EXECUTIVE BRIEF DIRECTOR OF DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE For further information, please contact: Michelle Charest Director of Finance & Operations 1-800-267-5235 / 613-224-5515 ext. 133 mcharest@cdha.ca December 2017
Introduction Thank you for your interest in this important opportunity. This executive brief contains an overview of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), an outline of the director of dental hygiene practice position, and an ideal candidate profile. Also included is a summary of the search process and a few additional points we would like to share with you. Some of the material may be subject to change. We will do our best to keep you informed of any new developments over the course of the search. Additional information about CDHA can be found at www.cdha.ca. We encourage you to visit the website and to contact us should you have any specific questions regarding the position, the organization or the process. Yours truly, Ondina Love CEO Page 2 of 10
About the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association Overview Serving the profession since 1963, the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is the collective national voice of 28,450 dental hygienists, directly representing more than 19,000 individual members. Over the past 54 years, CDHA has relied on the strength, passion, and dedication of its members to move the profession forward through advocacy initiatives, public awareness campaigns, research, and education. CDHA is governed by a board of directors and supported by several committees of member volunteers. CDHA works in close collaboration with provincial associations and regulatory bodies. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, and with a staff complement of 19 full-time and 2 part-time positions, CDHA s annual operating budget is approximately $4.4 million. Our Mission CDHA exists so that its members are able to provide quality preventive and therapeutic oral health care as well as health promotion for the Canadian public Strategic Direction CDHA s board of directors sets the strategic direction of the association. The board's decisions on strategic direction take the form of specific, measurable outcomes called "ends"; from those ends a strategic plan is established, which is operationalized by the staff. At its fall 2017 meeting, CDHA s board redeveloped the association s ends to include items identified as important by the membership in the most recent Membership Survey: 1. Public Policy Environment (Equal top priority) Members play a key role in influencing the public policy environment to improve not only their ability to practise as primary health care providers, but also the overall health of Canadians. 2. Professional practice (Equal top priority) Members have the resources to work as an integral part of a health care team. 2.1 Healthy and Respectful Workplace Members have the resources to ensure a healthy and respectful workplace. 2.2 National Professional Standards Members are aware of and have access to professional standards. 3. Public Recognition (Equal second priority) The Canadian public understands and values the dental hygiene profession. 4. Professional Knowledge (Equal second priority) Members create, contribute to, and utilize a growing body of professional knowledge and research. 5. Leadership (Third priority) Members potential for professional leadership is developed. Page 3 of 10
A working group met in November 2017 to develop strategic goals to support the board-established ends. The next step will be to identify the activities and benchmarks for achieving these goals. This work will begin in January 2018 by CDHA staff. The Essence of the Opportunity The next director of dental hygiene practice will be joining CDHA at an exciting and opportune time as the association embarks on a new strategic plan. The director of dental hygiene practice will play a pivotal role in the delivery of new programs, such as the development of a vision and support mechanisms to ensure healthy and respectful workplaces for our members. The director will also take the lead as we work to position dental hygienists as vital members of interprofessional health care teams, promoting and protecting the overall health of Canadians. These are but two examples of the time-worthy goals identified as part of the upcoming strategic plan. The director of dental hygiene practice is an integral member of CDHA s senior management team, led by the chief executive officer, working alongside directors of marketing & communications, and finance & operations. The senior management team is responsible for carrying out the strategic plan and overseeing CDHA s day-to-day core operations. The dental hygiene practice department consists of an energetic and committed team of 3 full-time and 2 part-time staff who report to the director: Manager of Health Policy (full time) Manager of Professional Development (full time) Independent Practice Advisor (part time) Executive Assistant (full time) Administrative Assistant (part time) Hours & Location The director of dental hygiene practice is a full-time position, Monday to Friday, with occasional travel within Canada and the US (approx. 4-6 times per year). The position is located in Ottawa, Ontario. Interested candidates should note that residence in Ottawa is an absolute requirement of the position. CDHA may support the successful candidate with some of the relocation costs, if required. CDHA s office, a nicely renovated building purchased by the association in 2014, is located in Hintonburg, a charming part of Ottawa just west of the downtown core. Hintonburg is home to the popular Parkdale Market, a vibrant selection of restaurants, cafes and shops, live theatre, and beautiful old churches. In July 2017, for the second consecutive year, Ottawa was voted the best place to live in Ontario in a survey by MoneySense magazine ( http://www.moneysense.ca/save/canadas-best-places-to-live-2017- overview/ ). Page 4 of 10
Compensation CDHA takes regular steps to ensure that its compensation remains competitive and recognizes its employees for the valuable contributions they make. In addition to a competitive annual salary, the specifics of which will be discussed at the time an offer is made to the successful candidate, CDHA offers staff a comprehensive benefits package including a matching contribution within a CDHA-sponsored group RRSP, a CDHA-funded health insurance benefits plan (life, AD&D, extended health and dental, short and long-term disability, including family benefits), an employee assistance program, and offstreet parking at the office. The Ideal Candidate As the ideal candidate, you are recognized for your commitment to and expertise in dental hygiene and overall oral health. You have a strong network of subject-matter experts, upon which you will draw as you establish and oversee essential member-volunteer committees and stakeholder relationships. You are an outstanding communicator, adept at presentation of briefs, reports, and proposals, and able to analyze and synthesize complex information. You have experience managing a staff team and contributing to a management team at the senior level. You are passionate, energetic, and flexible in adapting to changing and competing priorities. Required knowledge and competencies Ability to lead decisively and build a team approach in the work environment Ability to work effectively with others Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize Strong ability to think strategically and critically and to problem solve Strong relationship development and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong alliances in industry, government, and professional circles Advanced communication skills, both verbal and written, in English with experience developing educational materials or resources related to the profession Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite of products Ability to work with a large degree of independence, initiative, and resourcefulness Sound knowledge of CDHA professional standards documents (e.g., Code of Ethics, Canadian Competencies for Baccalaureate Dental Hygiene Programs, CDHA National List of Service Codes), clinical practice guidelines, and position papers/statements (e.g., tobacco cessation, sports mouthguards, interdental brushing, therapeutic oral rinsing, access to care, infection control) Minimum qualifications Degree in business, health policy, dental hygiene or related field Registered dental hygienist 8 years of experience as a dental hygiene professional, at least 3 years of which have been in a traditional clinical practice setting 5 years of senior management experience Page 5 of 10
Desirable qualifications Previous experience in a professional association or regulatory body, government or educational institution Graduate degree preferred Bilingual The complete job description for the director of dental hygiene practice can be found at the end of this brief. Steps in the Selection Process 1. Announcing Your Wish to Be Considered If you wish to be considered for this position, please forward your résumé, cover letter, and any other relevant material to us by email at HR-RH@cdha.ca by 11:59 pm on Monday, January 1, 2018. Important Dates to Note in Your Calendar January 1, 2018: Deadline to apply for the position January 3, 15 or 16, 2018: Preliminary interviews (by Skype if not resident in Ottawa) Week of January 22, 2018: Follow-up interviews (in person, CDHA to cover travel expenses) Week of January 29, 2018: Selection of a finalist March 1, 2018: Ideal start date 2. Interview Once we receive the résumés and cover letters of all interested candidates, we will compare them against the ideal candidate profile and against each other. We will then screen the top-rated candidates to assess fit, motivation, experience, and alignment with the key criteria set out above. 3. Candidate Due Diligence We will let you know as soon as possible after the preliminary and follow-up interviews if we will be proceeding further; we will also ask you about your interest and whether you would like to continue in the process. If after the preliminary interview both parties wish to proceed, we will ask you to begin gathering any information that might have an impact on your decision to accept the position if offered to you, chief among these being the need to relocate to Ottawa, if applicable. Page 6 of 10
Usually there are three categories of consideration: a) Matters of Fact These include benefits, vacation & other leave policies, perquisites, and an approximate indication of the compensation plan. If a physical move would be required to accept the position, please learn about housing, schools, relocation assistance, and any other matters of this kind that are important to you. b) Matters of Family If a physical move will ultimately prove unacceptable to your family members, please determine that at this stage. c) Matters of Fit Please list the remaining questions that you would need to have answered about the position and the organization, and pass them along to us. We will be happy to answer them for you. The goal of gathering all of this information is to help you make an informed decision, as soon as possible, about the degree of your interest. In fairness to everyone, please do not go further if you really think you are unlikely to accept the position should it be offered to you. If you have additional questions following our initial discussion, but your interest is tentative and you are still exploring, please let us know. We can help you get the additional information you need. 4. If You Are a Finalist Assessment and Referencing If you are chosen as a finalist, a reference check will be conducted at this stage; we will want to speak with people who have known you from a subordinate, peer, superior, and possibly client perspective to provide a complete picture of your employment history, skills, weaknesses, strengths, competencies, values, etc. 5. Steps Leading to an Offer If you are selected as the finalist candidate, and if no further references are required, you will be made a verbal offer of employment during which time the terms and conditions of the Offer of Employment will be discussed with you. You will be presented with a formal Offer of Employment once agreement is reached verbally or via email. For Further Information We would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to read this brief as you consider whether this might be the right step in your next career move. If at any time during the process you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact CDHA as follows: Michelle Charest Director of Finance & Operations 1-800-267-5235 / 613-244-5515 ext. 133 mcharest@cdha.ca Finally, if this opportunity is not of interest to you but you think you know someone who would be interested and a good fit with the role and our organization, please share this document with them. Alternatively, you can contact Michelle Charest at the coordinates above, and she will be happy to reach out to them personally. Thank you! Page 7 of 10
CANADIAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS ASSOCIATION POSITION DESCRIPTION CDHA POSITION TITLE: REPORTS TO: Director of Dental Hygiene Practice Chief Executive Officer SCOPE OF POSITION: The director of dental hygiene practice is responsible for overseeing all aspects of CDHA s professional development, advocacy, public policy, and professional practice initiatives and programs related to the dental hygiene profession and in support of CDHA members. As a member of the senior management team, the director plays a key role in the development of CDHA s strategic plan and is responsible for implementing the plan as it relates to the functional areas within the dental hygiene practice department. In doing so, the director will lead a staff team, fostering collaboration within the team and with other departments within CDHA. This position requires a sound understanding of the political, legal, and practice environments as they relate to the dental hygiene profession, as well as an ability to articulate the role of dental hygienists as primary health care providers and the profession s contribution to the overall health of Canadians. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The director is responsible for all departmental activities relating to the dental hygiene profession, including overseeing projects and workload associated with advocacy, policy, professional practice, and professional development. She or he: Networks with like-minded organizations and consults with key stakeholders, subject-matter experts, and members to oversee the development of CDHA professional standards documents, clinical practice guidelines, and clinical position statements/papers. Oversees advocacy and policy activities including the preparation of government briefs and policy documents Responsible for all projects relating to clinical practice (e.g., independent practice, workplace issues, advanced practice, interprofessional practice, and collaboration). This includes direct work responsibilities and coaching staff on member communications, offering ethical, business advice, problem solving, planning, and mentoring. Collaborates in the development and launch of all resources for dental hygienists and the public: brochures, online courses, webinars, workshops, web content, conferences, etc. Participates in conferences, workshops, and seminars. Page 8 of 10
Responsible for managing, leading, and developing the dental hygiene practice team. Provides leadership in development, management, and evaluation of public health advocacy and policy activities and initiatives. Secures funding by writing external grant proposals for projects relating to the dental hygiene profession and/or oral health, and ensures deliverables are completed on time and within budget. Develops and analyzes surveys pertaining to dental hygiene practice and workforce issues. Works with other department directors and the chief executive officer to develop the annual budget and the strategic and operational plans, and to manage issues of risk and areas of concern to the organization. CONTACTS: Internal Staff at all levels of responsibility External Health insurance industry CDHA members Consultants Regulatory dental hygiene bodies in all provinces Dental hygiene provincial associations Government stakeholders Associations: e.g., Canadian Dental Association, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Nurses Association, etc. Dental industry Dental hygiene schools, students, committees, and advisory boards DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY: Sets priorities and organizes workload to meet deadlines on concurrent activities. Recommends action and procedural and policy changes as appropriate and necessary. Makes autonomous decisions, as appropriate, related to the above responsibilities. Supervises and evaluates the manager of health policy, manager of professional development, independent practice advisor and executive assistant. Page 9 of 10
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES: Ability to lead decisively and build a team approach in the work environment Ability to work effectively with others Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize Strong ability to think strategically and critically and to problem solve Strong relationship development and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong alliances in industry, government and professional circles Strong management skills Advanced communication skills, both verbal and written, in English with experience developing educational materials or resources related to the profession Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite of products Ability to work with a large degree of independence, initiative, and resourcefulness Sound knowledge of CDHA professional standards documents (e.g., Code of Ethics, Canadian Competencies for Baccalaureate Dental Hygiene Programs, CDHA National List of Service Codes), clinical practice guidelines, and position papers/statements (e.g., tobacco cessation, sports mouthguards, interdental brushing, therapeutic oral rinsing, access to care, infection control) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Degree in business, health policy, dental hygiene or related field Registered dental hygienist 8 years of experience as a dental hygiene professional, at least 3 years of which have been in a traditional clinical practice setting 5 years of senior management experience DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience in a professional association or regulator body, government or educational institution Graduate degree preferred Bilingual Page 10 of 10