A career in dental academics offers ample rewards and challenges. Prospective and new dental faculty should possess a realistic view of the dental school work environment in order to promote successful careers in dental education. A thorough SWOT analysis, involving self-assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses, will provide helpful information in matching faculty applicants with appropriate dental schools. Pre-hiring awareness of what makes up excellence in job performance will help new faculty in allotting time to productive venues. Essential pre-hiring information includes a written job description detailing duties and responsibilities, professional development opportunities, and job performance evaluation protocol. To advance careers, new faculty should not rely solely on professional expertise. Research and regular peer-reviewed publications are essential elements in academic career success, along with the ability to secure governmental, private foundation, and corporate grant support. Responsibilities of the faculty include tactful self-promotion and self-definition to the dental school community, along with substantial peer collaboration. The recruitment period is when to secure job benefits and privileges. It is also the time to gain knowledge of institutional culture and gauge administrative and faculty willingness to collaborate on teaching, research, professional development, and attainment of change.