Full-Time Instructor - Dental Assisting

Pasadena Area Community College District•Pasadena, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Pasadena City College is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Dental Assisting Instructor to begin in Fall 2026. The college is dedicated to supporting all students in achieving their educational objectives, irrespective of their background, including race, religion, gender, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, and LGBTQIA+ identity. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to mentoring students from underrepresented demographics in the sciences, fostering a welcoming classroom environment, and engaging effectively with a diverse student population. PCC values the racial, social, economic, academic, and cultural diversity of its students, including those with varying abilities. The college seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, and service contribute to anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, and justice. Candidates with experience that enhances their understanding of traditionally underrepresented racial minority communities are encouraged to apply. Faculty are expected to adopt an inclusive approach to mentoring and engagement, particularly with historically marginalized populations. The college aims to create a welcoming classroom culture that positively impacts a racially and socially diverse student body. Applicants should showcase experience in teaching and working with diverse individuals and contribute to the College's mission, vision, and core values, striving for equitable outcomes for all students. As a designated Hispanic-serving institution, PCC is committed to supporting Latinx, Black, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Indigenous students in their educational and economic pursuits. Faculty are encouraged to actively participate in college-wide governance and decision-making processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree AND two (2) years of related occupational experience OR An associate’s degree AND six (6) years of related experience OR California Community College Instructor Credential in Dental Assisting OR The equivalent.
Demonstrated passion for, and experience with, teaching a diverse student body with a broad spectrum of socioeconomic means and academic preparation.
Ability to adapt varying pedagogical approaches to meet the needs of students with differing learning modalities and abilities.
Experience working collaboratively on curriculum development.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
A dynamic personality and a strong desire to transform and improve STEM education.
Demonstrated ability to develop curriculum.
Familiarity with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Standards and the California Dental Practice Act.
Awareness and experience with appropriate uses of technology in the teaching and learning of Dental Assisting.
Knowledge of current practices in distance education including learning management systems such as Canvas.
Knowledge of current practices in distance education including course management systems, e.g. Canvas.
Experience with equipment used in Dental offices, clinics and laboratories.
Experience with Student Learning Outcomes and assessment methods.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and a desire and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and other members of the campus community.
Ability to work in a multi-ethnic environment with students of varying academic preparation and learning styles.
Knowledgeable about culturally sustaining pedagogical techniques and effective practices for engaging African American, Latinx, and Indigenous groups who are historically underrepresented and underserved in Dental Assisting.
Recent experience working with minoritized students in the classroom and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusion of these groups within higher education shapes patterns of participation and outcomes.
Willingness to examine and remediate one's instructional, relational and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support racially minoritized students.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Experience and proficiency in current teaching and learning technologies.
Successful completion of Livescan clearance and TB screening.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.
Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.
Board of Trustees approval.

Nice To Haves

Experience in teaching Dental Assisting at the community college level to a diverse student body, the majority of which are traditionally underrepresented in the sciences.
Demonstrated experience in developing lower division Dental Assisting curriculum which uses established high impact practices to increase student success and completion.
Experience in using student-centered and innovative pedagogies to teach and motivate students at all levels of college-readiness.
Up-to-date experience and/or training in online instruction and knowledge of best practices in distance education.
Additional education and experience beyond that required for the minimum qualifications.
Possession of a current Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Oral Radiology, Coronal Polish, Pits and Fissure Sealants, and Orthodontic Assistant Certificates.
One year of continuous clinical experience with direct patient contact in the last 5 years.
Demonstrated awareness and/or implementation of effective course assessment techniques.
Candidates with a strong record of successful mentorship and a record of service activities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Candidates who have created or contributed to programs that aim to increase access and success of underrepresented students and faculty in the sciences.
Experience in culturally responsive pedagogy that acknowledges, responds to, and celebrates equitable access to education for students from all cultures.
Innovative lesson planning in emergent curricula.
Experience with emerging technologies in dental assisting (digital dentistry, dental digital software programs usage, and emerging dental materials used for restorative dentistry).

Responsibilities

Teach courses as assigned in Dental Assisting, including lecture, laboratory, and clinical sessions covering oral radiation, infection control, coronal polishing, and pit and fissure sealants.
Ensure instructional activities comply with the Dental Practice Act of the State of California and Commission on Dental Education Accreditation (CODA) standards.
Plan learning experiences, including classroom, laboratory, and clinical assignments, student supervision, evaluation, and feedback.
Control and monitor ongoing instructional activities and systems to maintain adherence to prescribed standards of student evaluation.
Hold students accountable for acquired competency in their performance and assist with remediation.
Conduct conferences with students regarding academic and clinical competence and progress.
Record and maintain data for student records, grades, accreditation, and school studies.
Prepare written evaluation materials such as syllabi, tests, and handouts in a timely manner.
Collaborate with other faculty to develop, assess, and report student learning outcomes, using results to improve teaching and learning.
Manage schedule to ensure regular attendance at required course activities, committee, and faculty meetings.
Plan and schedule teaching and clinical/laboratory activities for curriculum courses.
Prepare formal and informal reports as required for Systematic Program Evaluation, governing institutions, governmental, and accreditation agencies.
Stay current in Dental Assisting and instructional pedagogy through conferences, workshops, and self-directed study.
Participate in departmental, division, and College Governance activities through committee service.
Undertake the division and responsibilities of a regular faculty member.