Clinical Instructor of Dental Hygiene

The University of South Dakota Department of Dental Hygiene invites applications for a full-time (12-month, 100%) Clinical Faculty position based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This position is part of an innovative partnership between the University of South Dakota and Falls Community Health Dental Clinic that combines academic instruction, clinical supervision, and direct patient care in a community health setting.

About the Role

The successful candidate will supervise dental hygiene students during clinical education experiences and deliver direct patient care during designated clinic sessions. This faculty member will play an integral role in preparing future dental hygienists while advancing access to quality oral healthcare throughout the region.

Responsibilities

• Teaching & Clinical Education
  • Supervise dental hygiene students in the clinical setting while ensuring patient safety and high-quality care.
  • Provide instruction, mentoring, and evaluation of student clinical performance.
  • Facilitate student competency assessments and clinical skill development.
  • Participate in faculty calibration, curriculum development, program assessment, and accreditation activities.
  • Ensure compliance with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards, South Dakota Board of Dentistry regulations, and University policies.
  • Collaborate with Falls Community Health Dental Clinic staff to coordinate student schedules and clinical learning experiences.
• Clinical Practice
  • Provide direct preventive dental hygiene services within the scope of South Dakota licensure during designated clinical practice periods.
  • Maintain accurate clinical documentation utilizing the clinic’s electronic health record.
  • Collaborate with dentists, dental hygienists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
  • Support quality improvement, infection prevention, and patient-centered care initiatives.
• Faculty Service & Professional Engagement
  • Participate in department, university, and community service activities.
  • Maintain professional licensure, certifications, and clinical competency.
  • Engage in professional development appropriate to faculty rank.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and service.
  • Display initiative and willingness to contribute to continuous improvement of clinical education and patient care.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications
  • Graduate of a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited Dental Hygiene program.
  • Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH).
  • Current South Dakota dental hygiene license or eligibility for South Dakota licensure.
  • South Dakota certification to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation, or eligibility to obtain certification.
  • Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
  • In good standing with the South Dakota Board of Dentistry.
  • Demonstrated commitment to community engagement and service.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MSDH) or a closely related field, or current enrollment in a graduate degree program.
  • Three or more years of clinical dental hygiene experience.
  • Previous preclinical and/or clinical teaching experience in a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
  • Experience providing care in public health, federally qualified health center, or other community setting.
  • Knowledge of CODA accreditation standards and outcomes assessment.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 12-month faculty position. Clinical education activities are generally scheduled Tuesday through Thursday during the academic year. The faculty member will also provide direct patient care at Falls Community Health Dental Clinic during designated clinic sessions, anticipated to average approximately one and one-half days per week (Mondays, Fridays).

Benefits

State of South Dakota benefits package.