Professor of Dental Assisting (2 positions) at InsideHigherEd

Professor of Dental Assisting (2 positions)Salary: $72,387.00 - $96,951.00 AnnuallyJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 20251129Closing: 1/4/2026 11:59 PM PacificLocation: Merced College, CADepartment: Join our team at Merced College as a Dental Assisting Faculty member and help shape the future of allied health in the Central Valley. We are seeking a skilled and student-centered educator with recent dental field experience to provide instruction in clinical, radiographic, and administrative areas of dental assisting. The successful candidate will support students through both didactic and hands-on lab courses, helping them build the knowledge and confidence to succeed in a high-demand healthcare profession. This is a unique opportunity to join a team committed to excellence, innovation, and student achievement in the health sciences.As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college - we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.Merced College MissionAt Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.Merced College VisionEnriching our community through educational experiences and support services:Degree/Certificate ProgramsTransferCareer Technical EducationWorkforce TrainingLifelong LearningBasic SkillsCommunity EngagementMerced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.Salary Schedule:Position's initial maximum salary placement is $96,951* All successful candidates with doctorates will receive both the two step placement and the doctoral stipendGeneral Description:Under the direction of the Dean of Allied Health and Public Safety, the successful candidate will provide leadership in developing a Dental Assisting Certificate degree program and initiating accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Responsibilities include designing a sequence of course outlines for didactic, clinical, and laboratory courses, constructing classroom materials to support course goals, and identifying industry needs and trends to create targeted courses and training programs. The candidate will collaborate with local employers to develop courses that enhance the skills required by dental assistants, remain up to date on dental technology, and actively participate in faculty meetings.Examples of Duties Teach didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses in Dental Assisting according to approved curriculum.Evaluate student performance using Board-approved clinical evaluation criteria.Maintain documentation required by the Dental Board for a minimum of five years, including:Maintain compliance with all Dental Board regulations related to Radiation Safety and Pit & Fissure Sealant instruction.Oversee student safety, infection control, and radiographic quality assurance processes.Participate in curriculum development, program review, and accreditation processes.Maintain appropriate instructor-to-student ratios during laboratory and clinical instruction.Ensure students meet prerequisites, BLS requirements, and instructional sequencing required for Board approval.Engage in division, program, and college-wide committees and activities.Maintain an inclusive and supportive learning environment aligned with Merced College's mission and equity priorities.Provide innovative and effective instruction in accordance with current pedagogy and established course outlines and expectationsInform students about course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance policies and maintain regular and substantive contact with studentsMaintain and submit required student attendance and scholastic records on the Learning Management System (e.g. grades and syllabi)Utilize the Learning Management System to deliver, prepare, and grade class assignments and examinationsMaintain and utilize effective skills in instructional design, applications, and methods Post and maintain regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policyParticipate in the development and review of curriculumParticipate in the development of teaching-learning methods and materialsParticipate in departmental, area, and campus professional activities/committees Represent the college within the Merced community and within professional circlesParticipate in the college's learning outcomes assessment program, including course, program, and institutional assessments to continually improve student learning outcomesCourse Director Responsibilities (If Assigned)Faculty members assigned as Course Director for Radiation Safety or Pit & Fissure Sealant courses must:Meet all Dental Board licensure and experience requirements.Provide daily oversight of didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction.Maintain required documentation for at least five years.Notify the Dental Board of changes to curriculum, facilities, or faculty as required.Ensure compliance with clinical facility requirements and extramural agreements.Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree from an acceptable accredited institution AND two years of professional experience in the field ORAssociate's degree from an acceptable accredited institution AND six years of professional experience in the field. OR the equivalentPossess and maintain an active, current dental or dental hygiene license issued by the Dental Hygiene Board or the Dental Board of California (DBC), with no disciplinary actionsPromote and incorporate culturally affirming DEIA and anti-racist principles to nurture and create a respectful, inclusive, and equitable learning and work environment. In conducting their duties, staff members shall respect and acknowledge the diversity of students and colleagues. Applicants must also meet the following minimum qualifications required by the Dental Board of California for faculty teaching in Board-approved Dental Assisting courses:Training and competence in infection control consistent with California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 1005, including the ability to teach and evaluate required infection control competencies.Possession of one of the following current, active California licenses:Dentist (DDS/DMD), orRegistered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF), orRegistered Dental Assistant (RDA) with Board-approved Coronal Polishing and Pit & Fissure Sealant certifications, orRegistered Dental Hygienist (RDH), RDHEF, or RDHAPMinimum of two years of licensure in the applicable dental profession.Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, including CPR.Successful completion of the California Radiation Safety Examination or a Board-approved Radiation Safety course, unless already satisfied through licensure.Completion of a Board-approved two-hour methodology course covering clinical evaluation criteria, course outline development, process evaluation, and product evaluation(or willingness to obtain prior to teaching Radiation Safety content).Demonstrated experience performing, teaching, and evaluating:Dental radiographic technique and image qualityOperation, maintenance, and quality assurance of dental radiographic equipment, digital sensors, and film-processing systems in accordance with Dental Board requirements.Clinical dental assisting proceduresLaboratory and preclinical skill competenciesMust be legally authorized under California law to perform all procedures assigned for instruction, and may only teach procedures they are permitted to perform under their licenseAbility to provide supervision in accordance with Dental Board instructor-to-student ratios:Radiation Safety: 6:1 maximumPit & Fissure Sealant: 14:1 lab, 6:1 clinicalDesirable QualificationsExperience teaching in a CODA- or Board-approved Dental Assisting Program.Experience serving as a Course Director for Radiation Safety and/or Pit & Fissure Sealant courses.Experience preparing or maintaining Board approval applications and documentation.Knowledge of California Dental Practice Act, Dental Board regulations, and program compliance requirements.Experience supervising extramural clinical rotations and evaluating student competency.Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty and community dental partners.Supplemental Information How to Apply:Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd/promotionaljobs.Required Documentation:Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)ResumeLegible, unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hiredList of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe how your professional experience would contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organizationIf applicable, equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) http://www.mccd.edu/offices/hr/jobs/eqforms.htmlAdditional documentation may be required prior to hire, including verification of:California licensureBoard-approved certificationsRadiation Safety qualificationMethodology course completionBLS cardOnly the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.Interview Information: Applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.Interviews tentatively scheduled the week of January 26, 2026Employee Benefits: Employee Benefits: Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee's only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.Condition of Employment: The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mccd/jobs/5155196/professor-of-dental-assisting-2-positionsCopyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-214723725cd9da40822365b3d29324f0