Unlicensed Dental Assistant Instructor

Summit Academy O I C • Minneapolis, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Unlicensed Dental Assistant Instructor delivers classroom and hands-on instruction to students in Summit Academy OIC’s Unlicensed Dental Assistant program. The role helps students develop the knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviors needed for entry-level dental assisting work, while aligning instruction with the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.

The instructor prepares and delivers lessons, demonstrations, supervised practice, and assessments; adapts teaching to adult learners with diverse needs; and provides feedback, coaching, and career guidance. The role also supports curriculum improvement, collaborates with healthcare staff, administrators, and employer partners, and maintains accurate student records and program documentation.

Instruction takes place onsite in a classroom, dental lab, and simulated dental office. The position is full-time and exempt, with expected hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Limited travel of less than 5% per year is required.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree.
• Valid and current Minnesota State Board of Dentistry Dental Assistant License.
• At least 3 years of experience working in a dental setting as a Dental Assistant or in a similar role.
• CPR and BLS certification.
• Strong knowledge of infection control, aseptic techniques, and dental office procedures.
• Continuing education and participation in continuing education courses to maintain licensure and stay updated on best practices and new dental care technologies.
• Knowledge of dental assisting principles, chairside procedures, dental anatomy, infection control, and clinical workflows.
• Ability to teach and demonstrate dental assisting skills in classroom and lab settings.
• Strong instructional, facilitation, and classroom management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse adult learners and support equitable student outcomes.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail in instructional planning and documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an educational and healthcare-focused team.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Teaching, training, or instructional experience.
• Dental radiography/X-ray certification.

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom and clinical instruction for the Unlicensed Dental Assistant curriculum, including dental terminology, chairside assisting, infection control, dental materials, radiography concepts, and patient care fundamentals.
• Prepare and implement lesson plans, learning activities, and assessments aligned with curriculum standards, industry expectations, and student learning outcomes.
• Demonstrate dental assisting procedures and supervise student practice using dental office and laboratory equipment.
• Adapt instructional methods to adult learners’ learning styles, academic levels, and needs.
• Evaluate student performance through practical assessments, written exams, and observation; provide timely feedback and coaching.
• Maintain a structured, inclusive, supportive, safe, and engaging learning environment.
• Help students develop professionalism, communication, teamwork, time management, and ethical behavior.
• Monitor and document student attendance, participation, and progress; intervene when academic or behavioral concerns arise.
• Mentor students and guide them on career pathways, workplace expectations, and transition into employment.
• Participate in curriculum development, review, and continuous improvement to maintain relevance, compliance, and alignment with workforce needs.
• Ensure instructional content reflects current dental assisting practices, infection control standards, and regulatory requirements for unlicensed dental assistants.
• Collaborate with healthcare staff, administrators, and employer partners to support program effectiveness and student outcomes.
• Teach and enforce infection control procedures, OSHA standards, and safety protocols in classroom, lab, and simulated dental environments.
• Ensure proper use, care, and maintenance of dental instruments, equipment, and instructional supplies.
• Model professional dental office standards, patient confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Maintain student records, grades, attendance, and other required documentation in learning management and student information systems.
• Prepare reports and participate in meetings concerning student progress, accreditation, and program performance.

Benefits

• Paid time off accruing at 120 hours (3 weeks) per year.
• 11 annual paid holidays.
• Two annual scheduled, paid mental health days.
• Eligibility to elect comprehensive health, vision, dental, and voluntary life insurance.
• Employer-sponsored life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Eligibility to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match, effective day one.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus based on organizational and employee performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree