Dental Hygienist Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the focus on Dental Hygienist Instructors has become increasingly critical.

As dental care and oral health education continue to evolve, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can teach, mentor, and shape our future dental hygienists grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Dental Hygienist Instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of dental hygiene education,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Dental Hygienist Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Dental Hygienist Instructors are responsible for training and guiding students towards becoming professional dental hygienists.

They utilize their knowledge and experience in the field to provide practical and theoretical instruction.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing curriculum for dental hygiene programs
• Delivering classroom lectures and conducting practical sessions on various aspects of dental hygiene
• Assessing and grading students’ performance in tests and examinations
• Staying updated with the latest developments in dental hygiene practices and technologies
• Providing guidance and counselling to students on their career prospects and opportunities
• Ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations of the dental hygiene program
• Maintaining records of students’ attendance, grades, and other related information
• Participating in meetings, professional development programs, and other faculty activities
• Advising students on proper patient care and hygiene techniques
• Assisting in the procurement of dental hygiene training materials and equipment

 

Dental Hygienist Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Dental Hygienist Instructor to join our team.

The Dental Hygienist Instructor will be responsible for teaching dental hygiene students in our accredited program.

They will create lesson plans, monitor student progress, and provide practical and theoretical instruction in the field of dental hygiene.

The successful candidate should have a strong background in dental hygiene and a passion for sharing their knowledge with the next generation of dental professionals.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives
• Teach classes on dental hygiene theory and practice
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback and assistance as needed
• Ensure all students understand and adhere to dental hygiene safety standards
• Participate in academic advising and student recruitment
• Stay current with latest industry trends and advancements
• Participate in departmental meetings and professional development activities

 

Qualifications

• Active license to practice Dental Hygiene
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene or related field
• Previous teaching experience is preferred
• Strong knowledge of dental hygiene procedures, equipment, and safety standards
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dental Hygienist Instructor
• Work Environment: Classroom setting with clinical lab components. Some travel may be required for professional development activities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Program Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 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 Hygienist Instructor Do?

Dental Hygienist Instructors are experienced dental hygienists who transition into the educational sector, typically working in dental schools, community colleges, or vocational institutes.

They teach students the necessary skills and knowledge to become proficient dental hygienists.

This includes imparting knowledge about oral health, dental care procedures, dental instruments, and patient communication.

They plan and execute educational curricula, conduct lectures, and oversee clinical practices.

They are responsible for evaluating and grading students’ progress through written tests, oral exams, and practical demonstrations.

Dental Hygienist Instructors also stay updated with the latest advancements in dental hygiene and incorporate them into their teachings.

They may also guide students on the professional aspects of the job, including ethics, patient management, and workplace safety.

In addition to teaching, some may conduct research or contribute to professional publications to enhance their field’s body of knowledge.

Their ultimate goal is to prepare the next generation of dental hygienists for successful careers in the dental industry.

 

Dental Hygienist Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A Dental Hygienist Instructor must have the skills and qualifications that align with this educational and professional role, such as:

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of dental hygiene, as well as knowledge of dental terminology and dental equipment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, in order to clearly convey information to students and build positive relationships with them.
• Experience in teaching or instruction, with an understanding of teaching methods and curriculum development.
• Effective organizational skills to manage and maintain all aspects of teaching, from lesson planning to tracking student progress.
• Problem-solving skills to address and resolve issues that may arise in the classroom or with students’ understanding of the subject matter.
• Patient and empathetic demeanor to understand students’ difficulties and provide guidance.
• Ability to evaluate student performance objectively and provide constructive feedback to students.
• Up-to-date knowledge of new techniques, technologies, and developments in the field of dental hygiene to keep the curriculum current and relevant.
• Professional certification or license as a Dental Hygienist, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

 

Dental Hygienist Instructor Experience Requirements

Dental Hygienist Instructors typically have a significant amount of practical experience in dental hygiene.

This experience is often gained after graduating from an accredited dental hygiene program and gaining a license to practice.

Most Dental Hygienist Instructors have a minimum of 2 to 3 years of professional experience in the field.

This experience often includes responsibilities such as patient care, oral examinations, teeth cleaning, and educating patients on oral health.

In addition to these practical skills, many Dental Hygienist Instructors have some experience in an educational or supervisory role.

This could be gained through mentoring junior staff, leading training sessions, or previous roles in an educational institution.

For higher positions or more prestigious institutions, Dental Hygienist Instructors may need more advanced experience.

This may include specialty areas of dental hygiene, research work, or an advanced degree in a relevant field like dental hygiene education or public health.

Ultimately, Dental Hygienist Instructors need to be skilled educators with a deep understanding of dental hygiene.

This understanding is often gained through years of practical experience and continuous education.

 

Dental Hygienist Instructor Education and Training Requirements

A Dental Hygienist Instructor typically needs a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or a related field, although some institutions might require a master’s degree.

They must have a solid background in dental hygiene and be licensed to practice.

This requires the completion of an accredited dental hygiene program and successful completion of both a written and clinical exam.

In addition to their dental hygiene education, instructors will need to have some form of teaching credential.

This could be a state teaching license or a certification in dental hygiene education.

Experience in the dental field is crucial for Dental Hygienist Instructors.

Many institutions prefer individuals with several years of professional experience, as this practical knowledge can greatly enhance students’ learning.

As with many professions, ongoing education is important.

Dental Hygienist Instructors should engage in regular professional development and continued learning to stay updated on the latest dental practices, teaching methodologies, and technologies.

In some cases, Dental Hygienist Instructors might also need to have a specific area of expertise, such as periodontology or pediatric dental care, depending on the focus of the course they will be teaching.

 

Dental Hygienist Instructor Salary Expectations

A Dental Hygienist Instructor earns an average salary of $73,440 (USD) per year.

The actual income may vary based on factors such as years of experience, the region in which they operate, and the institution for which they work.

 

Dental Hygienist Instructor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Dental Hygienist Instructor need?

A Dental Hygienist Instructor must have completed an accredited dental hygiene program and hold a valid license as a dental hygienist.

Typically, they should also have several years of clinical experience.

Most institutions require a bachelor’s degree or higher, with a preference for a master’s degree in dental hygiene or education.

 

What skills should a Dental Hygienist Instructor possess?

Dental Hygienist Instructors need a deep understanding of dental hygiene principles, procedures, and technologies.

They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to teach effectively and guide students.

Organization, planning, and assessment skills are also important, as they need to develop curricula, plan lessons, and evaluate student performance.

 

What are the responsibilities of a Dental Hygienist Instructor?

A Dental Hygienist Instructor is responsible for teaching dental hygiene courses to students, developing lesson plans, and assessing student’s progress.

They may also oversee clinical practice sessions, provide one-on-one instruction, and offer feedback to students.

Additionally, they may be responsible for staying up-to-date with current dental hygiene practices, technologies, and research.

 

What makes a good Dental Hygienist Instructor?

A good Dental Hygienist Instructor is patient, understanding, and passionate about educating the next generation of dental hygienists.

They should be excellent communicators, able to break down complex dental concepts in a way that students can understand.

It’s also important for them to stay current with the latest advancements in dental hygiene and to adapt their teaching methods to the changing landscape of the field.

 

What should I look for in a Dental Hygienist Instructor’s resume?

Look for a valid license in dental hygiene and educational qualifications from an accredited institution.

Experience in a clinical setting, as well as teaching experience, is highly valuable.

Additional certifications, such as in CPR, can also be beneficial.

Review their involvement in dental hygiene associations or continuing education, as this can indicate their commitment to staying up-to-date in the field.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unmasked the true essence of being a Dental Hygienist Instructor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching dental hygiene.

It’s about shaping the future of dental care, one lesson at a time.

With our comprehensive Dental Hygienist Instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this journey.

But why halt at this point?

Dive further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson taught is a part of a greater mission.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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