Head of Dentistry

• Full-time - 36.25 hours per week | Continuing Appointment
• Academic Level D/E
• 17% Superannuation plus excellent benefits incl. Clinical Loading, Leave Loading and Flexible Work Arrangements
• Lead the future of dentistry in Northern Australia

James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an accomplished dental academic and clinician to lead our Discipline of Dentistry and help shape the future of dental education, research and clinical practice across northern Australia.

As Head of Dentistry, you will have the opportunity to provide strategic and academic leadership for a dynamic discipline within JCU’s College of Medicine and Dentistry. You will work closely with the Dean, academic and professional colleagues, students, clinical partners and external stakeholders to strengthen the discipline’s teaching, research and clinical profile and ensure our programs continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference – through the education of the next generation of dental professionals, the development of innovative research and partnerships, and a strong commitment to improving health outcomes for rural, remote and underserved communities.

Shape innovative and socially accountable dental education

You will lead the delivery and continued development of high-quality largely undergraduate dentistry programs, fostering an innovative and supportive learning environment and ensuring the ongoing accreditation of our programs.

Working across the College and University, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Discipline of Dentistry.
• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of undergraduate and postgraduate dental education.
• Foster a high-quality clinical learning environment for students and staff.
• Strengthen the discipline’s research profile and create opportunities for collaboration, external funding and research partnerships.
• Build strong relationships with professional organisations, Hospital and Health Services, government, industry and the broader community.
• Contribute to the strategic direction and leadership of the College and University.
• Lead and support a diverse team, managing resources and creating an environment where staff and students can thrive.

Make an impact where it matters

JCU’s College of Medicine and Dentistry is committed to strengthening healthcare for the communities of northern Australia and beyond. Our programs are designed to produce health professionals who aspire to make a difference, with a particular focus on rural, remote and underserved communities, tropical health, and the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Based in Cairns, you will be part of a multidisciplinary academic environment where education, research, clinical practice and community engagement come together. The role provides an opportunity to build meaningful partnerships across northern Australia while contributing to the broader national and international profile of JCU Dentistry.

Bring your expertise and leadership

We are looking for an established dental academic and clinician who can combine academic leadership, clinical credibility and a strong commitment to education.

You will bring:

• Higher qualifications in Dentistry and extensive clinical experience.
• Significant experience in tertiary dental education, including coordination and teaching of undergraduate and/or postgraduate programs.
• Strong leadership, organisational and business management capability, including experience leading staff.
• A substantial research record, including success in attracting external research funding and developing collaborative research initiatives.
• Highly developed communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to represent and promote dentistry across the University and with professional, government, industry and community stakeholders.
• Current registration with the Dental Board of Australia as a dental practitioner.

Experience with the Australian health system and dental service provision in rural and remote communities will be highly regarded, as will established relationships across the Australian dental education and professional sector.

For appointment at Academic Level E, candidates will demonstrate national standing in academic dentistry education or specialist dentistry training and/or be recognised as a leading authority with outstanding academic leadership and achievement in dentistry or dental education.

Keep one foot in clinical practice

Importantly, this is a leadership role that remains connected to clinical practice. You will contribute at least three clinical teaching sessions each week in the JCU Dental clinic, providing an opportunity to continue sharing your clinical expertise directly with students and colleagues.

Why JCU?

At JCU, your leadership can have an impact well beyond the University. You will be joining an institution with a distinctive commitment to northern Australia and a strong focus on producing health professionals equipped to work with rural, remote and underserved communities.

This is your opportunity to:

Lead a discipline with an important role in the future of dental education and healthcare.

Shape innovative, socially accountable dental education.

Build research, industry, government and community partnerships.

Develop the next generation of dental professionals.

Make a difference to health and healthcare across northern Australia and beyond.

Join us

If you are an experienced dental academic and clinician ready to provide strategic leadership, champion excellence in education and research, and make a lasting contribution to dentistry in northern Australia, we would welcome your application.

Apply now to lead the Discipline of Dentistry at James Cook University.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity and the application process in confidence, please contact Professor Sarah Larkins, Dean, College of Medicine and Dentistry on +61 7 4781 5025 or via email – *******@jcu.edu.au our body text

Click the ‘Apply’ button or visit the JCU Careers Page and follow these steps:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your experience and how your skills align with the role