The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is recruiting a Head of Dentistry in the new School of Medicine and Dentistry, to lead on the delivery of high-quality teaching, research, external partnerships and accreditation in Dentistry. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative Dentist to lead Dentistry in our new academic leadership structure and build the team providing Lancashire and Cumbria with excellent undergraduate and postgraduate Dental education.

UCLan is an international, multi-campus university tracing its roots back to 1828 and leading the way in modern learning. One of the largest universities in the UK, approaching 38,000 students, UCLan offers an employment-focused course portfolio with over 350 undergraduate programmes, nearly 200+ postgraduate courses and a rich array of CPD courses. Our research is intricately linked with impact and engagement with enterprise and 66% of our research outputs have officially been recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

We are in the early stages of our seven-year Strategic Plan 2021-2028 with the mission of being recognised as a leading UK university, with national and international influence, delivering real-world, practice-based education from our Preston, Burnley, Blackburn (Training 2000), West Cumbria, and Cyprus campuses. Our extensive curricula offer, from the arts and sciences to medicine and engineering, is research informed and employer engaged, assuring our students of the highest quality learning experience and the best possible outcomes.

At UCLan, we have invested £200m in transforming our Preston Campus. At its heart is our stunning new Student Centre, which brings our second-to-none support services together under one roof. The Student Centre stands on University Square, one of the largest public spaces to have opened in England for many years. In creating this impressive gateway between the campus and city, we are contributing to the regeneration of Preston and ensuring that the city, we’re proud to call home, is increasingly attractive to students, businesses and tourism.

The School of Dentistry offers a range of innovative undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD courses, including our graduate entry Dental Surgery, BDS and Clinical Dental Technology, BSc (Hons), the first undergraduate training programme of its kind in the UK. Our undergraduate programmes include elements of shared training, to prepare students for how their will work in the future as part of the dental team. Taught sessions are held in purpose-built facilities incorporating modern phantom-head training areas as well as dedicated lecture and seminar rooms. We are also one of the few Universities in the UK with our very own on-campus Dental Clinic and are fully equipped to give all dental students direct access to practical experience in high-end dental work within the institution. Our Dental Surgery, BDS course has been awarded 4 QS Stars (Very Good) and reflects our outstanding teaching, high student satisfaction and the success of our graduates.

The University’s academic leadership has recently been reconfigured to ensure greater accountability for School leaders. This has also meant a reconfiguring of the School/Faculty structure and as such this role will sit in the School of Medicine and Dentistry. You will be closely involved in reviewing our curriculum to ensure we continue to offer programmes which produce work-ready graduates and open doors to worldwide career opportunities. Further, you will sustain the high quality of our undergraduate provision and build on our research strengths.

The Head of Dentistry will provide strategic leadership for the School and will lead on the delivery of high-quality teaching, research, external partnerships and accreditation. We are seeking individuals with relevant senior management experience, a strong track record of leading change and delivering excellence. The successful candidate will also bring a genuine commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. A track record of partnership working is essential, as is an inclusive approach to leadership and an unwavering commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience, while ensuring the future growth of the School.

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Professor Alison Carr, the Head of Dentistry plays an important role in university decision-making at the highest level. Embracing our values, the Head will support the mission, vision and behaviours of wider cultural change.

The University of Central Lancashire is committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will diversify the University’s leadership team and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of Dentistry at a bold and forward-thinking university which has taken great strides forward in recent years.

For further details and information on how to apply, please see https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference 6346

For further information and informal inquiries please contact Mary Beale on mary.beale@perrettlaver.com or 07718036521

Applicants need to meet all essential criteria on the person specification to be considered for interview. This position is based in Lancashire.

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