Dental Hygiene Program Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of health and wellness, the focus on dental hygiene program instructors has never been more prominent.

As advances in dental technology continue to evolve, there is an increasing demand for skilled educators who can teach, develop, and uphold the foundations of dental hygiene programs.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a dental hygiene program instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of dental hygiene education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable dental hygiene program instructor job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Dental Hygiene Program Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Dental Hygiene Program Instructors are responsible for teaching and training students in the field of dental hygiene, providing both theoretical and practical knowledge.

They also help in maintaining the educational standards and accreditation of the program.

The duties and responsibilities of a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor include:

• Developing lesson plans and instructional materials for dental hygiene courses
• Providing classroom and laboratory instruction to students in the dental hygiene program
• Evaluating and grading students’ class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers
• Guiding students in the development of their clinical skills
• Keeping up-to-date with new developments in dental hygiene and integrating them into the program
• Maintaining necessary accreditation for the dental hygiene program
• Advising students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues
• Participating in campus and community events
• Ordering or authorizing the purchase of instructional materials and supplies
• Ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations in all aspects of the dental hygiene program
• Collaborating with colleagues to address teaching and research issues

 

Dental Hygiene Program Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic Dental Hygiene Program Instructor to join our educational team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing instruction in dental hygiene theory and practice to students in our accredited program.

The Dental Hygiene Program Instructor’s duties include developing course materials, delivering lectures and practical demonstrations, evaluating student performance, and maintaining accurate records.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in dental hygiene, excellent communication skills, and a passion for education.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in dental hygiene theory and practice.
• Develop course materials, including syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments.
• Deliver lectures and practical demonstrations to students.
• Evaluate student performance and provide feedback to help students improve.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress.
• Stay current on developments in dental hygiene practice and education.
• Assist with program accreditation processes.
• Mentor and advise students on academic and career matters.

 

Qualifications

• Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist.
• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Dental Hygiene or related field.
• Previous teaching experience in a dental hygiene program is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of current dental hygiene practices and educational methods.
• Ability to work well with a diverse student population.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dental Hygiene Program Instructor
• Work Environment: Classroom and clinical settings. Some weekend or evening hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Program Director or Department Chair.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 institution. 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and the contact information for three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor Do?

Dental Hygiene Program Instructors are specialized educators who work in academic institutions, such as universities, community colleges, or vocational schools.

Their primary role is to teach students in the field of dental hygiene.

They instruct on a broad range of subjects, including oral health, dental procedures, dental hygiene theory and practice, and patient management.

These instructors often use a combination of lectures, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training to teach students the necessary skills to become successful dental hygienists.

They are also responsible for preparing and delivering lesson plans, creating and grading examinations, and providing students with feedback on their progress.

Dental Hygiene Program Instructors often play a vital role in the clinical training of their students.

They supervise students as they practice dental procedures on patients, provide constructive criticism, and ensure that all procedures are performed safely and effectively.

Additionally, they may conduct research, contribute to scholarly articles, and stay updated on the latest developments in dental hygiene to provide the most relevant and up-to-date instruction.

Lastly, they are often responsible for providing career guidance to their students, advising on job opportunities, and preparing them for professional certifications in the field.

 

Dental Hygiene Program Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Dental Hygiene Program Instructor should possess a range of skills and qualifications, such as:

• Thorough understanding and knowledge of dental hygiene principles, practices and procedures, both theoretical and practical.
• Ability to plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the dental hygiene curriculum.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, providing clear instructions and constructive feedback on their performance.
• Experience in assessing student progress, using evaluation metrics and techniques to ensure the achievement of learning objectives.
• Organizational and time management skills to manage course workload, including lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and student evaluations.
• Ability to adapt teaching strategies to meet the diverse learning needs and styles of students.
• Commitment to staying updated with latest advancements in dental hygiene and integrating them into the curriculum.
• Leadership and team-working skills for coordinating with other faculty members, contributing to program development and improvement.
• Professional ethics, demonstrating a commitment to promoting the highest standards of dental hygiene practice.

 

Dental Hygiene Program Instructor Experience Requirements

Dental Hygiene Program Instructors are typically required to have substantial clinical experience in dental hygiene, usually at least 5 years, as they will be responsible for teaching students the practical skills and knowledge needed in this field.

This experience often needs to be combined with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene or a related field, although a Master’s degree is often preferred by many institutions.

In some cases, a current license to practice Dental Hygiene might also be required.

Many instructors gain initial teaching experience through assistant teaching roles, or by providing training and mentorship in a clinical setting.

Instructors with more than 3 years of teaching experience often have developed their skills in curriculum development, student evaluation, and educational technology.

Those with more than 5 years of teaching experience may have leadership experience in academic settings and may be prepared for department head roles or other administrative positions in dental hygiene education.

Prior to this, they may have served as course coordinators or have taken on other roles that involve curriculum design and implementation.

In addition, Dental Hygiene Program Instructors are often expected to engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education in order to stay current with the latest advancements and best practices in dental hygiene.

 

Dental Hygiene Program Instructor Education and Training Requirements

A Dental Hygiene Program Instructor typically requires a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or a related field.

However, a master’s degree is often preferred or even required by many educational institutions.

Licensure as a Dental Hygienist is a must.

This generally involves completing an accredited dental hygiene program, passing written and clinical examinations, and meeting other state-specific requirements.

Prior experience in dental hygiene practice is crucial as these instructors will be tasked with preparing students for real-life scenarios in dental hygiene.

Some institutions may require a minimum of two years of clinical experience.

Having a background in education, such as a degree in education or experience in teaching, is advantageous.

This equips them with the pedagogical skills necessary to effectively transmit knowledge and techniques to students.

In addition to the core educational and professional requirements, Dental Hygiene Program Instructors should have excellent communication skills, as they will need to lecture and provide clear instructions to students.

They also need to stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in dental hygiene practices, which could involve continuing education or professional development courses.

Finally, some positions may require Dental Hygiene Program Instructors to have certification in teaching or as an educator, indicating their commitment to the profession and their dedication to ongoing learning.

 

Dental Hygiene Program Instructor Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor is $56,892 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the institution that employs them.

 

Dental Hygiene Program Instructor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor need?

A Dental Hygiene Program Instructor typically needs a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or a related field.

Some institutions may require a master’s degree.

They should also have a valid license to practice dental hygiene and relevant clinical experience.

Experience in teaching or education can be an added advantage.

 

What skills are important for a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor?

A Dental Hygiene Program Instructor should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they need to instruct and guide students effectively.

They should have a solid foundation in dental hygiene practices and principles, along with the ability to demonstrate dental procedures clearly.

Good organization and planning skills are also important for creating and implementing the curriculum.

 

What are some typical responsibilities of a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor?

Dental Hygiene Program Instructors are generally responsible for creating and implementing an effective dental hygiene curriculum.

They conduct lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory and clinical sessions.

They also evaluate students’ progress, provide feedback, and guide them in their clinical practices.

In addition, they may also engage in research activities and contribute to the development of the field.

 

What qualities make a good Dental Hygiene Program Instructor?

A good Dental Hygiene Program Instructor should have a passion for teaching and be able to inspire and motivate students.

They should have a deep understanding of dental hygiene practices and be up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

A good instructor should also be patient, approachable, and supportive, creating a learning environment that facilitates student success.

 

What challenges could a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor face?

The role of a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor can be challenging as they need to balance teaching theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

They might encounter students with various learning styles and abilities, requiring different teaching strategies.

Keeping up with the latest advancements in dental hygiene and incorporating them into the curriculum can also be demanding.

Additionally, they may have to manage administrative tasks alongside their teaching responsibilities.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the multifaceted world of a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching dental practices.

It’s about molding future dental professionals, one lesson at a time.

Armed with our detailed Dental Hygiene Program Instructor job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why pause here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson taught shapes the future of dental healthcare.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Dental Hygiene Program Instructor (Complete Guide)

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