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WELCOME TO
ASPIRE: A Webinar for New, Future and Aspiring Program Directors
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"Thank you for coming on this exciting journey into the world of Program Directors! We are thrilled to have you as part of the ASPIRE community. By being here, you have taken a significant step toward uncovering the inside scoop on what Program Directors do and discovering valuable tips to excel in this pivotal role. This session has provided a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions with industry experts.
We appreciate your participation and hope you learned from our distinguished panel and connected with fellow participants who share your passion for success in this field. Together, we explored key aspects of the role and equipped you with the knowledge to advance your career.
Thank you again for being with us at ASPIRE!"
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Allied Dental Education! -
Rebecca Stolberg, RDH, MSDH
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The last three years, through my role at ADEA, I have seen a continual increase in both faculty and allied dental program director vacancies. The number of new allied dental program directors has continued to increase the past few years and it appears that trend will continue well into the future. This presentation will provide current trends in allied dental education including student enrollment, faculty vacancies, expected retirements and program director turnover.
Resources
Rebecca’s Favorite Books
- Boundaries - by Henry Cloud (Author), John Townsend (Author)
- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable - by Patrick Lencioni Patrick M. Lencioni (Author)
- The Energy Bus - by Jon Gordon (Author, Narrator), Gildan Media, LLC (Publisher)
- Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less - by Greg McKeown (Author)
- Grit-by Angela Duckworth (Author)
ADEA Allied Dental Resources
- ADEA Entry Level Competencies for Allied Dental Professionals Allied Dental Resources (scroll down)
- ADEA Graduate Dental Hygiene Program Aims and Outcomes Allied Dental Resources (scroll down)
- ADEA 2026 Compendium of Curriculum Guidelines for Allied Dental Program Directors ADEA Allied Dental Compendium
- ADEA 2022 Allied Dental Program Director Survey Allied Dental Program Director Survey
- ADEA 2024 Allied Dental Graduating Student Survey Allied Dental Graduating Student Survey
ADEA Leadership Programs
Unlock the Secrets of Successful Program Directorship! -
Lisa Rowley MS, RDH, CDA, FADHA
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The role of a program director encompasses a multitude of vital components that shape the future of dental hygiene education. This presentation aims to demystify the complexities of this role by providing a comprehensive overview of key responsibilities, all while highlighting their direct connection to Accreditation Standards for Dental Hygiene Education Programs. Join us to discover how understanding these elements can enhance your effectiveness as a program director and elevate your institution's success!
Resources
- How to Chair a Department (Higher Ed Leadership Essentials) - by Kevin Dettmar (Author)
- Who Moved My Cheese Hardcover – September 8, 1998 - by Spencer Johnson (Author), Kenneth Blanchard (Foreword)
- A Leader's Legacy Hardcover – August 18, 2006 - by James M. Kouzes (Author), Barry Z. Posner (Author)
- Becoming Influential: A Guide for Nurses 2nd Edition - by Eleanor Sullivan (Author)
Afraid to Step In? How to Lead When You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know -
Lindsey Lee, BS, MS, LPN, RDH
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Considering program directorship but unsure what to expect? The transition from faculty member to program director reveals an entirely new layer of institutional structure, communication, and responsibility that often remains unseen until you are in the role. In this presentation, Lindsey shares practical insights from her first year as a new program director, offering actionable strategies for organizing your annual responsibilities, building key relationships, communicating effectively, and confidently asking the right questions so you can step forward prepared, empowered, and ready to thrive in leadership.
Stepping Into Leadership: What Higher Administration Values in Program Directors -
Laura Joseph, EdD
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As you consider program directorship, it is essential to understand how this role fits within the broader institutional landscape. Program directors operate within a larger ecosystem of deans, vice presidents, and provosts who balance complex priorities across the university. In this presentation, Laura Joseph draws upon her experience as faculty member, program director, dean, and provost to reveal what institutional leaders value most in successful program directors and how aligning communication, credibility, and strategic vision can position you — and your program — for long-term success within the university structure.
Resources
Books
- How Colleges Work – by Robert Birnbaum (Author), Jossey-Bass (Publisher)
- The Essential Department Chair – by Jeffrey Buller, (Author), Jossey-Bass (Publisher)
- Crucial Conversations – by Grenny, J., Patterson, K., McMillan, R., Switzler, , Gregory, E., (Authors), McGraw-Hill (Publisher)
Podcasts
- The Key with Inside Higher Ed – https://www.insidehighered.com
- Podcasts through EDUCAUSE – https://www.Educause.edu