Open Rank: Clinical Instructor / Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Department of Comprehensive Dentistry
Division of General Practice
Position Overview
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry invites applications for a 0.8 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinical faculty position as Assistant Group Practice Director in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, Division of General Practice. There are two 0.80 FTE positions available.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative dentist who is passionate about patient care, enjoys sharing clinical knowledge, and is interested in helping educate the next generation of dental professionals.
This position offers an opportunity to combine clinical teaching, student mentorship, comprehensive patient care, and professional development within an academic environment that values innovation, collaboration, and clinical excellence.
Dentists transitioning from private practice to academia are encouraged to apply. Your clinical experience and practical knowledge can make a meaningful difference in preparing dental students for independent practice.
Previous academic teaching experience is not required. We will support your transition into dental education through mentorship from experienced faculty, faculty development programs, training in clinical teaching and student assessment, and opportunities to participate in curriculum development, digital dentistry education, and educational research.
Faculty members will also have opportunities to develop scholarly projects, present at professional conferences, and build an academic portfolio toward faculty promotion. This position offers a pathway to grow from an experienced dentist into a confident dental educator.
Academic rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
About the Position
The Division of General Practice follows a comprehensive care group practice model designed to prepare students for independent clinical practice.
The division consists of eight group practices, each serving approximately 32 third- and fourth-year dental students under the guidance of two faculty practice leaders.
The Assistant Group Practice Director will work collaboratively with the Group Practice Director, clinical faculty, and patient care coordinators to support student learning, comprehensive patient care, and effective clinical operations.
The successful candidate will play an important role in helping students develop clinical competence, sound professional judgment, confidence, and accountability in delivering patient-centered care.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Teaching and Student Mentorship
- Provide direct clinical supervision, instruction, and constructive feedback to predoctoral dental students delivering comprehensive patient care.
- Mentor students in diagnosis, phased treatment planning, clinical decision-making, restorative dentistry, and interdisciplinary patient management.
- Support students in developing clinical competence, critical thinking, professional judgment, communication skills, and confidence in independent patient care.
- Monitor student clinical progress and collaborate with the Group Practice Director to identify learning needs, provide feedback, and support achievement of clinical competencies.
- Promote evidence-based dentistry, ethical practice, patient safety, and professional accountability.
- Support the integration of contemporary clinical techniques, digital dentistry, and emerging technologies into student learning.
Comprehensive Patient Care and Group Practice Operations
- Collaborate with the Group Practice Director and patient care coordinators to support continuity, quality, and timely delivery of comprehensive dental care.
- Assist students with patient management, interdisciplinary treatment planning, specialty referrals, and urgent dental care.
- Support coordination of patient assignments, treatment sequencing, and clinical scheduling within the group practice.
- Assist in identifying and addressing challenges related to patient care, student progress, and clinical operations.
- Participate in initiatives to improve clinical efficiency, patient experiences, and educational outcomes.
- Contribute to quality assurance, patient safety, and continuous improvement activities.
Academic Engagement and Faculty Development
- Participate in faculty development programs, clinical calibration, and educational activities.
- Contribute to the improvement of clinical teaching methods, student assessment, and educational resources.
- Participate in curriculum development and initiatives related to contemporary dental education.
- Engage in scholarly, educational, or professional activities appropriate to academic rank, individual interests, and assigned effort.
- Collaborate with faculty across clinical disciplines and dental specialties.
- Participate in departmental and School of Dentistry service activities appropriate to the appointment.
Appointment and Work Schedule
This is a 0.8 FTE clinical faculty appointment, with responsibilities proportional to the appointment.
The position will primarily focus on clinical teaching, student mentorship, and supporting group practice operations.
The Assistant Group Practice Director will work collaboratively with the Group Practice Director rather than serving as the primary administrator responsible for overall group practice operations.
Specific clinical schedules and responsibilities will be determined in consultation with the Division Director and Department Chair.
Opportunities for faculty practice, additional teaching, educational scholarship, and professional development may be incorporated based on faculty interests, institutional needs, and approved effort allocation.
Required Qualifications
- DDS, DMD, or equivalent dental degree.
- Eligibility for an appropriate Maryland dental license or faculty teaching license.
- Clinical experience in comprehensive general dentistry, including diagnosis, treatment planning, direct and indirect restorative procedures, and patient management.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and patients.
- Commitment to evidence-based clinical practice, patient-centered care, and dental education.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary clinical environment.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and professional communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Completion of an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) or General Practice Residency (GPR) program, or equivalent advanced clinical experience.
- Experience mentoring dental students, residents, or early-career dentists.
- Interest in clinical teaching, digital dentistry, contemporary restorative procedures, and educational innovation.
- Experience in comprehensive patient management and interdisciplinary treatment planning.
- Interest in educational scholarship, clinical research, curriculum development, or academic leadership.
Why Join the University of Maryland School of Dentistry?
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the dental profession while continuing to grow professionally as a clinician and educator.
Our department values collaboration, mentorship, clinical excellence, and the development of future academic leaders.
Faculty members have opportunities to:
- Develop as dental educators: Learn effective clinical teaching, student assessment, and mentoring approaches through faculty development and guidance from experienced academic colleagues.
- Advance clinically: Remain engaged with comprehensive patient care, contemporary restorative dentistry, digital workflows, and interdisciplinary treatment planning.
- Participate in educational innovation: Contribute to curriculum development, digital dentistry initiatives, clinical simulation, and new approaches to dental education.
- Build an academic portfolio: Explore educational scholarship, clinical research, scholarly presentations, and collaborative projects aligned with individual interests.
- Grow professionally: Receive guidance in academic career planning, faculty promotion, and the development of leadership skills.
- Make a lasting impact: Help dental students transition from supervised learning to confident, competent, and independent clinical practice.
Hiring range: $110,000 - $116,000 (depending on academic rank and commensurate with education and experience).
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