Job Details

Dental Hygiene Instructor - Tenure Track

Cabrillo College


Salary: See Position Description
Job Type: Full-time (100%)
Job Number: 2026-02150
Closing: 6/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA
Department: Dental Hygiene


Please apply for this job directly on the Cabrillo College job opportunities page here.

Employment Opportunity


Join our organization's amazing educational environment as part of our ongoing commitment to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion via our CLUSTER HIRE process. We seek to bring together a group of exceptional individuals to collectively contribute to our college's diverse intellectual and cultural experience. Applicants must satisfy the DEIA+ criteria per the job announcement's supplemental questions. Read more about the CLUSTER HIRE PROCESS here.

College Commitment to Equity and Diversity: The ideal candidate shares and participates in Cabrillo's commitment to the values of diversity and equity while serving its socioeconomically and ethnically diverse student community. For the 2024-2025 Academic Year, 61% of Cabrillo students are members of minoritized populations, identifying themselves as LatinX (51.25%), Multi Ethnic (6%), Asian (2.5%), Black Non-Hispanic (1%), Filipino (0.87%), American Indian/Alaskan Native (0.21%) and Pacific Islander (0.16%). Cabrillo is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution, enrolling 51% Hispanic students, and recent data indicate that the college has closed the achievement gap for graduation success (50% of graduates are Hispanic). The college is dedicated in its efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, having established Board goals of supporting antiracism efforts and promoting a year-long equity reading certificate program for faculty, staff, and managers.

Starting Salary Range: This full-time, tenure-track instructor will enjoy a 175-Day work schedule. ranging from $70,350 to $107,987 per year, salary determined by applicant's documented education and experience. The maximum initial salary step placement on the 175-day Faculty Salary Schedule is step 9. An annual doctoral stipend of $4,697 is granted to eligible faculty.

Excellent benefits, including quality health insurance at a *LOW COST for you and your family! Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term, and vision (optional) insurance provided at a share of cost on a pretax basis, CalSTRS Retirement, and an Employee Assistance Program. Benefits begin the first day of the second month of employment. *In many cases, a full-time employee's net out-of-pocket for benefit premiums may be as low as $0, depending upon the plan selected. More information can be found on the Benefits webpage on the HR webpage.

About This Opportunity: The position begins on Monday, August 17, 2026, pending Governing Board ratification. Classes may be in a traditional "in-class" setting, online, or hybrid format, scheduled over summer and/or winter months, and at various campus locations, including days, evenings, and/or weekends.

Faculty actively participate in curriculum development, program planning, and serve on participatory governance committees. Cabrillo provides excellent opportunities to learn, collaborate, create, and make a difference in the lives of its diverse student body and community.

About Us: Cabrillo College is honored to participate in the California Guided Pathways project, helping students achieve their educational goals, and is highly regarded for its success in transfer and career education. The college is proud to enroll over 11,400 students each semester, and many of our students transfer to nearby universities - the University of California at Santa Cruz, San Jose State University, and California State University at Monterey Bay.

On October 21, 2024, Cabrillo College was ranked the best community college in California, based upon a study released by SmartAsset in the Miami Herald, and in the same study was ranked 37th overall in the United States. Join us as we shape futures together!

About Our Community: While Santa Cruz is primarily known as "Surf City" for our beaches and surfing, we have so much more to offer! Our cozy little county has famous coastal redwoods; the spectacularly scenic San Lorenzo River Valley; well-known coastal beaches; and our abundant agricultural south county. Aside from our miles of beaches, we have multiple state parks, two colleges, wineries, a delicious agriculture and food scene, a symphony, the last major seaside amusement park on the West Coast, an NBA-G League team (go, Warriors!), museums, a national repertory Shakespeare company, and more that virtually guarantee something for everyone. Find your professional and personal well-being here at Cabrillo in our celebrated community!

About the Department: The Dental Hygiene program is a two-year Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program, with prerequisites in the sciences and general education. Emphasis is placed on concentrated clinical instruction, integrated with basic dental hygiene sciences, community dental health, and research. Cabrillo's Dental Hygiene program enjoys a reputation as one of Cabrillo College's highest quality programs. Hundreds of Cabrillo graduates work in dental offices in the Monterey Bay area. The program and its graduates are highly regarded in the dental community. The program is affiliated with the University of Pacific, Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM HERE!

Examples of Duties

• Supervise students and faculty in a clinical setting at various campus locations
• Course instruction in dental hygiene as assigned; primary courses may include lecture and laboratory sessions in dental hygiene clinical procedures
• Collaborate with dental hygiene faculty on curriculum issues, clinic policies, teaching-learning techniques, student advising, remediation, and accreditation procedures
• Inform students regarding course requirements, evaluation procedures, and attendance, maintain scholastic and attendance records, and provide classroom instruction in accordance with established course outlines and manuals
• Oversee, develop, and supervise infection control protocols, clinical handbook, and clinical manual
• Initiate Dental Hygiene program in-service training (i.e., clinical calibrations)
• Develop and monitor first and second-year clinical teaching requirements
• Oversee student learning outcomes program
• Provide direct supervision, clinical instruction, and evaluation of students performing dental hygiene procedures, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation, and periodontal soft tissue curettage. Ensure all clinical operations strictly adhere to the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) standards, safety protocols, and infection control regulations.
• Provide orientation, direction, and guidance to faculty members regarding second-year instruction
• Develop and review a curriculum, including assessment of learning and student outcomes
• Teach assigned classes, which may include evening or off-campus assignments
• Engage in participatory governance committees, processes, and initiatives such as Guided Pathway
• Maintain timely and accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, and academic progress
• Provide academic assistance and related services to students during scheduled office hours
• Cooperate with and participate as may be required in District investigations and/or student grievance matters of alleged unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff
• Complete required District trainings such as Title IX, Mandated Reporter, EEO/Diversity/Elimination of Bias, Workplace Safety, etc.

Minimum Qualifications


Required Education from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accredited organization and licensure qualifications:

• Understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation, of community college students, faculty, and staff AND
• Any bachelor's degree or higher AND two (2) years of professional experience OR
• A lifetime California Community College Instructor Credential in Dental Hygiene OR
• The Equivalent
  • The state of California has established minimum qualifications for academic positions in California Community Colleges to promote professionalism, instructional integrity, and academic rigor. Each discipline has specific, approved degree majors that are listed above. You must complete, sign, and attach an Equivalency Form with your application if your degree major does not match one of the disciplines listed above. This form allows Cabrillo College's Equivalency Committee to review your education and/or professional experience to determine whether it is equivalent in level, content, and rigor to the required degree. Applications cannot be considered without a completed Equivalency Form, even if your degree is closely related.
    • For example: If the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) list a Master's in Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, and your degree is in Geosciences or Earth and Environmental Studies, you must request equivalency by submitting the form with your application.
  • TO REQUEST EQUIVALENCY:
    • Complete the Equivalency Form and attach it to your application.
    • Be sure to attach supporting documents such as unofficial transcripts, course descriptions, certificates, or verification of professional experience.
  • Still completing your degree?
    • Applicants currently finishing their degree(s) are welcome to apply! However, they must also submit an Equivalency Form with unofficial transcripts.
    • This requirement also applies to applicants who have completed all coursework but are awaiting official degree conferral.

Required Discipline Specific Requirements/Licensure:

• Current California Dental or Registered Dental Hygiene License or Special Permit with no disciplinary actions (or obtain license by July 1, 2026)
• Direct patient care experience within the previous five (5) years in the dental hygiene area to which the candidate is assigned, which can be met by either:
  • Two (2) years of 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
• Per CCR: 1105.1B: current knowledge of the specific subjects to be taught, which can be met by:
  • Completion of twelve (12) continuing education hours in the designated area OR
  • Completion of two (2) semester units OR three (3) quarters of dental hygiene education related to the designated dental hygiene area OR
• Have national certification in the designated dental hygiene area
• Documented background in educational methodology within the last two (2) years, consistent with teaching assignments
• Current CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification for Healthcare Professionals
• Current Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) certification in the administration of Local Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Analgesia, and Periodontal Soft Tissue Curettage OR the ability to obtain these California-approved certifications through post-graduate training before being assigned to clinical instruction duties.

Required Professional Expertise:

• Currency and depth of knowledge in the applicable professional field, curriculum development, review, and assessment of student learning outcomes
• Knowledge and understanding of programs such as Guided Pathways, that address commitment to equity-minded and culturally responsive teaching strategies, enhancing student success
• Knowledge of and commitment to equity-minded and culturally responsive teaching strategies and practices that enhance student success
• Effective oral and written communication skills and effective use of technology
• Evidence of professional activities and service beyond primary teaching assignments
• Development and review of curriculum, including assessment of learning
• Demonstrated ability to reflect critically on institutional and teaching practices that aim to increase cultural responsiveness
• Knowledge and understanding of the accountability and critical dimensions of equity
• Demonstrated ability in addressing issues of equity in the classroom
• Work cooperatively and demonstrate sensitivity to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of students, administrators, faculty, and staff
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and proficient use of technology
• Evidence of professional activities and service beyond primary teaching assignments

Desired Qualifications/Performance Expectations:

• Successful online teaching experience
• Currency and depth of knowledge as a second-year clinical coordinator
• Knowledge and ability to develop and supervise infection control protocols and procedures
• Recent successful teaching experience in the subject area at the community college level
• Demonstrated ability to employ innovative teaching techniques and methodologies
• Successful online teaching experience
• Knowledge of culturally-responsive pedagogical teaching techniques and effective ways for engaging students who are historically under-represented and under-served
• Demonstrated experience in program planning and evaluation
• Previous public health experience
• Master's degree in Dental Hygiene

For additional information, please review our Applicant FAQ's here.

Additional Information


APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Complete the application with a minimum of three (3) professional references and answer all supplemental questions (do not copy/paste from your application or resume, indicate "See x", or "Provided upon interview", etc.); provide detailed information to aid in determining whether the minimum qualification requirements have been met
   • Include in the Certificates and Licenses section of the application the information (you may also attach copies) for your:
     • Current California Dental or Registered Dental Hygiene (RDH) License or Special Permit with no disciplinary actions
     • Current CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification for Healthcare Professionals
     • Current national certification in the designated Dental Hygiene area, if applicable
     • Current Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) certification in the administration of Local Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Analgesia, and Periodontal Soft Tissue Curettage; OR the ability to obtain these California-approved certifications through post-graduate training before being assigned to clinical instruction duties.
2. Attach a resume or CV detailing teaching and professional work experience
3. Attach one of the following:
   • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended displaying any degrees conferred (copies, photos, and downloads are acceptable; diplomas and certificates are not). Foreign transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency by an approved agency (at the applicant's expense) OR
   • A Copy of a lifetime California Community College Instructor credential in Dental Hygiene, front and back (if applicable) OR
   • A completed and signed Equivalency Form as needed - click here. Refer to the equivalency information listed in the Minimum Qualifications area to determine whether this form is necessary.

Please note: All application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date indicated above. Once submitted, applications are unable to be amended and will require a new application for revisions.

Attention Applicants

Only completed applications with the above required documents attached will be reviewed. Application materials not listed above (such as cover letters, letters of recommendation, statements, etc.) will not be reviewed by the committee. Applicants need to remove personally identifiable information, such as photos of themselves, social security numbers, birth year, age, and gender, from application materials. Expenses related to the general application process (obtaining/translating documents, etc.) are the responsibility of the applicant. Cabrillo College may provide travel reimbursement to eligible candidates based on travel distance. A candidate is eligible for travel reimbursement when they have participated in an in-person interview for first-and/or second-level interviews and distance. We are unable to sponsor any work visas.

Questions? Concerns? Please contact HR at cabrillohr@cabrillo.edu as Departments, Divisions, and Committee Members are unable to discuss active recruitments with potential candidates.

Selection Procedure

Meeting the posted requirements is not a guarantee of an interview. A written performance exercise and/or teaching demonstration/presentation may be a part of the interview. Finalists will be invited to return for a second interview. All notifications will be via email, AND by accessing your application profile. Initial interviews are tentatively slated for July 2026, but are subject to change.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates given a conditional offer of employment are required to submit tuberculosis screening clearance results, official transcripts, proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and present their Social Security card upon hire for payroll purposes. Cabrillo is an E-Verify employer.

EEO Statement

Cabrillo College is an equal opportunity employer seeking a diverse pool of qualified applicants. The policy of the College is to encourage applications from all persons. No person shall be denied employment because of ethnicity or race, color, sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, medical conditions, status, or protected veteran status.

Accommodations

Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to complete the employment process must notify Human Resources at cabrillohr@cabrillo.edu.



To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/cabrilloedu/jobs/5352361/dental-hygiene-instructor-tenure-track








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