Position Summary

The CDMA curriculum comprises integrated oral health and basic science courses and modules emphasizing knowledge, skills and values in clinical areas and disciplines (e.g. Prosthodontics, Operative Dentistry, Periodontics, etc.), as required for pre-doctoral education in general comprehensive dentistry.

The Adjunct Faculty member is responsible for instruction and overall support of the CDMA curriculum, as assigned.  Instruction includes teaching in one-to-one, small group, plenary and demonstration settings. As well, in the patient care setting, the Adjunct Faculty member is expected to demonstrate and facilitate the delivery of care as well as the use of electronic media as required.   

Reporting Relationship

In the patient care setting, the Adjunct Faculty member reports to the Clinical Program Director.

Working Relationships

The Adjunct Faculty member interacts significantly with other Faculty members, Course Directors, the Preclinical and/or Clinical Directors of Faculty, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and the Associate Dean for Clinical Education. There is an imperative to interact effectively with faculty in related disciplines of the Oral Health Sciences, as well as Basic Sciences when indicated.

The Adjunct Faculty member must communicate effectively with support staff including Administrative Assistants, Dental Assistants, as well as those staff responsible for audio-visual, maintenance and custodial support functions.

Essential Job Functions

The following job functions are intended only as examples of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The Adjunct Faculty member performs some or all of the following functions which will be prioritized and will continue to evolve depending on the career direction of the Adjunct Faculty member and the mutual goals of that individual, CDMA and the University. 

The Adjunct Faculty member performs the following functions: 

• Manages clinical situations based on the best practices model of general dentistry and according to established clinic protocols.


• Assures evidence-based clinical care.


• Assures timely, sequenced, clinically acceptable and safe patient care.


• Renders direct care in the patient care clinics as required by degree of difficulty or demonstration needs.


• Ensures the appropriate maintenance of the patient record, both electronic and hardcopy.


• Ensures that OSHA and HIPAA policies and procedures are followed in the patient care clinic.


• Assists where needed in the Continuous Quality Improvement program and other programs directed at improving the quality of care, student learning, patient satisfaction and clinical operations. 

Skills Required

The Adjunct Faculty member should possess the following skills:

• Clinical skills consistent with those of a proficient practicing clinician within the domain of general dentistry practice.


• Interpersonal skills, including active listening, clear and respectful communications.


• A patient-centered focus, demonstrated by striving to provide a high level of professional service, taking into account the patient’s individual needs and working with the patient in a positive, amicable and professional manner.


• Student focused, demonstrated by the ability to work with students in a positive and professional manner. Able to teach the student, individually and in groups, taking into account individual learning styles, level of experience and prior knowledge.


• Cultural competence, demonstrated by interacting effectively with individuals from a variety of cultures with recognition of their cultural norms.


• Collegiality, demonstrated by showing respect for colleagues, both faculty and student doctors.


• Effective time management


• Receptiveness to feedback, willingness to learn and embracing continuous improvement


• Patience


• Basic computer skills

Qualifications & Skills Required

Candidates must possess a DDS/DMD degree or equivalent. Candidates must be licensed, or be eligible for licensure to practice in the State of Arizona.  The candidate must have a minimum of three (3) complete years of practice in dentistry and/or at least a year of advanced post graduate training in dentistry and must commit to at least a full day / week to teaching at CDMA. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in dental education, and experience utilizing educational and simulation technology.  The successful candidate will be an individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to successfully interact with students, faculty and patients.

Computer Skills                                           

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), ability to learn the axiUm Electronic Health Record, and related programs.

Language Skills

High level of ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals, and to effectively present information to top management. Ability to consistently communicate in a professional manner with varied groups of individuals including patients, students, staff and faculty.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand for longer periods of time. The employee is regularly required to walk and reach with extended hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, perform fine psychomotor activities; talk and hear. The employee must be able to lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include accurate close and distance vision.

Performance Evaluation

Performance may be evaluated on an annual basis with an emphasis on career development, following the established institutional standards of Midwestern University.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with
 all federal, state and local laws, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.