Tenure-Track Dental Hygiene Professor

Do you value active learning, meaningful collaboration with classroom faculty, and culturally relevant and equity-minded instruction? Are you excited to work with a diverse student population? Are you eager to work collaboratively to find innovative ways to improve student success? If these questions resonate with you, then we invite you to consider joining our faculty. We value collaboration and are dedicated to guiding all students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time Tenure-Track Dental Hygiene Professor. Clark College's Dental Hygiene program is committed to excellence in teaching, inclusive learning environments, and the preparation of skilled, compassionate oral health professionals. We invite applications for a junior lead, tenure-track faculty position in Dental Hygiene from individuals who are enthusiastic about student-centered instruction, program collaboration, and contributing to the ongoing growth and leadership of the program. Department and college service work is expected with the position (as assigned by the division or college) to support the institutional mission and goals, foremost being student success and retention. This position begins on September 11, 2026.

At Clark, we value equity, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.

FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Instruct all classes as an expert in the discipline using active learning approaches that both engage and facilitate student learning.
• Advise and assist students in their educational and career development.
• Strive to enhance teaching and learning techniques.
• Pursue professional development to stay current in the field.
• Obtain and maintain Professional-Technical Certification requirements.
• Participate in program, curriculum development and assessment activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, businesses, advisory committees, and other educational partners to create unique learning opportunities at Clark College.
• Participate in decision-making processes by taking part in department and college committees.
• Work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.
• Understand and commit to the mission of Clark College.
• Work cooperatively in a variety of department-level activities and college or company-wide projects.
• Pursue professional development to enhance teaching and learning in the department and College.
  

• Teach dental hygiene didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses, with intentional integration of classroom and clinical instruction.
• Assess and document student learning and outcomes in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings in accordance with program and college assessment processes.
• Contribute to curriculum development, implementation, and periodic revision in collaboration with the program director and faculty.
• Provide clinical leadership through coordination of clinical policies, procedures, and schedules, and participate in the evaluation of clinical outcomes.
• Maintain current knowledge of dental hygiene practice and employ effective, evidence-based instructional methodologie
• Support student success through academic advising, individualized assistance, and one-on-one tutoring as appropriate.
• Participate in program, department, and college service activities, including collaboration with clinic leads and participation in community outreach events (Will include participation on occasional Saturdays).
• Adhere to all college, program, and accreditation-related policies and procedures.
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene or a closely related field (e.g., education, public health) from an accredited institution.
• Enrollment in, or commitment to enroll prior to the start date, in a Master's degree program in Dental Hygiene or a closely related field, with completion expected within three (3) years of hire.
• Two (2) years of recent teaching experience in dental hygiene, including didactic, laboratory, and/or clinical instruction.
• Three (3) years full-time equivalent clinical experience as a licensed dental hygienist.
• Current Washington State Dental Hygiene license with full scope of practice, or eligibility to obtain prior to the start date.
• Current First Aid and Healthcare Provider CPR certification, or ability to obtain prior to employment.
• Knowledge and proficiency with instructional technologies and electronic systems used in classroom and clinical settings.
• Ability to work collaboratively as an effective member of a faculty team.
• Ability to respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, consistent with Clark College's commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Willingness to pursue and maintain required professional-technical certification as a condition of employment.
  
  

SALARY STATEMENT:
Starting salary is $80,677 (non-negotiable). Faculty may be eligible to advance every other year; current top step is $113,642. Salary is for a 173-day contract; additional compensation is available for summer and moonlight teaching, and doctoral and vocational stipends. Please note the salary may be adjusted for the 2026-2027 year pending the legislatively funded cost-of-living.

Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation/sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.

• Clark promotes work/life balance for employees.
• McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.
• Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Cafe in Joan Stout Hall.
• Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.
• On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability).
• Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.
• Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events.

Required Online Application Materials:

• Clark College Online Application, including names of three (3) references.
• Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
• Current resume.
• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process.