Full-time Faculty, Dental Hygiene

FULL TIME FACULTY- DENTAL HYGIENE

Open Date: April 8, 2026
Close Date: June 1, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2026
Anticipated Salary Range: $74,313.00 (DOE)

THE POSITION

Peninsula College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Dental Hygiene. This position will play a key role in launching and supporting the college's Dental Hygiene program and preparing students for successful careers as licensed dental hygienists. The Dental Hygiene program is designed to meet regional workforce needs and is accredited through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

The successful candidate will provide didactic, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction in dental hygiene courses and contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the program. Faculty responsibilities include curriculum development, student advising, participation in program accreditation processes, and engagement in college service and shared governance.

Peninsula College serves a diverse student population across the Olympic Peninsula and is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment that supports student success. Faculty members are expected to employ equity-minded and student-centered teaching practices and to support the college's mission of transforming lives through education.

This is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position with a standard academic-year contract. Opportunities for summer teaching may be available depending on program needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Dental Hygiene faculty member will:

Instruction and Student Learning

• Teach Dental Hygiene courses in classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical settings.
• Deliver instruction using evidence-based teaching practices and inclusive instructional strategies.
• Develop and maintain course materials, assessments, and instructional resources.
• Evaluate student performance and provide timely feedback.
• Integrate current research, technology, and professional standards into instruction.

Program Development and Accreditation

• Assist with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Dental Hygiene curriculum.
• Support compliance with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards and program accreditation processes.
• Participate in student admissions processes, including applicant screening and evaluation.
• Collaborate with program faculty to develop clinical policies, calibration processes, and program assessment strategies.

Student Support

• Advise and mentor students in the Dental Hygiene program.
• Support student retention and success through academic guidance and professional development.
• Foster a learning environment that promotes professionalism, ethical practice, and cultural responsiveness.

College Service and Collaboration

• Participate in department, division, and college committees.
• Engage in shared governance and institutional initiatives.
• Contribute to program assessment, learning outcomes evaluation, and institutional effectiveness efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues and community partners to support program goals.

Professional Development

• Maintain current knowledge of developments in dental hygiene education and clinical practice.
• Participate in professional development activities related to teaching, clinical practice, and program accreditation.
• Maintain required professional licensure and certifications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Master's degree in Dental Hygiene, Education, Public Health, or a closely related field, or willingness to obtain a masters degree within a time frame required for tenure.
• Current, unencumbered Washington State license as a Dental Hygienist, or ability to obtain licensure prior to employment.
• Five years of recent clinical experience as a practicing dental hygienist.
• Experience teaching Dental Hygiene classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical curriculum in a higher education setting.
• Experience with curriculum development for diverse populations and commitment to creating inclusive learning environments.
• Experience with program assessment and accreditation processes, including CODA standards.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to use instructional technologies and learning management systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess a Master's degree in Dental Hygiene or Dental Hygiene Education.
• Demonstrate commitment to equity-minded teaching and student success.
• Have experience working with community dental clinics or regional healthcare partners.
• Possess bilingual or multilingual abilities that support communication with diverse communities.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

• In compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
• A full-time tenure-track position beginning the 2026 Fall quarter; this is a nine-month academic year appointment.
• The College has a negotiated faculty salary schedule in which placement on the schedule is determined by education level and experience. Initial annual salary placement is anticipated to be $74,313.00 for a standard 175-day contract, depending on qualifications. The current salary rate is expected to increase subject to the outcome of the negotiated Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• A standard 175-day contract is written annually for the period of September to June. Late contracts will be prorated on the basis of work-days remaining in the contract year.

Application Submission Procedure

A complete application file must include:

• A college employment application
• A letter of application addressing specific qualifications of this position
• A current resume/curriculum vitae
• A teaching philosophy, not to exceed 2 pages
• A diversity statement, not to exceed 2 pages
• Transcripts
• Three current professional references qualified to assess your experience and ability to perform the duties specified. Please include references' email addresses and telephone numbers.

Incomplete applications will not be moved forward for review.

Application materials may be uploaded electronically, by mail, or email to:

Human Resources
Peninsula College
1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone: (360) 417-6298
Email: pchr@pencol.edu

Applications submitted electronically will be accepted without signatures.