Professor in Dentistry.
• Demonstrated leadership experience (preferably as Dean, Associate Dean, or equivalent) in an accredited College of Dentistry.
• Extensive clinical experience with a recognized, well-reputed board certification and/or equivalent advanced clinical credentials.
• Proven experience in dental program accreditation, curriculum development, and clinical governance.
• Strong background in research development, securing grants, and fostering academic–clinical partnerships.
• Experience in budget planning, personnel management, and resource allocation within a dental academic or clinical setting.

Key Attributes:

• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire faculty, staff, and students.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to promoting quality, integrity, and innovation in dental education and clinical care.
• Ability to drive research excellence, community engagement, and collaborative initiatives.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and problem-solving capabilities.
• Advocate for diversity, inclusion, patient safety, and continuous quality improvement.