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Dental Assistant Instructor Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Instructor II

Merced, CA · On-site

$23.68/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, 401k, Vacation, Sick, Holidays, and Personal Holidays ... Perform other duties as assigned. * Assist the Team Leader with preparing and developing ...

Dental Assistant Instructor information

See Merced, CA salary details

$9

$25

$50

How much do dental assistant instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental assistant instructor in Merced, CA is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $30.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dental assistant instructor?

Dental Assistant Instructors are professionals who teach and train students to become dental assistants. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate dental procedures, oversee laboratory and clinical practice, and ensure students understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of dental assisting. Most instructors have experience working as dental assistants or dental hygienists and often hold relevant certifications. Their goal is to prepare students for entry-level positions in dental assisting and help them pass certification exams. They may work in community colleges, vocational schools, or private training centers.

What does a dental assistant instructor do?

Your responsibilities as a dental assistant instructor are to teach students in a dental training program the duties of a dental assistant and help them complete their certification program. As a trained and certified dental assistant, you work with students in a dental assistant program to give them the education and tools they need for an entry-level dental assisting position. You teach tasks like the proper cleaning of teeth, identifying and using dental tools, assisting dentists during procedures, and educating patients on appropriate oral hygiene and care. Dental assistant instructors work in colleges, universities, or technical schools as part of the dental department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dental assistant instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dental Assistant Instructor, you need a strong background in dental assisting, a relevant certification (such as CDA or RDA), and experience in both clinical and instructional settings. Familiarity with dental practice management software, radiography equipment, and teaching aids is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors effectively mentor students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure students gain the practical knowledge and confidence needed for successful dental assisting careers.

What are some common challenges dental assistant instructors face when transitioning from clinical practice to teaching?

Dental Assistant Instructors often find that shifting from hands-on clinical work to an educational setting presents unique challenges. Adapting to diverse learning styles, managing classroom dynamics, and developing engaging lesson plans can require new skills and approaches. Instructors must balance teaching foundational knowledge with providing practical, real-world scenarios, all while ensuring students receive adequate support during their clinical rotations. Effective communication and patience are essential, as is staying current with evolving dental technologies and best practices.

What is the difference between Dental Assistant Instructor vs Dental Assistant?

AspectDental Assistant InstructorDental Assistant
Required CredentialsDental assisting certification, teaching credentials (if applicable)Dental assisting certification or diploma
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, classrooms, labsDental offices, clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageVocational schools, colleges, training programsDental practices, clinics, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Dental Assistant Instructor teaches and trains students in dental assisting programs, often in educational institutions, while a Dental Assistant works directly in dental practices providing patient care. Both roles require dental assisting certification, but the instructor also needs teaching credentials or experience in education.

How much do dental assistant instructors make?

Dental assistant instructors typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work in educational or training settings, requiring relevant certifications and teaching skills.

What are popular job titles related to Dental Assistant Instructor jobs in Merced, CA?

For Dental Assistant Instructor jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dental Assistant Instructor jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Dental Assistant Instructor jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Dental Assistant Instructor jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Dental Assistant Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Dental Assistant Instructor job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,297 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Part-time Faculty Pool: Dental Assisting

Merced Community College

Merced, CA

$66.91 - $86.49/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Part-time Faculty Pool: Dental Assisting at Merced Community College Share on X Print Application Deadline 1/9/2027 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 7/13/2026 Contact Britney Ramirez (209) 381-6550 Number of Openings Not Specified Salary Pay Range 66.91 - 86.49 Per Hour Length of Work Year See Position Description Employment Type Part Time Job Description / Essential Elements: Print Part-time Faculty Pool: Dental Assisting Salary: $66.91 - $86.49 Hourly Job Type: Adjunct Faculty Job Number: 20260076 Closing: 6/30/2027 11:59 PM Pacific Location: Merced College, CA Department: Open pool for academic year 2026-2027Additional Compensation for Doctorate As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college - we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference

Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team. Merced College Mission At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.Merced College Vision Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services: Degree/Certificate Programs Transfer Career Technical Education Workforce Training Lifelong Learning Basic Skills Community Engagement Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement

General Description: This is a part-time instructional assignment under the direction of the Dean of Allied Health and Public Safety, the successful candidate will provide leadership in developing a Dental Assisting Certificate degree program and initiating accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Responsibilities include designing a sequence of course outlines for didactic, clinical, and laboratory courses, constructing classroom materials to support course goals, and identifying industry needs and trends to create targeted courses and training programs. The maximum teaching load is 10 units per semester, which may include evening and weekend hours.

The candidate will collaborate with local employers to develop courses that enhance the skills required by dental assistants, remain up to date on dental technology, and actively participate in faculty meetings. Examples of Duties Provide innovative and effective instruction in accordance with current pedagogy and established course outlines and expectations Inform students about course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance policies and maintain regular and substantive contact with students Maintain and submit required student attendance and scholastic records on the Learning Management System (e.g. grades and syllabi) Utilize the Learning Management System to deliver, prepare, and grade class assignments and examinations Maintain and utilize effective skills in instructional design, applications, and methods Post and maintain regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy Participate in the development and review of curriculum Participate in the development of teaching-learning methods and materials Participate in departmental, area, and campus professional activities/committees Represent the college within the Merced community and within professional circles Participate in the college's learning outcomes assessment program, including course, program, and institutional assessments to continually improve student learning outcomes Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree from an acceptable accredited institution AND two years of professional experience in the field OR Associate's degree from an acceptable accredited institution AND six years of professional experience in the field

OR the equivalent Possess and maintain an active, current dental or dental hygiene license issued by the Dental Hygiene Board or the Dental Board of California (DBC), with no disciplinary actions Promote and incorporate culturally affirming DEIA and anti-racist principles to nurture and create a respectful, inclusive, and equitable learning and work environment. In conducting their duties, staff members shall respect and acknowledge the diversity of students and colleagues. Applicants must also meet the following minimum qualifications required by the Dental Board of California for faculty teaching in Board-approved Dental Assisting courses: Training and competence in infection control consistent with California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 1005, including the ability to teach and evaluate required infection control competencies.

Possession of one of the following current, active California licenses: Dentist (DDS/DMD), or Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF), or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)with Board-approved Coronal Polishing and Pit & Fissure Sealant certifications, or Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), RDHEF, or RDHAP Minimum of two years of licensure in the applicable dental profession. Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, including CPR. Successful completion of the California Radiation Safety Examination or a Board-approved Radiation Safety course, unless already satisfied through licensure.

Completion of a Board-approved two-hour methodology course covering clinical evaluation criteria, course outline development, process evaluation, and product evaluation (or willingness to obtain prior to teaching Radiation Safety content). Demonstrated experience performing, teaching, and evaluating: Dental radiographic technique and image quality Operation, maintenance, and quality assurance of dental radiographic equipment, digital sensors, and film-processing systems in accordance with Dental Board requirements. Clinical dental assisting procedures Laboratory and preclinical skill competencies Must be legally authorized under California law to perform all procedures assigned for instruction, and may only teach procedures they are permitted to perform under their license Ability to provide supervision in accordance with Dental Board instructor-to-student ratios: Radiation Safety: 6:1 maximum Pit & Fissure Sealant: 14:1 lab, 6:1 clinical Desirable Qualifications Experience teaching in a CODA- or Board-approved Dental Assisting Program.

Experience serving as a Course Director for Radiation Safety and/or Pit & Fissure Sealant courses. Experience preparing or maintaining Board approval applications and documentation. Knowledge of California Dental Practice Act, Dental Board regulations, and program compliance requirements.

Experience supervising extramural clinical rotations and evaluating student competency. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty and community dental partners. Supplemental Information How to Apply: Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mccd/promotionaljobs

Required Documentation: Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter) Resume Legible, unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate);transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired List of three professional references(no reference letters permitted) Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe how your professional experience would contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page. If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S

evaluation and translation completed by an https://campusmccd-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/michelle_symes_mccd_edu/ES6MrhbAJChCjW82zlQwNskBEdl7CXHa-muI0IpaC7b8Zg?e=GQbt1r If applicable, equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) http://www.mccd.edu/offices/hr/jobs/eqforms.html Only the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.Interview Information:Those applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to appear for oral interviews before a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be invited to interviews

Interviews will be scheduled on site. Employee Benefits:Sick leave, faculty employed on a part-time hourly basis shall earn sick leave credit at the rate of one (1) hour for each twenty (20) hours of paid service.Condition of Employment: The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States

All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process.

Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office. Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7319985 Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved

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