Dental Hygiene Instructor

Instructor PositionThe instructor position plays a critical role in the teaching and learning process, ensuring that students achieve mastery of course, program, and institutional learning outcomes. The instructor is responsible for preparing and delivering high-quality instruction, engaging in program improvement processes, and participating in various institutional and student affairs initiatives. This position requires a proactive and dedicated approach to student success, including fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, utilizing diverse teaching methodologies, and collaborating with colleagues to ensure ongoing program and student development.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Instruction and Curriculum Delivery: Prepares lessons and course materials in accordance with the college's curriculum, using appropriate teaching methods and resources.Adheres to course syllabi, ensuring alignment with program goals and accreditation requirements.Delivers instruction to students through dynamic and varied instructional techniques to support various learning styles.Maintains a positive, inclusive, and professional classroom environment that fosters student engagement and success.Student Support and Success: Maintains regular and open communication with students regarding their progress, attendance, and performance, ensuring timely responses to inquiries and concerns.Provides proactive academic advising, tutoring, and office hours to assist students with course material, assignments, and career development.Participates in student affairs activities such as new student orientation, student clubs, and career services events to support overall student engagement and success.Assessment and Program Improvement: Regularly assesses student learning outcomes; implements strategies to enhance student performance and course effectiveness.Utilizes student achievement and learning data to contribute to program improvement processes, including program review, assessment, and evaluation.Stays current with industry trends and academic best practices.Collaboration and Faculty Development: Participates in departmental meetings, industry advisory boards, and faculty development activities to contribute to continuous improvement efforts and program growth.Collaborates with colleagues across departments to support student success, retention, and achievement of program outcomes.Mentors and supports new faculty members to ensure successful integration into the institution.Compliance and Accreditation: Adheres to institutional, accreditation, and regulatory standards; ensures that all program components comply with these requirements.Documents grades, attendance, student advising, and other required information in a timely manner, using the institution's designated software systems.Participates in programmatic and institutional assessments to ensure compliance with accreditation standards and continuous quality improvement.Other Duties: Ensures relevance of instructional materials; utilizes appropriate processes to facilitate improvements as dictated by academic, industry, or regulatory standards.Ensures classroom and lab equipment is available and in good working condition; utilizes appropriate processes to facilitate repair and maintenance in a timely manner.Fulfills additional responsibilities as assigned by the Program Director, Academic Dean, or Campus Director/President.Core Competencies:Integrity & Ethics: Demonstrates personal integrity and ethical conduct; upholds organizational values, fosters trust, and serves as a role model for students.Professionalism: Maintains a positive, respectful, and professional demeanor in all interactions with students, colleagues, and the community.Adaptability: Responds to changes in teaching strategies, course content, and institutional priorities with flexibility and a willingness to learn.Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively with students, faculty, and staff, tailoring communication to the needs of diverse audiences.Collaboration: Works effectively with colleagues and industry partners to achieve institutional goals and improve program offerings.Position Competencies:Instructional Skills: Demonstrates confidence, preparation, and effectiveness in delivering instruction in both small and large group settings. Utilizes a variety of teaching methods to engage and support student learning.Student Success Focus: Puts students' needs first, responding promptly to their inquiries and ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed academically.Technical Job Skills: Possesses the knowledge and skills to competently teach course content and manage classroom technology.Relationship Building/Networking: Builds positive relationships with students, colleagues, and industry partners to enhance the learning environment and ensure program success.Qualifications:Education and Experience: Associate degree in Dental Hygiene OR Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)If Associate: Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) credentialIf doctorate: state dentist license2 years' clinical practice experienceTeaching experienceBLS for the Healthcare ProviderCurrent knowledge of subjects to be taughtDocumented background in current educational methodology concepts consistent with teaching assignmentsGraduate of program accredited by the Commission on Dental AccreditationEvidence of instructor calibration for clinical evaluationLanguage Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret materials related to area of expertise.Ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and external stakeholders.Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform basic calculations relevant to course material and student assessments.Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and any software required for course delivery.Physical Demands:This position is on site, student facing. The physical demands of the job include regular standing, walking, sitting, and the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.Work Environment:The work environment includes vocational classrooms, labs, or office spaces with potential exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals in certain instructional settings. The noise level is typically moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.