Dental Assistant Instructor

Scope: This job description applies to instructors teaching Texas diploma programs only and does not apply to degree programs. Summary: The instructor is responsible for delivering high\-quality instruction and student support that prepares learners for entry\-level employment and/or certification/licensure outcomes in their program of study. Instructors create an engaging, safe, and inclusive learning environment; assess student learning and skills attainment; maintain accurate records; and collaborate with campus and corporate teams to advance student success, retention, completion, and employability. Essential Functions Deliver instruction aligned to approved course outcomes, lesson plans, and institutional standards across assigned modality (on\-campus, lab, clinical, online/hybrid). Evaluate student performance and skills using objective, documented methods; provide timely feedback and remediation. Maintain accurate and compliant academic records (attendance, grades, competencies, clinical hours, student progress documentation). Promote professionalism, safety, and ethical conduct consistent with industry expectations and institutional policy. Communicate student progress, concerns, and interventions to academic leadership and support services in a timely manner. Participate in continuous improvement, curriculum review, in\-service training, and accreditation/compliance activities as assigned. Core Responsibilities (Universal) A. Instructional Delivery \& Learning Experience Prepare for each class/session with clear objectives, required materials, and an organized instructional plan. Provide students with course information (objectives, grading criteria, policies, required supplies) at the start of the course/module. Use effective instructional strategies (demonstration, guided practice, simulations, case\-based learning, skills stations, group activities) appropriate to adult learners. Maintain firm, fair, and consistent classroom/lab/clinical management. Start and end sessions on time and maximize instructional time. Integrate employability skills (professionalism, communication, teamwork, time management, customer/patient care) into instruction. Use approved textbooks, curriculum, and assessment tools; do not implement unapproved curriculum changes without authorization. B. Student Assessment, Feedback \& Support Administer quizzes, exams, skill check\-offs, practical’s, and/or clinical evaluations in accordance with program and institutional standards. Grade and return assessments within required timelines; provide clear feedback linked to learning objectives. Provide tutoring, remediation, and re\-teaching as needed, document interventions and student progress. Identify at\-risk students early (attendance, academic performance, professionalism) and initiate early alert interventions and referrals. Support students’ readiness for certification/licensure exams when applicable (review strategies, practice assessments, targeted remediation). C. Documentation, Administration \& Compliance Accurately record attendance, grades, competencies, lab/clinical hours, and student progress in the approved systems by established deadlines. Maintain confidentiality of student records and follow FERPA and all institutional privacy requirements. Comply with all applicable federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and programmatic accreditor/board requirements. Maintain required instructor credentials, licensure, and continuing education; provide documentation upon request. Participate in scheduled faculty meetings, in\-service training, advisory committees, and accreditation preparation activities as assigned. D. Lab, Clinical, and Externship Responsibilities (As Applicable) Supervise students during lab/clinical activities; ensure safe practices, infection control, and proper use of equipment and supplies. Evaluate and document student competencies using approved checklists/rubrics; ensure skills signoffs are complete and accurate. Coordinate and collaborate with Career Services regarding the clinical/externship partners as assigned, support student professionalism and site readiness. Assist with maintaining lab readiness (inventory, organization, equipment checks, cleanliness) and promptly report and log equipment issues or safety concerns. E. Collaboration, Culture \& Professionalism Model professional behavior and uphold institutional culture and values; maintain appropriate boundaries with students. Communicate proactively with the Director of Education/Program leadership regarding curriculum pacing, student outcomes, and resource needs. Collaborate with the DOE, Program Director, Student Services, Registrar, and Career Services to support retention, completion, and placement goals. Support campus activities such as orientations, workshops, skills fairs, and employer engagement events when assigned. Maintain professional attire and appearance consistent with policy and industry norms. F. Distance Education / Hybrid Responsibilities (If assigned) Maintain an active online presence in the LMS; post announcements, content, assignments, and feedback according to standards and timelines. Facilitate meaningful interaction and engagement (discussion facilitation, virtual labs/demos when applicable, tutoring). Ensure compliance with distance education policies, including attendance/participation tracking, identity verification practices if required, and timely grading. Minimum Qualifications Meets the school’s and applicable regulatory/accreditor minimum qualifications for instructors in the assigned program(s). Must have a minimum of three years of experience, education and/or training in the current practices of the subject are they are teaching. Current professional license/certification in the field when required by regulation, accreditor, or program standard. Relevant occupational experience in the field sufficient to teach assigned content; ability to demonstrate required skills and procedures. Strong communication skills and ability to teach adult learners in diverse learning environments. Basic proficiency with instructional technology (email, LMS, office productivity tools) or willingness to learn quickly. Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Instructor Qualifications Title 40, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), §807\.81: (a) The instructor shall be of good reputation and shall not be a current student in the same or similar course of instruction, as determined by the Agency, in which the instructor teaches. (b) Instructors shall possess and affirm on forms provided by the Agency that the instructor has one of the following qualifications that applies to the subject area to be taught. In such cases where the practical experience is gained on a seasonal basis as an industry standard, the season of at least three full calendar months of experience shall be considered as one year of experience. Master’s degree or higher that: A. includes satisfactory completion of six semester credit hours or eight quarter credit hours in the subject to be taught; B. includes satisfactory completion of three semester credit hours or four quarter credit hours in the subject area and one year of related practical experience within the 10 years immediately preceding employment by the school, if the subject to be taught is in a technical field; or C. includes satisfactory completion of three semester credit hours or four quarter credit hours in the subject area to be taught, if the subject to be taught is in a nontechnical field; OR Master’s degree or higher and: D. one year of related practical experience in the subject to be taught within the 10 years immediately preceding employment by the school, if the subject to be taught is in a nontechnical field. Bachelor’s degree that: E. includes nine semester credit hours or 12 quarter credit hours related to the subject area to be taught; F. includes satisfactory completion of six semester credit hours or eight quarter credit hours in the subject area to be taught and one year of related practical experience within the 10 years immediately preceding employment by the school, if the subject to be taught is in a technical field; or G. includes satisfactory completion of three semester credit hours or four quarter credit hours in the subject area and one year of related practical experience within the 10 years immediately preceding employment by the school, if the subject to be taught is in a nontechnical field; OR Bachelor’s degree and: H. two years of related practical experience within the 10 years immediately preceding employment by the school. Associate’s degree that: I. includes satisfactory completion of nine semester credit hours or 12 quarter credit hours in the subject area to be taught and two years of related practical experience within the 10 years immediately preceding employment by the school; OR Associate’s degree and: J. three years of related practical experience within the 10 years immediately preceding employment by the school. Completed a 900\+ contact\-hour program: K. The instructor has a secondary education if it includes a certificate of completion from a recognized postsecondary school for at least a 900 contact\-hour program in a relevant subject area and four years of related practical experience within the 10 years immediately preceding employment by the school. Secondary education: L. The instructor has a secondary education and five years of related practical experience within the 10 years immediately preceding employment by the school. Preferred Qualifications Prior teaching, training, or precepting experience in postsecondary, workforce, clinical, or corporate training settings. Experience supporting certification/licensure exam preparation and outcomes improvement. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to present complex concepts clearly and to adapt instruction based on student needs and performance data. Ability to evaluate skills objectively and to document performance accurately. Ability to maintain a professional, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. Ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and maintain high attention to detail for compliance documentation. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and to contribute to continuous improvement efforts. Assists with Additional duties as assigned. Physical Demands / Work Environment Ability to move within classrooms, labs, and clinical settings; stand for extended periods; and demonstrate hands\-on skills as required by the program. Ability to lift and move instructional materials and supplies consistent with program needs (reasonable accommodations available). May involve exposure to clinical/lab environments and related safety requirements, including use of PPE when applicable. Job Type: Part\-time Benefits: 401(k) Employee assistance program Retirement plan Education: Associate (Preferred) Experience: Dental assisting: 3 years (Preferred) License/Certification: BLS Certification (Required) * Registered Dental Assistant (Required) Work Location: In person