Dental Hygiene Associate Professor, Tenure Track

Company: Taft College
Location: Taft
Posted on: April 18, 2025

Job Description:

Dental Hygiene Associate Professor. Tenure Track

Below, you will find a complete breakdown of everything required of potential candidates, as well as how to apply Good luck.
Priority Application Date: May 10, 2025 open until filled.

About us
Located in Taft, California, Taft College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs designed to fuel student success and keep education affordable. We're all about helping students achieve their dreams through hands-on learning, career training, and transfer opportunities.

Position Snapshot
Join Our Team as an Associate Professor in Dental Hygiene

We invite applications for a full-time Associate Professor in Dental Hygiene, where you will play a pivotal role in educating and mentoring the next generation of dental hygiene professionals. As part of our dedicated faculty, you will collaborate with colleagues to develop and deliver innovative, evidence-based coursework that reflects the evolving landscape of oral health care.

In this role, you will design engaging learning experiences, integrate cutting-edge practices into the curriculum, and continuously improve instructional methods to uphold the highest standards in dental hygiene education. You will also contribute to program development, support student success through academic advising and mentorship, and participate in service, scholarship, and professional activities that advance the mission of the department and institution.

As a key member of our faculty, you will help shape a dynamic, student-centered learning environment that prepares graduates to excel in clinical practice, community health, and leadership roles within the dental hygiene profession.

Representative Duties
Instruction of both clinical and didactic dental hygiene courses.

Teaching assignment schedule may include days and evenings, and delivering instruction utilizing multiple modalities including in-person on campus, online, and hybrid.
Participate in division meetings and serve on campus committees.
Hold five (5) hours per week of scheduled office hour time to meet with students.
Participate in the evaluation of materials and the development of outlines for courses taught to include student learning outcomes for each course.
Complete reports, schedules, evaluations, and grades within established guidelines.
Participate in curriculum development and the Dental Hygiene Curriculum Management Plan.
Maintain current required licensure.
Participate in professional development activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Required by the Dental Hygiene Board of California
Education Baccalaureate degree, accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or Co -uncil for Higher Education Accreditation. AND

Experience
Clinical teaching faculty shall have direct patient care experience with the previous five (5) years in the dental hygiene area to which he or she is assigned, which can be met by either: two (2) years experience providing direct patient care as a registered dental hygienist or dentist; or one (1) academic year of dental or dental hygienist level clinical teaching experience.

Didactic teaching faculty shall have current knowledge of the specific subjects taught, which can be met by either: having completed twelve (12) hours of continuing education in the designated subject area; or two (2) semester units or three (3) quarter units of dental hygiene education related to the designated dental hygiene area; or have national certification in the designated dental hygiene area.

Candidates must have an active California dental or dental hygiene license or special permit with no disciplinary actions; or a post-secondary credential generally recognized in the field of instruction; or a degree in the subject being taught or evaluated.

Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
NOTE: Applicants who claim equivalent qualifications shall provide conclusive evidence that they possess qualifications that are at least equivalent to those required by the minimum qualifications of the area for which they are applying. It is the responsibility of the applicant to supply all evidence and documentation for the claim of equivalency at the time of the application.

Desirable Qualifications
Master's degree or higher
Previous teaching experience in a college environment
Previous experience in curriculum development
Hours and Compensation
This is a full-time, 10-month per year (175 days) position at 35 hours per week. The anticipated starting salary range is $65,314 - $96,491 per year. The successful applicant will be offered a starting salary within this range commensurate with qualifications and experience. An annual doctoral stipend of $4,922.66 is included in addition to -the salary when appropriate.

Benefits
This is a full-time position with fantastic benefits! At the West Kern Community College District, you'll enjoy a comprehensive fringe benefits package, including District-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents. In addition, you'll be eligible to participate in the CalPERS or CalSTRS retirement systems, with the option to enhance your retirement savings through 457b and 403b optional retirement plans. This is an incredible opportunity to secure both your present and future while working with a dynamic team!

Ready to jump in? Follow these simple steps to submit your application:
Completed your online application and submit through https://www.taftcollege.edu/human-resources/job_opportunities/
Attach the following documents
Resume and Cover Letter
Transcripts for all degrees listed, Unofficial are acceptable at this time.Foreign transcripts issued outside the United States of America require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. For information on transcript evaluation services, please visit: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl635.pdf



Provide contact information for three professional references, including your most recent supervisor. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept letters of reference.

Next Steps
Thank you for your interest in joining our team! After the closing date, all applications will be carefully reviewed and evaluated based on minimum qualifications and relevant experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for an interview. We look forward to learning more about how you can contribute to our mission and make an impact at Taft College!

Equal Employment Opportunity
The West Kern Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity . The District is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination and, as such, is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This employer participates in E-Verify.

Keywords: Taft College, Bakersfield , Dental Hygiene Associate Professor, Tenure Track, Education / Teaching , Taft, California