Program Director/Instructor, Dental Hygiene

Initial Review Date: 03/23/26*
*Any complete applications received after the review date will only be forwarded to the hiring committee at their request.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District is currently accepting applications for the faculty position of Program Director/Instructor, Dental Hygiene, Foothill College.

The College reserves the right to hire one or more applicants from this applicant pool.

The Foothill - De Anza Community College District does not have a remote work policy. All employees are expected to be available to work in person and on-site per the requirement of the department.

Foothill College Mission Statement:
Embracing inclusivity and building strong communities, Foothill College serves diverse learners and equips its students with critical thinking skills to address complex societal challenges, to thrive in the global workforce, and to engage in a life of inquiry.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION INCLUDE:

Under the direction of the Dean of Health Sciences and Horticulture, the bachelor's degree Dental Hygiene Program Director and Instructor provide academic leadership, administrative oversight and instruction for both the Entry Level and AS to BS degree completion tracks. This position is responsible for ensuring program quality and compliance with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC), and institutional policies. The Program Director and Instructor lead curriculum development, faculty recruitment, program assessment, and continuous quality improvement while supporting student success and community engagement.

The Program Director oversees program planning, evaluation, budgeting, accreditation reporting, and policy development. Responsibilities include supervising and evaluating full-time and part-time faculty and clinical instructors; coordinating student recruitment, admissions, advising, retention, and graduation; maintaining program records and handbooks; and serving as the primary liaison to accrediting bodies, advisory committees, professional organizations, and community partners. The Program Director ensures that the curriculum aligns with bachelor's degree-level outcomes, including leadership, research literacy, public health, and evidence-based practice. The program director's primary responsibility is for the operation, supervision, evaluation, and revision of the program.

As an instructor, the Program Director teaches upper- and lower-division didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses within the Dental Hygiene curriculum. Instructional responsibilities include developing and assessing courses; integrating evidence-based practice, professional ethics, and interprofessional education; evaluating student learning and clinical competence; mentoring students in scholarly and capstone projects; and maintaining clinical competency while ensuring safe, ethical patient care in instructional clinics.

Standard duties expected of all faculty include development and evaluation of curricula, maintaining scheduled office hours, attending department and division meetings, pursuing professional growth activities, service on district and/or college committees, and performing other duties consistent with the role of an instructor. Instructors also have the opportunity to participate in campus extra-curricular activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
2. Possess an active, current dental or dental hygiene license issued by the Dental Hygiene Board or the Dental Board of California (DBC), with no disciplinary actions; attach a copy of RDH or DDS license.
3. Possess a master's or higher degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation;
4. Documentation of two (2) years experience teaching in pre- or post-licensure registered dental hygiene or dental programs.
5. Documentation of a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct patient care as a registered dental hygienist or working with a registered dental hygienist. Include total number of hours for each position on resume.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Prior experience as a Program Director or academic administrator
2. Experience with CODA accreditation self-studies and site visits
3. Knowledge of CODA accreditation standards and baccalaureate program requirements
4. Experience with interprofessional education and public health programming
5. Experience serving diverse student populations
6. Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
7. College-level instructional experience in dental hygiene
8. Teaching pedagogy adaptable to a variety of learning styles including an emphasis on interactive multimedia, internet resources, and hands-on lab experiences.
9. Ability to teach and communicate effectively with students.
10. Ability to work closely and cooperatively with faculty and support staff.
11. Ability to develop curriculum and work with academically and culturally diverse students.
12. Flexibility and ability to work as a member of a team of professionals.
13. Ability to communicate articulately and effectively with individuals differing in age, gender, ethnicity, educational, and economic background.
14. Ability to encourage students to engage in their own learning and motivate them to develop critical thinking skills.
15. Ability to change systems of teaching delivery to meet differing student needs and able to adapt to change easily.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

1. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and administrative skills
2. Expertise in baccalaureate-level dental hygiene education and clinical practice
3. Ability to integrate research, leadership, and public health concepts into curriculum
4. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
5. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered education
6. Proficiency with instructional technology and learning management systems

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment: Indoor, office environment.

Physical Abilities: (Applicants should perform these physical abilities with or without reasonable accommodations)
1. Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
2. Vision sufficient to read various materials.
3. Dexterity of hands and fingers to perform the tasks required of the position.
4. Regularly stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.
5. Bending at waist, kneeling, or crouching.
6. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.
7. Lifting and carrying objects up to 20 lbs.

APPLICATION PACKET:

1. A District on-line application to be completed at http://hr.fhda.edu/careers/ *In the application, you will provide information, which demonstrates your understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff. Additionally, you will be asked to explain how your life experiences, studies or work have influenced your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
2. A cover letter detailing your background and experience, skills, and abilities as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position.
3. A current resume of all work experience, formal education and training.

HIRING RANGE: $84,256.00 - $135,627.00 annually plus benefits; actual placement is based on applicant's verified education and experience.

For the complete Faculty Salary Schedule, go to: https://hr.fhda.edu/_faculty-information.html

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time, Tenure-track, 11-months per year; 11th month July.

STARTING DATE: Summer 2026.

To apply, visit https://fhda.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/2394?c=fhda