Profile of Department Chairs in U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools: Demographics, Requirements for Success, and Professional Development Needs

Abstract

The aim of this survey study was to develop a current profile of department chairs at U.S. and Canadian dental schools. The survey asked respondents to identify their responsibilities; describe the competencies needed to best serve in the position; and assess their needs in terms of professional development. An online survey with 35 items was sent to 754 individuals who self-identified as department chairs, department heads, or program directors. Overall, 269 responses were received (overall response rate of 35.7%). The results include demographic information, data on length of tenure in the position, predominant responsibilities and challenges faced in the position, competencies necessary for effective service, and an understanding of the needs of department chairs in academic dentistry. This report suggests methods to support the needs of department chairs, including better defining expectations of the position, creating a successful onboarding process, and providing professional development opportunities for chairs. These measures, along with the professional competencies identified as part of the study, will allow administrators to provide more specific support to individuals in essential leadership roles at their institutions.Dr.

Qualifications and Characteristics North American Dental Deans Seek in Department Chairpersons

“…This possibility is highlighted by how little emphasis was placed on budgeting and financing by department chairpersons in Wee et al's study, but it factored heavily in the deans' own perceptions of what department chairpersons need to be successful, in both Brundo and O'Brien's study and ours. Rodriguez et al reported that less than half of department chairpersons were responsible for managing the budget of their own department, with only a small fraction of those having a financial manager for the department 10 . This finding may suggest that many financial duties are the responsibility of the dean and other administrative staff, but those financial arrangements will differ based on the budgeting model of each university and will vary over time.…”

“…In previous studies, department chairpersons reported feeling that leadership skills were more critical to success in their position than management skills 9, 10 . In one of those studies, restorative department chairpersons perceived that the six most essential characteristics to their success were leadership, vision, work ethic, integrity, communication, and organization 9 .…”

Design of a Conceptual Framework of Performance Improvement of Academic Department Chair

“…Their role has been evolving in response to the varying landscape of health care reform, new technology, and advancement of knowledge in the field of medical education (3). To succeed in this environment, it is critical that department chair roles are continuing to develop for efficiency of department functions (4).Additionally, the requirement to provide a realistic and comprehensive system for performance improvement of academic department chair cause a rising need for adaptation strategies that should be implemented in higher education system (5). Based on the results of the study of Lieff et al (2013), access to a comprehensive network of support and guidance was the most important factor influencing the performance of department chairs (2).…”

<p>Core competencies for academic leaders in Iran University of Medical Sciences</p>

“…Although some of them are acquired during the work experience, the others are harder to learn in comparison to the others 11,12. Improvement of managerial competencies will be done through appropriate training in a systematic framework 13…”