Dental Hygiene Instructor

Dental Hygiene Instructor

The Dental Hygiene Instructor will report directly to the Dental Sciences Program Director. The instructor will assist the program director in formulating procedures and practices for the dental hygiene program Clinic to ensure excellence in teaching and learning, compliance with CODA accreditation standards, and continuous program improvement. This position is responsible for all aspects of educational encounters with students in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting, in collaboration with the Program Director.

Instructional activities require, among other things, subject matter expertise and thorough preparation for every instructional responsibility. Advising duties demand knowledge of the students' chosen field of study, as well as an understanding of registration, testing, and other procedures. Other responsibilities include serving on committees, attending College functions, and recruitment and retention activities.

• Provide effective classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction to Dental Hygiene students, ensuring alignment with program outcomes and CODA standards.
• Develop, prepare, and deliver course materials that promote engagement and skill mastery.
• Supervise and evaluate students in clinical and pre-clinical settings, providing feedback and individualized guidance.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of attendance, grades, and clinical competencies.
• Demonstrate clinical techniques and current dental hygiene practices in accordance with industry standards.
• Promote retention and student success by identifying and addressing learning challenges.
• May include occasional teaching in the Dental Assisting program based on departmental needs.
• Maintain, review, and update course descriptions, objectives, and syllabi to reflect current industry and accreditation standards.
• Participate in program evaluation and continuous improvement activities.
• Make recommendations regarding equipment, supplies, repairs, and textbook adoption.
• Support program accreditation efforts, including data collection, reports, and site visit preparation.
• Contribute to new course or program development that aligns with workforce needs.
• Provide academic and professional advising to students.
• Use the college's student information system to track and support advisee progress.
• Encourage professionalism, ethical practice, and lifelong learning among students.
• Participate in departmental and college-wide advising activities and trainings.
• Follow up on all assigned advisees.

Required

• Bachelor's Degree or higher related to Dental Hygiene, or other field related to healthcare, or education. Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited program.
• Organization skills, adherence to detail, and follow-up are essential.
• Judgement is needed in interpreting and prescribing guidelines and procedures for dental hygiene education to comply with CODA and SACSCOC guidelines.
• Hold an unencumbered NC Dental Hygiene license or be eligible to apply for and receive a NC license prior to August of 2026.
• Current Certification in Local Anesthesia or willing to complete within 6 months of hire.
• Member of American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) or willing to become a member immediately upon hire.
• Clinical practice experience in Dental Hygiene in a dental office setting.
• Current CPR certification.
• Evidence of continuing education requirements to maintain RDH licensure: 6 hours every year.

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education, management of fiscal and human resources, curriculum development, evaluation, and planning.
• Successful teaching experience to include assessment of student learning outcomes.
• 3 years of clinical practice experience in Dental Hygiene in a dental office setting.
• Experience in didactic, pre-clinical, and clinical teaching.
• At least 3 years of dental office experience as a practicing Dental Hygienist
• Current Certified Dental Assistant or willing to obtain after hire

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to…