Director, Center for Research and Education in Technology (CRET) & Faculty

The University of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) invites applications for a faculty member to serve as Director of the Center for Research and Education in Technology (CRET). This position is open to a general dentist or dental specialist with demonstrated expertise in technology integration, industry collaboration, education, and innovation in dental medicine.

This is a unique leadership opportunity for an individual who is passionate about transforming dental education through digital dentistry, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary innovation, and who is motivated to grow CRET into a nationally recognized hub for applied research, industry partnership, and educational excellence.

The successful candidate will contribute to TCDM's innovative three-year DMD curriculum while advancing patient-centered care, scholarly activity, and emerging technologies in a dynamic, mission-driven academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Curriculum Innovation

• Deliver high-quality instruction across didactic, preclinical, and clinical settings in areas such as prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, and/or related disciplines.
• Integrate digital dentistry, CAD/CAM workflows, AI applications, and emerging technologies into the curriculum.
• Develop and implement innovative, competency-based teaching and assessment strategies aligned with CODA standards.
• Collaborate with faculty to continuously advance curriculum design and student learning outcomes.

CRET Leadership & Strategic Growth

• Provide vision and leadership to develop CRET into a center of excellence and a growing research institute in dental technology and innovation.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with dental industry leaders, technology companies, and vendors.
• Oversee CRET operations, including evaluation and implementation of new devices, materials, and digital platforms.
• Lead initiatives that promote AI integration, digital workflows, and innovation in oral health education and clinical care.
• Seek and support externally funded projects, industry-sponsored research, and collaborative development opportunities.

Clinical Supervision & Patient Care

• Supervise and mentor students in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in prosthodontics and restorative dentistry.
• Emphasize evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration.
• Model best practices in clinical excellence, professionalism, and recognition of the oral-systemic health connection.

Scholarly Activity & Research Development

• Engage in scholarly activity with a focus on areas such as digital dentistry, prosthodontics, AI in healthcare, oral-systemic health, and salivary diagnostics.
• Lead and support the development of CRET as a platform for applied research and innovation.
• Mentor students and faculty in research design, implementation, and dissemination.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and innovation initiatives that enhance institutional visibility and impact.

Service & Institutional Engagement

• Participate in institutional committees, accreditation processes, and faculty development efforts.
• Contribute to TCDM's mission through community outreach and service-learning programs, particularly in support of oral health access in Central Appalachia.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the College.

Required Qualifications

• DDS or DMD degree from a CODA-accredited institution (or equivalent).
• Applicants must include all active and inactive professional license numbers on their CV/resume.
• Completion of an advanced education program (e.g., Prosthodontics or related specialty) or demonstrated expertise in advanced clinical care, digital dentistry, and innovation.
• Eligibility for Kentucky dental licensure or faculty-limited licensure.
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in teaching and mentoring dental students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in predoctoral dental education, particularly within CODA-accredited programs.
• Demonstrated engagement with dental industry partnerships, product development, or technology evaluation.
• Experience implementing technologies that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient care and dental education.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, research, innovation, and scholarly productivity.
• Leadership experience or demonstrated ability to build and grow programs or centers of excellence.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is:

• A forward-thinking educator and innovator passionate about shaping the future of dental medicine
• Skilled in bridging clinical dentistry, technology, and industry collaboration
• A builder and leader with the vision to grow CRET into a sustainable and impactful research and innovation center
• Committed to student success, community engagement, and advancing oral health equity

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long-term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 06/26/2026 will be given priority consideration.

Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies, and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.