Instructor, Dental Assisting

Initial Review Date: 02/21/2022*

*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 Instructor, Dental Assisting Foothill College.

Foothill – De Anza Community College District Mission Statement:

The mission of the Foothill–De Anza Community College District is student success. We are driven by an equity agenda and guided by core values of excellence, inclusion, and sustainability. Every member of our district contributes to a dynamic learning environment that fosters student engagement, equal opportunity, and innovation in meeting the various educational and career goals of our diverse students. We are committed to providing an accessible, quality undergraduate education dedicated to developing a broadly educated and socially responsible community that supports an equitable and just future for California.

Foothill College Mission Statement:

Believing a well-educated population is essential to sustaining and enhancing a democratic society, Foothill College offers programs and services that empower students to achieve their goals as members of the workforce, as future students, and as global citizens. We work to obtain equity in achievement of student outcomes for all California student populations, and are guided by our core values of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, transparency, forgiveness, and sustainability. Foothill College offers associate degrees and certificates in multiple disciplines, and a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION INCLUDE:

Instruction, supervision, and evaluation of dental assisting students in both the 9-month full-time student pathway and the 15-month paid apprenticeship pathway in classroom, laboratory, pre-clinical and clinical settings in all aspects of the Dental Assisting program for the certificate or associate degree requirements.  Primary area of responsibility will consist of didactic, laboratory, pre-clinical and clinical instruction or supervision.  Secondary area of responsibility may include coordinating externship experiences, distribution, tracking and maintenance of current contracts. 

Duties include student advising, student recruitment, serving on the Dental Assisting admissions committees and advisory committees for both pathways.  Maintain student records and monitor student progress and competency.  Fulfill routine tasks required to ensure the smooth operation of the program pathways.

Attend department, division, college and district-wide meetings.  Contribute to curriculum evaluation, curriculum development, student learning outcomes, and program learning outcomes.  Participate in program review.  For the 9-month pathway, submit required documents, surveys, and self-study to the Commission on Dental Accreditation and maintain compliance with state dental assisting licensing board regulations and participate in audits and/or site visits by the Dental Board of California (DBC). Maintain continuing education provider status for the DBC and submit required reporting documents.

Assist in revising instructional manuals, the clinical externship manuals and the policy manuals.  Maintain clinic equipment, lab equipment and lab supplies.  Work with the program director regarding budget requests, ordering, distribution and use of student and faculty supplies. 

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:

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.Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institutionGraduate of a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or a Dental Board of California RDA approved program.

Holds a current valid California license as a Registered Dental Assistant, Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions, Registered Dental Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice or Dentist. 

a. Current valid California Radiation Safety License
b. Current valid Coronal Polish Certificate
c. Current valid Pit & Fissure Sealant Certificate
d. Current CPR/BLS Certificate

Holds a current valid Certified Dental Assistant credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (Note: not required for current valid California licensed dentist)

Minimum of two years full time occupational experience in the application of fourhanded dentistry principles as a Dental Assistant.

Current knowledge of dental assisting.

Documented background in educational theory and teaching methodology required by the Dental Board of California and CODA accreditation standards,

Possesses computer application skills related to this position. Demonstrates proficiency in use of computers and technology in the delivery of in-person and online instruction.  Current certification for online teaching.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of Commission on Dental Accreditation dental assisting educational standards.

Knowledge of Dental Board of California allowable duties and dental assisting educational standards.

Knowledge of the theoretical and current evidence-based practices of the subject matter areas taught which may include:  infection control & hazardous waste management, chairside dental assisting, oral biology, dental specialties special patient populations, medical emergencies, dental health education, dental business practices, dental assisting law & ethics, Registered Dental Assisting exam review, fabrication of temporary provisional restorations, pit & fissure sealants, and coronal polishing.

Expertise in new dental technology, equipment or materials in regard to chairside dental assisting.

Applies varied teaching strategies to successfully engage, inspire and retain students with diverse backgrounds and learning styles, using principles of instructional design and curriculum development.

Ability to encourage students to engage in their own learning and motivate them to develop critical thinking skills.

Ability to work closely and cooperatively with faculty and support staff.

Flexibility and ability to work as a member of a team of professionals.

Commitment to professional growth, development, initiation and follow through for continued innovation, projects, and instructional improvements.

Participation in professional dental assisting organizations.

In addition, the successful candidate will demonstrate:

Strong communication and teaching skills. (A teaching demonstration will be required as part of the interviewing process.)

Address stressful events, created by hostile students or patients by (a) maintaining emotional control, (b) listening without judgement or retaliation, (c) reasoning objectively and consistently, (d) keeping at the forefront the best interests of the student or patient, and (e) maintaining professionalism and the due process.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment:

Indoor, classroom, laboratory and clinic environments.

Endurance within a classroom and clinical settings, teaching students while standing, sitting, or walking throughout the classroom, clinic and laboratory. 

Physical Abilities:

(Applicants should perform these physical abilities with or without reasonable accommodations)

Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

Vision sufficient to read various materials.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to perform the tasks required of the position.

Regularly stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.

Bending at waist, kneeling, or crouching. 

Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally. 

Lifting and carrying objects up to 20 lbs.

APPLICATION PACKET:

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. 

A cover letter detailing your background and experience, skills, and abilities as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position.

A current resume of all work experience, formal education and training.

If you wish to request equivalency for this position (if you believe you do not otherwise meet minimum qualifications via educational degree attainment as specified), you may submit the Request for Equivalency form. This form will need to be submitted with your application packet. You may either scan a hard copy of this form with your application packet or submit it as a Word document with your application packet. http://hr.fhda.edu/_downloads/Equivalency.pdf

If any required application materials are omitted, the committee will not review your application packet. Application materials not required (including reference letters) for this position will not be accepted.  For full-consideration, all application packets must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date. 

Please allow yourself ample time to complete your application and resolve any technical difficulties that may arise with your submission.  We do not guarantee a response to application questions within 48 hours of the closing date.  You may also visit our “Applicant Information” webpage to assist with technical difficulties at: http://hr.fhda.edu/careers/a-applicant-instructions.html

HIRING RANGE: $66,539.00 - $109,280.00 annually plus benefits; actual placement is based on applicant’s verified education and experience.

For the complete Faculty Salary Schedule, go to:

http://hr.fhda.edu/_downloads/2019-2020%20Faculty%20Salary%20Schedules.pdf

Excellent benefits package which includes medical coverage for employee and eligible dependents, dental, vision care, employee assistance program, long term disability, retirement benefits and basic life insurance.  Other voluntary benefits are also available such as legal assistance, pet insurance, and long-term care. Faculty are also eligible for paid professional development leaves and stipends for educational and professional development.

For information on our benefits package that includes medical for employees and dependents, visit our web site: http://hr.fhda.edu/benefits/index.html

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Full-time, Tenure-track, 11-months per year

STARTING DATE: Fall 2022

Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to complete the employment process must notify Employment Services no later than the closing date of the announcement.

The successful applicant will be required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District does not reimburse applicants for travel, lodging or any other costs incurred by applicant to attend interviews.  All interviewing costs incurred will be the responsibility of the applicant.

 

For more information about our application process contact:

Employment Services

Foothill-De Anza Community College District

12345 El Monte Road

Los Altos Hills, California 94022

(650) 949-6217

Email: [email protected]

http://hr.fhda.edu/

 

This position will become Open Until Filled after the initial Closing Date. Any complete applications received while the position is Open Until Filled will be reviewed by the hiring committee only upon committee request.