Dental Hygiene Instructor-Tenure Track in Bellingham, Washington at Bellingham Technical College

Summary:

As a Dental Hygiene Instructor, you’ll bring curriculum to life through innovative teaching methods, mentorship, and meaningful student engagement across a variety of learning environments. Join a collaborative team dedicated to excellence, continuous improvement, and advancing the future of dental education.

Salary: $74,408-$107,187

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop and teach Dental Hygiene coursework including didactic, lab and clinical instruction;
• Provide timely and accurate assessment feedback to students;
• Monitor and document student performance;
• Advise program students in course selection and planning;
• Hold office hours;
• Participate in program management in coordination with Dean and other faculty, including annual schedules and purchasing of program equipment and supplies;
• Participate in CODA annual reports and accreditation efforts;
• Participate in upkeep of supplies inventory and equipment maintenance;
• Work within College guidelines in purchasing supplies for the Dental Hygiene program
• Mentor adjunct faculty and work closely with other program staff like Instructional Technicians, and Work-study students;
• Participate in student recruitment activities;
• Work with other faculty and staff to create and implement long-term and strategic plans for the department;
• Work with other college faculty and staff on issues relevant to student success;
• Effectively use instructional computer applications, including learning management systems (like Canvas);
• Work with employers to facilitate job and internship opportunities for students;
• Regularly attend all faculty, division, and department meetings, advisory committee and serve on campus-wide committees;
• Coordinate with members of the program advisory committee to ensure the program training meets industry needs;
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Bellingham Technical College's mission;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position requires the ability to:

• Work effectively with diverse students, colleagues, staff and a community who represent a broad spectrum of ages, abilities, ethnicities, and educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds
• Communicate clearly (verbal and written)
• Work independently and as a member of a team
• Analyze and solve problems independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Bellingham Technical College's Mission and contribute to college-wide goals and activities
• Work independently and on a variable schedule that may include evenings

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completed a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from an accredited institution.
• Current, unencumbered Washington State license as a Dental Hygienist, or ability to obtain licensure prior to employment
• Five or more years of clinical experience as a practicing hygienist and/or experience teaching Dental Hygiene classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical curriculum in a higher education setting
• Demonstrated ability to teach and/or train individuals with a variety of learning styles and backgrounds

• Experience with Dental software applications

• Prior to final hire, a pre-employment background, including criminal history and signed declaration statement as it pertains to sexual misconduct per Washington State Law (RCW 28B.112.080) will be conducted. Employment is contingent on passing the background check and signed declaration per RCW 28b.112.080 satisfactory to the college. Information from the background check and declaration will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. This position has access to children under the age of 18 as part of the State of Washington Running Start Program

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completed a master’s degree in dental education or a related field from an accredited institution.

• Experience in a leadership role
• Demonstrated experience with designing training, organizing instructional content, or using technology to support learning

Compensation, Work Schedule and Benefits:

Salary $74,408-$107,187 based on a 173-day annual contract

Final placement is determined according to the current negotiated CBA and based on an evaluation of education and work and/or teaching experience.

• Additional optional compensation may be paid above the 173-day contract rate subject to terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Additional summer contract and compensation would be paid for summer quarter if program is in session and an assignment is available.
• Additional compensation includes up to $4,000 for doctoral stipend
• Access to professional development pool

This is not guaranteed year to year and is subject to legislation and Collective Bargaining. The work schedule will vary based on student and college needs. Some evening hours are expected. This is not a remote position. On campus teaching and presence are required.

Benefits:

This position will receive prorated leave based on the BEA CBA:

• Receive 90 hours of frontloaded sick leave per academic year (based on 7.5 hours per month)
• 2 non-cumulative personal leave days per academic year
• 3 non-cumulative family illness days per academic year

Benefits also include a Washington State insurance package including selecting one of:

• 6 medical options
• 3 dental plan options
• 3 vision plan options

Include:

• Life insurance
• Long-term disability

Retirement benefits package including one of:

• Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 3
• SBCTC Retirement 403(b)

Two voluntary investment (not matched) programs

• TIAA (403b)
• State Deferred Compensation (457) plan

Additional optional benefits include ability to participate in:

• Medical Flexible Spending plan
• Limited Purpose Flexible Spending plan
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Discounts for automobile and homeowner insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Up to 21 days of military leave
• Up to 5 days of paid bereavement leave
• Paid civil/jury duty
• Bereavement leave
• Ability to participate in a shared leave program

Bargaining Unit:

• The position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Bellingham Educational Association (BEA) Benefits are subject to the CBA.

Application Procedures and Deadline:

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online at www.btc.edu/jobs and received by 5 p.m. on 06/29/2026 for priority consideration. Application materials received after this date and time may be considered until the position is filled.

More information about Bellingham Technical College is at www.btc.edu or contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 752-8354. At this time, BTC is not sponsoring H-1B Visas.

Required Online Application Materials:

(Attachments in Word or PDF file only)

• Complete the BTC online application
• Resume
• Complete all supplemental questions
• Official transcripts of any degrees listed and copies of licenses will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for July 16th with 2nd interviews occurring the week of July 27th after reference checks. Candidates selected for interviews will provide a 10-minute teaching demonstration on the topic of “Clinician Ergonomics and Instrument Placement in Dental Hygiene Practice”.

Estimated Start Date: September 16, 2026, for Fall Quarter