The Associate Professor of Care Convergence: Applied Research and Entrepreneurship (C.C.A.R.E.) is a part-time, non-tenure track faculty appointment. This role is designed to advance the Workman School of Dental Medicine (WSDM) as a leader in the field of integrated medical-dental care. The objective of this role is to foster next-generation care delivery through a focus on medical-dental integration, tech-enabled operations, and data-driven performance management. The role will closely liaise with the Dean, faculty, and staff to build upon existing strategies, research, and educational initiatives that highlight the convergence of medical and dental care with technology and position WSDM as the leader in this field.

This position works closely with Dean of WSDM, Dr. Muhammad Ali Shazib, the Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, Dr. Kevin Cain and Executive Leadership Team (ELT), to develop relevant curriculum, research, partnerships, processes and procedures that advance integrated care delivery models and encourage the development and deployment of relevant IP and solutions by students, faculty and staff. Efforts of this role are focused on ensuring industry-shaping through leadership, clinical operations and entrepreneurial ecosystem where innovators can thrive. The Professor of C.C.A.R.E will play an integral role in ecosystem development, tech transfer, research and entrepreneurship.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• A Master’s degree or higher in Business, Healthcare Administration, or a related field is required.
• Advanced training or experience in medical-dental integration, healthcare innovation, or technology adoption is required.

Experience and Training

• 15+ years of executive experience, preferably at a Fortune 20 company, with proven leadership in medical-dental integration, healthcare technology, or healthcare innovation.
• Demonstrated success in building and scaling tech-enabled solutions across health disciplines, including leadership of cross-functional teams and academic research.
• Track record of thought leadership in medical dental integration, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies
• Experience in developing and managing high-profile partnerships with industry leaders, universities, or healthcare organizations.
• Expertise in healthcare data interoperability, strategic planning, and the implementation of data-driven performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Strong background in entrepreneurship, with experience advising or investing in healthcare startups, and mentoring students or professionals in innovation and leadership.
• Experience in creating and leading training programs focused on AI, technology adoption, and healthcare transformation.
• Firsthand experience as operator – entrepreneur as well as leading and building teams in large organizations
• Extensive meaningful network of strategic players in healthcare delivery, payments and life sciences

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to lead and mentor cross-disciplinary teams.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills with a focus on technology adoption, impact entrepreneurship, and systemic health innovation.
• Ability to translate complex healthcare concepts into actionable teaching materials and practical frameworks for students and professionals.
• Extensive knowledge of emerging trends in healthcare delivery, medical-dental integration, and data-driven decision-making models.
• Experience in publishing research and thought leadership in areas such as healthcare innovation, systemic health, and tech-enabled care convergence.

• Proven track record of hands-on leadership and self-starter mindset
• Poised and professional in representation of HPU WSDM/Health
• Receptive to feedback, performance improvement, and continuous coaching Knowledge of HPU WSDM’S core values and mission
• Strong ability to articulate operational and analytical data
• Track record of building

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

The candidate selected for this position will perform all duties directed by the Dean, with input from the leadership team. The candidate will be expected to perform the following duties, including but not limited to:

1. Curriculum Development:

• Design and deliver courses that highlight interprofessional collaboration, business fundamentals, technology adoption, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
• Incorporate key topics such as technology literacy, integrated care models, and managing ambiguity in the existing curriculum as relevant.

2. Research and Thought Leadership:

• Conduct research and publish insights on care convergence models, contributing to the future Care Convergence Center at WSDM.
• Establish WSDM as a leader in integrated care delivery through industry-leading publications and partnerships with the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

3. Integrated Care Delivery:

• Develop and implement patient, and care team journeys for the dental clinics operated by WSDM, focusing on operational efficiency, patient-centered care, and clinical excellence.
• Establish KPIs and agile feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

4. Strategic Initiatives:

• Collaborate with the Dean, faculty, and staff to:
  • Develop applied care convergence models and advance the school's strategy in medical-dental integration.
  • Establish a technology transfer office (Care Convergence Center) as part of WSDM’s intellectual property (IP) strategy.
  • Set up a dental clinical research organization designed to validate innovative solutions advancing care convergence

Leadership and Mentorship:

• Mentor students and faculty in the areas of leadership, entrepreneurship, and applied clinical practices, fostering an environment of innovation and impact.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Dean, Workman School of Dental Medicine, with input from the leadership team
• Evaluation: Ongoing performance reviews is conducted along with an annual assessment by the Dean and includes input from the faculty and students.