Dental Hygiene Instructor

Job Summary

The Dental Hygiene Instructor is a non-tenure track, full-time faculty position responsible for teaching, mentoring, and evaluating university-level dental hygiene program students. The role includes student recruitment, relevant accreditation compliance, classroom instruction, clinical supervision, curriculum development, student advising, and professional development. The instructor must maintain relevant credentials and collaborate with program faculty members and the program director. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Duties & Key Responsibilities

Instruction and Teaching:

• Develop and deliver engaging course content in accordance with program curriculum and accreditation standards.
• Teach clinical and laboratory skills such as oral hygiene techniques, dental radiography, patient education, and infection control.
• Utilize diverse instructional strategies, including lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and clinical simulations.

Clinical Supervision:

• Oversee students during clinical rotations, ensuring safe and effective patient care.
• Assess student performance through exams, practical evaluations, and clinical competency reviews.
• Ensure compliance with clinical safety, infection control, and professional practice standards.

Curriculum Development:

• Participate in curriculum design, review, and revision to meet accreditation standards.
• Ensure course content aligns with current industry practices and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist with accreditation and program evaluation processes.

Student Support and Mentorship:

• Provide academic advising.
• Offer constructive feedback to promote student development.
• Support students’ professional growth through mentorship and career guidance.

Professional Development and Compliance:

• Stay current with dental hygiene practices, trends, and educational methodologies.
• Serve on department, college, and university committees as needed.
• Maintain active membership in relevant professional organizations.
• Participate in community outreach and public education initiatives.
• Maintain required licensure and certifications.
• Comply with program, institutional, and accreditation policies and procedures.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Associate of Science degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
• Must be willing to pursue (or already pursuing) a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene or a related field.

Licensure/Certification:

• Must have an active Georgia Dental Hygiene License in good standing with the Georgia Board of Dentistry or be able to be licensed within the state of Georgia within 30 days of hire CPR/BLS certification.
• Local anesthesia certification (or become certified within 1 year of hire date).

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of clinical dental hygiene experience and/or instructional experience in a dental hygiene education program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Prior teaching experience is highly desirable.
• At least 4 years of recent employment as a dental hygienist.

Skills and Competencies:

• Effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Competence in clinical procedures and modern dental hygiene practices.
• Leadership, mentorship, and organizational skills.
• Strong instructional and curriculum development skills.
• Commitment to student success and continuous professional development.
• Proficiency in technology and learning management systems.

Work Environment:

• Classroom, clinical, laboratory, and office settings.
• Possible exposure to dental instruments, chemicals, and biohazards.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy statement, and contact information for three professional references.