Associate Dean for Patient Care and Clinical Services

The School of Dentistry seeks an Associate Dean who has high competence levels in leadership, team building, emotional intelligence, and clinical care. The Associate Dean is expected to lead collaboratively and structure clinical and business systems to facilitate a cooperative working environment and patient care experience. As a leader, the Associate Dean is expected to foster team-care, a learning health system, and accreditation- driven process improvement initiatives. The Associate Dean for Patient Care and Clinical Services should have a strong understanding and appreciation of the role of oral health in general health, evidence-based care, digital workflows, and the role of research in clinical care, which should guide new research initiatives and shape SOD research for the next generation of faculty researchers.

Review of applications will begin on February 16, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide Strategic leadership for patient care and clinical services
• Provide strategic consultation to the Dean on the SOD's clinical mission
• Refine established clinical metrics for SOD's institutional effectiveness process.
• Organize and guide monthly clinical affairs committee meetings

Leadership

• Serve on the Council of Chairs (SODs Executive Leadership Team)
• Supervise direct reports
  • Assistant Dean for Patient Care and Clinical Services
  • Manager of Patient Experience
  • Manager of Clinic Administration
  • Manager of Clinic Operations
  • Executive Administrative Assistant
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance Coordinator on continuous quality improvement
• Facilitate the management of patient cases workflow to internal and external laboratories
• Monitor, develop, and implement policies and practices to ensure clinical regulatory compliance
• Represent the school, in coordination with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, as the school's clinical dental licensure examination liaison
• Contribute as SOD Steering Committee member and appropriate subcommittees for the 2028 Commission on Dental Accreditation site visit

Clinical Operations

• Administer clinical services for all pre-doctoral and advanced education programs
• Manage and monitor the after-hours emergency coverage for the school's pre-doctoral and residency clinical programs on the Twin Cities Campus
• Ensure adequate supplies and equipment are available for essential clinical operations
• Manage and monitor the clinical schedule, including continuity of patient care while students/residents are on rotations
• Represent the school, as liaison to regional/national companies administering oral health clinical licensure examination
• Collaborate with the department chairs for Primary Dental Care and Restorative Sciences to ensure adequate faculty coverage for all predoctoral clinics in Moos Tower
• Ensure SOD has adequate business workflows for daily patient payment collections
• Coordinating and maintaining the clinical credentialing processes for the School of Dentistry.

Academics

• Serve as the representative from Patient Care and Clinical Services on SOD standing committees and subcommittee (i.e. Student Progression Committee)
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs on the clinical curriculum
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Assistant Dean for Student and Resident Affairs and the Assistant Dean for Advanced Education on maintaining comprehensive clinical standard operating procedures (SOPs) for residents and students

Engage external stakeholders

• Serve as the official SOD representative for Patient Care and Clinical Services at external meetings, conferences, and other functions as assigned by the Dean
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer to manage clinical operations
• Organize and host annual reception at IADR/AADR national meetings
• Collaborate with the Development Office to identify and build development opportunities
• Serve as a point of contact for the Minnesota Board of Dentistry for matters related to SOD clinical training

Required

• DDS or D.M.D. degree with knowledge and appreciation of clinical practice in an educational Institution
• Knowledge of how to establish clinical protocols and patient workflows in an educational clinic
• Must be eligible for dental licensure in the state of Minnesota, or currently licensed within the state
• Five or more years of experience managing clinical operations in medium to large institutions
• Proven strengths in planning, time management, and problem-solving
• Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with other campus units and external partners
• Superior communication skills and the ability to connect with a variety of audiences through clear and effective written and oral presentations
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills, exemplified by the ability to lead teams, work effectively and collaboratively with multiple groups and diverse constituencies, and promote inclusivity in the workplace
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.*

Preferred

• Competence in working with Axium and EPIC (Wisdom) EHR platforms
• Knowledge of quality assurance processes and managing compliance matters
• Knowledge of or experience with serving and caring for underserved populations
• Experience in creating and maintaining comprehensive clinical standard operating procedures (SOPs) that optimize workflow efficiency and enhance patient safety outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in ambiguous situations and to be versatile and adaptable in navigating complex environments

*Visa sponsorship, including H1B, may be considered for qualified candiates whose visa circumstances do not reuire payment of the $100,000 H1B fee.

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. The School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. Our impact extends beyond dental offices to classrooms and clinics throughout the region. We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.

Pay Range: $240,000-$255,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).