The New Jersey Department of Health has named Darwin K. Hayes, DDS, MHA, the state’s latest dental director. The appointment marks the first time in more than 30 years that New Jersey has filled this position.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Hayes as part of our leadership team,” said Deborah Hartel, deputy commissioner of the state’s Department of Health. “With his knowledge and expertise, the department will be able to expand oral health initiatives to address our most vulnerable populations.”
Hayes will oversee dental services and programs for New Jersey residents. He also will be responsible for developing and overseeing an Oral Health Plan for the state.
Previously, Hayes was the lead codirector of the General Practice Residency (GPR) program at BronxCare Health System, the second largest GPR program in the United States. The program has trained more than 800 new dentists in general and hospital dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics in the past 29 years.
During his tenure at BronxCare Health System, Hayes was part of the executive management team that used a $3.5 million government grant to improve access to high-quality healthcare by increasing the number of dental providers and expanding an integrated oral health/primary care initiative through the successful management of a highly competitive project funded by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration.
Also, Hayes has served as chair of the Administration Board for the American Dental Education Association Council of Advanced Education Programs. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the GPR program at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital. He received his Certificate in Dental Education from the University of the Pacific’s Benerd School of Education and Dugoni School of Dentistry. In 2017, he completed the Executive Master’s Degree Program in Healthcare Administration from George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Related Articles
NJ Dental Practice May Be Site of Measles Exposure
