Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry

New York University, College of Dentistry is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to guide one of the nation’s most distinguished pediatric dentistry departments, shaping the future of education, research, and patient care for children from infancy through adolescence.

The Chair will lead a department with an 85-year legacy of excellence, responsible for comprehensive predoctoral education, advanced specialty training, groundbreaking research, and extensive community outreach serving over 5,000 children annually. The department emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, ensuring every child can grow up with a healthy and intact dentition.

This role requires an experienced academic leader with the ability to execute a bold strategic vision integrating digital dentistry, AI, telehealth, and advanced behavior management—while fostering a culture of innovation, academic excellence, and compassionate care in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Key Responsibilities include:

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Develop and implement the department’s strategic transformation plan
• Champion interdisciplinary collaboration across dentistry and medicine
• Drive integration of cutting-edge technologies and evidence-based practice
• Set and monitor performance metrics and success indicators

Educational Leadership

• Oversee curriculum in pediatric dentistry for more than 1,600 DDS students
• Oversee the 24-month Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry residency program
• Integrate digital tools (AI diagnostics, CAD/CAM, telemedicine) into education and patient care
• Foster faculty development and mentorship across ranks

Research & Scholarly Activity

• Maintain current research productivity and secure external funding
• Advance programs addressing oral health disparities and preventive strategies
• Promote translational research and interdisciplinary collaboration

Clinical & Community Impact

• Oversee pediatric dental clinics and mobile outreach programs serving underserved populations
• Lead initiatives such as “Smiling Faces, Going Places” and school-based prevention programs
• Ensure high-quality, patient-centered care with cultural competency

External Engagement

• Build partnerships with hospitals, public health agencies, and global institutions
• Demonstrated thought leadership and represents NYU Dentistry in professional societies and academic forums
• Shape national policy and standards for pediatric dental care and education

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a DDS or DMD from an accredited institution, with eligibility for licensure in New York State; an advanced degree (MS, PhD, or equivalent) and board certification or specialty recognition are preferred. Candidates should have at least 10 years of academic dentistry experience, including progressive leadership roles, with a demonstrated record of success in strategic planning, curriculum innovation, technology integration, and research program development. Proven experience in securing external funding, building partnerships, and mentoring faculty is essential. The successful applicant will be a visionary leader with strong change management skills, financial acumen, and the ability to lead complex, multi-level educational models. Exceptional communication skills and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive patient care are critical to this role.

Candidates must be sensitive to the needs of and possess an interest in working in a broad academic community with different viewpoints and backgrounds. Academic rank will be commensurate with experience.

For more details, including the full position profile and to submit applications, inquiries, and nominations, please see below.

Jay Torio and Michael Baer are leading this search with Kristin Benoit, Katheryne Martinez, and Maria Peña. 

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for the rank of Associate Professor is $135K - $225K & for the rank of Professor is $165K - $265K. The position will provide additional compensation for serving as Chair of the Department. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.