At the University of Utah School of Dentistry, we are dedicated to advancing dental education and providing our students with cutting-edge tools and technologies. Our Clinical Dental Lab is at the forefront of integrating digital dentistry into our curriculum, offering students hands-on experience with 3D printing, CEREC, and 3D scanning technologies. We seek an innovative and experienced Director to lead our Clinical Dental Lab, ensuring high-quality standards and supporting our mission to educate the next generation of dental professionals. This position will be a Career Line (Clinical) Track appointment, report to the Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs, and have shared oversight of support staff.
Position Overview: The Director of the Clinical Dental Lab will oversee the lab’s day-to-day operations, focusing on quality assurance, vendor management, and the implementation and support of digital dentistry technologies. The successful candidate will enhance our educational offerings and ensure our students gain practical, hands-on experience with advanced dental technologies.
Key Responsibilities:
• Quality Assurance: Develop, implement, and oversee quality assurance programs to ensure the highest lab work and student output standards. Review and update procedures regularly to maintain excellence in lab performance.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with lab vendors and suppliers. In collaboration with the University and School of Dentistry Purchasing, evaluate and select vendors, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely delivery of equipment and materials.
• Digital Dentistry Support: Provide technical support and training for dental students and faculty on digital dentistry technologies, including 3D printing, CEREC systems, and 3D scanning. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues as they arise.
• Curriculum Integration: Collaborate with faculty to integrate digital dentistry technologies into the dental curriculum. Develop instructional materials and support faculty in incorporating these tools into their teaching.
• Lab Operations: Oversee the daily operations of the Clinical Dental Lab, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and ensuring a safe and productive working environment.
• Student Support: Mentor and guide dental students in using digital technologies. Facilitate hands-on learning opportunities and ensure students receive the necessary support to improve their clinical skills.
• Research and Development: Stay current with advancements in digital dentistry and explore opportunities for integrating new technologies and techniques into the lab’s operations.
Qualifications:
• Education: Doctorate Dental Surgery (DDS) or equivalent degree.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a dental practice or a dental lab setting, with a strong background in digital dentistry technologies.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in operating and maintaining digital dentistry equipment, including 3D printers, CEREC systems, and 3D scanners. Familiarity with lab software and technologies used in modern dental practices.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively train and support students and faculty.
• Problem-solving skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to addressing technical and operational challenges.
Benefits: Beyond our competitive salary, the University’s and School of Dentistry’s benefits program is tremendous, including health care, prescription drug, behavioral health, dental, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement plans, supplemental retirement plans, retiree benefits, accidental death & dismemberment, disability, life insurances, long-term care, home and auto insurance, legal plans, military benefits, and large tuition benefits for you and family (see more details here: https://www.hr.utah.edu/benefits/).
Candidates should submit their current curriculum vitae, a cover letter summarizing their experience in dental lab technologies and clinical care, and three professional references’ names and contact information. All references must be outside the University of Utah and/or its affiliates and active in an academic or clinical setting.
All applications must be submitted at: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/171504
Inquiries may be directed to:
Dr. Jeri Bullock
Chair of the Faculty Search Committee
University of Utah School of Dentistry Jeri.bullock@hsc.utah.edu
Review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
