Dental Hygiene Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the health care field, the significance of Dental Hygiene Instructors has never been greater.

As our understanding of oral health advances, so does the need for knowledgeable professionals who can guide, develop, and protect the standard of dental hygiene education.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a Dental Hygiene Instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of dental hygiene instruction,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Dental Hygiene Instructor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Dental Hygiene Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Dental Hygiene Instructors play a crucial role in educating students about the principles and practices of dental hygiene.

They provide theoretical knowledge, demonstrate practical skills, and ensure that students are prepared to pass licensing exams and provide professional dental care.

Dental Hygiene Instructors have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare and deliver lectures on topics such as oral anatomy, radiology, periodontology, and dental materials
• Conduct lab sessions where students can practice dental cleaning techniques and procedures
• Provide hands-on training for use of dental equipment and instruments
• Evaluate student performance through examinations, assignments, and practical assessments
• Stay current on the latest developments in dental hygiene through continuous professional development
• Guide and support students in their clinical practice
• Maintain hygiene and safety standards in the classroom and dental lab
• Advise and mentor students on their career paths in dental hygiene
• Collaborate with other faculty and staff to develop and implement curriculum and teaching plans
• Participate in administrative tasks such as committee service, course scheduling, and student recruitment

 

Dental Hygiene Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Dental Hygiene Instructor to join our team.

Your duties will include preparing lesson plans, lecturing and demonstrating dental procedures, and evaluating students’ progress.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of dental hygiene and a passion for teaching.

You should have strong communication skills and the ability to inspire students to excel in their studies.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as oral health and disease prevention
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction
• Supervise students’ laboratory and clinical work
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues

 

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene or a related field
• Current license to practice Dental Hygiene
• Previous teaching experience is a plus
• Deep knowledge of dental hygiene practices, procedures, and protocols
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to evaluate students’ knowledge and skills effectively

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dental Hygiene Instructor
• Work Environment: Educational setting with some administrative duties. Some evening or weekend hours might be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Dental Hygiene Program.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dental Hygiene Instructor Do?

Dental Hygiene Instructors are dental professionals who are focused on educating aspiring dental hygienists in academic settings such as colleges, universities, and dental schools.

Their primary role is to teach students about oral health and hygiene, periodontal disease, radiology, nutrition, dental materials, and patient management.

They prepare lesson plans, deliver lectures, create and grade exams, and also guide students during clinical practice sessions.

They also demonstrate techniques for tasks such as cleaning and polishing teeth, applying sealants, administering local anesthesia, and educating patients on preventive care.

These instructors may also oversee students as they perform these tasks on patients in a clinical setting to ensure they are doing them correctly and safely.

In addition to teaching, Dental Hygiene Instructors also keep up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in the dental field, and may conduct their own research or contribute to academic publications.

They may also provide guidance to students on career opportunities and pathways within the dental hygiene profession, and help them prepare for state licensing exams.

 

Dental Hygiene Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A Dental Hygiene Instructor should be equipped with a combination of subject matter expertise, instructional skills, and key interpersonal attributes to deliver effective education and training, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of dental hygiene practices and procedures to facilitate effective training and education.
• Instructional skills to design curriculum, provide comprehensive lectures, and conduct practical training sessions for students in dental hygiene.
• Interpersonal skills to establish a nurturing learning environment, motivate students, and build professional relationships.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex dental hygiene concepts in an understandable manner, provide constructive feedback, and effectively engage with students and peers.
• Assessment skills to evaluate students’ progress, provide feedback, and adapt teaching methods as needed to facilitate optimal learning outcomes.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and overcome potential obstacles in the learning process.
• Ability to stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in dental hygiene to provide up-to-date education to students.
• Experience in clinical practice to provide real-world examples and insights during instruction.

 

Dental Hygiene Instructor Experience Requirements

Dental Hygiene Instructors generally require significant experience in dental hygiene practice, typically around 3 to 5 years, prior to transition into education.

This ensures they have practical, hands-on experience to share with students.

Some Dental Hygiene Instructors may start gaining teaching experience by assisting in dental hygiene programs or taking on part-time teaching roles, while still maintaining their practice.

This provides a balance of clinical and educational experience.

In addition to direct dental hygiene experience, some roles may require experience in curriculum development, student evaluation, and classroom management.

For these roles, experience gained through teaching assistantships or other instructional roles can be highly beneficial.

For roles requiring leadership or administrative duties, such as a Program Director, additional experience in leadership, administration, or program management is often necessary.

A candidate with more than 7 years of experience may have sufficient expertise and knowledge to take on these advanced roles.

In all cases, continual professional development and staying updated with advancements in dental hygiene practice and education are key for Dental Hygiene Instructors.

 

Dental Hygiene Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Dental Hygiene Instructors typically must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or a related field, although many institutions prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

In addition to their degree, they must also be licensed dental hygienists.

This requires completion of an accredited dental hygiene program and passing of a written and clinical exam.

A few years of practical experience as a dental hygienist is generally required for the role of an instructor.

A Dental Hygiene Instructor also needs to have strong communication and teaching skills.

Many institutions offer courses in adult learning and education to help prepare individuals for a teaching role.

Some positions may require Dental Hygiene Instructors to have completed research in the field, published work, or specialized training in specific areas of dental hygiene.

Furthermore, due to the rapidly evolving nature of dental hygiene practices and technology, Dental Hygiene Instructors are often expected to participate in continuing education opportunities to maintain their knowledge and skills.

Finally, some states may have additional certification requirements for Dental Hygiene Instructors, such as a teaching certification.

 

Dental Hygiene Instructor Salary Expectations

A Dental Hygiene Instructor can expect to earn an average salary of $54,200 (USD) per year.

The exact income can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, the institution of employment, and the cost of living in the geographical location.

 

Dental Hygiene Instructor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Dental Hygiene Instructor need?

A Dental Hygiene Instructor typically needs a degree in Dental Hygiene, and some institutions might require a Master’s degree in Education or a similar field.

They must also be registered dental hygienists and have significant professional experience.

Many institutions prefer candidates with prior teaching experience.

 

What are the daily responsibilities of a Dental Hygiene Instructor?

A Dental Hygiene Instructor typically spends their day teaching classes, preparing lesson plans, and grading student work.

They may also have to supervise clinical practice and provide constructive feedback to students.

Outside of class, they are expected to stay updated with current dental hygiene practices and new research in the field.

 

What skills should a Dental Hygiene Instructor possess?

A Dental Hygiene Instructor should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively teach students and interact with colleagues.

They should also have exceptional knowledge of dental hygiene practices and principles.

Problem-solving skills are important as they will need to help students understand complex concepts.

Additionally, they should be patient and understanding, as students learn at different paces.

 

What qualities make a good Dental Hygiene Instructor?

A good Dental Hygiene Instructor is passionate about dental hygiene and enjoys teaching.

They are patient and supportive, always ready to help students who may be struggling.

They should be professional and ethical, setting a good example for their students.

Also, they should be committed to continuing education in order to provide the most current and relevant information to their students.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Dental Hygiene Instructor?

Hiring a Dental Hygiene Instructor can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience required.

The pool of candidates who are both highly experienced dental hygienists and possess teaching experience can be quite limited.

Therefore, institutions may have to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at what it truly means to be a Dental Hygiene Instructor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about shaping the future of oral health, one class at a time.

With our handy Dental Hygiene Instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting pitch-perfect listings or polishing your resume to shine bright.

Remember:

Each lesson taught is a part of a broader oral health panorama.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Dental Hygiene Instructor (Complete Guide)

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