1

Dental Assistant Instructor Jobs in Rochester, MN

Dental Assistant Instructor information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$9

$24

$48

How much do dental assistant instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental assistant instructor in Rochester, MN is $24.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Dental Assistant Instructor jobs in Rochester, MN? For Dental Assistant Instructor jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dental Assistant Instructor jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Dental Assistant Instructor jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Dental Assistant Instructor jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Dental Assistant Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Dental Assistant Instructor job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,302 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Training & Development Specialist Registered Nurse (RN) - MN

Planned Parenthood North Central States

Rochester, MN

$32 - $43/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Planned Parenthood North Central States

Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

Training & Development Specialist Registered Nurse (RN) – MN

 

Pay: The anticipated salary range for this position is $32-$43 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant work experience, the skills required for the role, internal equity, market competitiveness, and budget considerations. We are committed to ensuring fair and competitive pay for all employees.
Schedule: Full-time, 32 hours per week
Shift times: Variable shifts, primarily M-F, approximately 9am – 5pm. Some evenings and Saturdays expected.
Location: Twin Cities, MN–based role with travel across Greater Minnesota and occasional remote work for administrative duties
Job type: Hourly/Non-exempt
Travel: Regular travel between MN health centers. Travel time and mileage reimbursed!
Union Membership: This position is represented by SEIU.
Questions? Contact Jobs@ppncs.org.

Job Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Training and Development Manager, the Training and Development Specialist – RN provides a range of consultation and learning services to teams and leadership on the development and implementation of key strategies for creating and sustaining a high performing organization. This position specializes in training and onboarding all clinical support staff across the affiliate. Training and Development Specialists are advocates in implementing our mission of “Advancing and protecting sexual and reproductive healthcare for all”. They may perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with equity-based premium tiers
  • Free, virtual primary care for all employees enrolled in a medical plan:
    • NICE HEALTHCARE. A free, virtual primary care for entire household (in-home available for qualifying locations). Services include: 80 free labs, free x-rays, and physical tests, live, virtual physical therapy, 550+ free medications and more!
    • HealthiestYou – Virtual Care for employees outside of NICE Healthcare’s network.
  • Proximal Health – Helps members access high quality, cost-effective, providers for certain services and offers $1,500 tax free benefit when members choose a designated provider for eligible services
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Education Reimbursement: up to
  • $1000 per year & 2 paid CEU days.
  • to $500 per year & 2 paid CEU days.
  • Flex Spending Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness
  • Paid time off: PTO starting at .05769 accrual rate per hour worked.
  • 8 hours volunteer paid time off annually.
  • 8 paid federal holidays & 2 paid floating holidays.
  • 403(b) retirement fund
  • 8 weeks Paid Parental Leave
  • Pet Insurance
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Earned Extended Leave
  • Free subscription to Headspace App
  • Time off to vote
  • Employee discounts for electronics, appliances, hotels, gift cards, apparel, cars, fitness memberships, groceries, and at Office Depot, Verizon, AT&T, Dell & more

We also offer:

  • Start date flexability
  • Comprehensive paid training for all health services positions & flexibility with hours per week during training. Training includes classroom, mock clinic, and shadowing shifts.
  • Shift differentials:
    • $1.50/hour (weekend), $3.00/hour (evening), $2.00/hour (Bilingual), and $3.00/hour (ultrasound)
  • Travel reimbursement 
  • Schedules created & sent out 6 weeks in
  • Option of picking up additional shifts, including at other locations other than your “home”

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Registered Nurse – current license in MN, IA, and NE or ability to obtain before start date.
  • One year of RN experience
  • Current BLS (Basic Life Support) Certificate for healthcare providers
  • Experience effectively training and supporting new employees.
  • Working knowledge of technology necessary to perform job function, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint

Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

  • Prepares for and trains newly hired clinical staff, including the positions of Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Medical Assistant (MA), and Health Center Associate II (HCA II) in health center roles in Family Planning and Abortion Care, including Ultrasound.
  • Works with organizational staff and leadership to understand and assess needs and develops appropriate interventions and materials.
  • Designs and develops training materials that can be used to train, mentor and coach staff in performing their job functions.
    • Training materials include a wide variety of learning tools and structures, including but not limited to instructor-led trainings of individual groups, instructional guides, self-learning materials, eLearnings, and conference presentations.
  • Develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates training programs for new services and service expansions that support organizational needs that are aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.
  • Formulates and implements evaluation systems to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and quality of training being provided for clinical support staff
  • Oversees proctoring and privileging for non-clinician staff.
  • Travels to any of the Planned Parenthood location to provide initial and ongoing on the job training and evaluation for staff.
  • Role models, communicates, teaches, and celebrates Planned Parenthood’s In This Together employee engagement and patient experience framework
  • Develops and maintains systems for evaluating the effectiveness of all training efforts across the organization. Formulates and implements evaluation systems to ensure the accuracy, consistency and quality of training being provided.
  • Promotes standardization of evidence-based and/or best clinical practice. Coaches employees and/or works with site leadership to coach employes when they observe practices varying from standard.
  • Supports health center supervisors in the initial and ongoing evaluation of staff, partners to provide development solutions that support high performance.
  • Acts as a resource and support to Health Services teams and employees in the provision of their job functions.
  • Assists and prepares employees to be in alignment with and deliver consistent messages about PPNCS mission, strategic objectives, and values.
  • Works a minimum of two health center shifts at a PPNCS site monthly to maintain job proficiency. Health center shifts are scheduled in partnership with operational and staffing needs, including coverage needs identified through the When I Work scheduling system.
  • Maintains training records as well as checking and tracking competency and privileging forms
  • Coordinates training activities and all relevant information
  • Maintains of all training materials
  • Other administrative duties as needed

Immunization Requirements:

  • Hepatitis B vaccination records and titers
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination records or proof of immunization
  • Chicken Pox vaccination records or proof of immunization
  • Tetanus shot documentation
  • Tuberculosis PPD Skin Test that is no older than 12 months

About Us:

At PPNCS, we believe all people deserve the right, the freedom, and the opportunity to follow their personal ambitions and choose their own path toward a healthier, more meaningful life. That’s why we protect, promote, and provide comprehensive and progressive sexual and reproductive health care for generations of people and families with empathy, care, and respect. We are looking for passionate, dedicated staff who are eager to make positive contributions to their community and to the Planned Parenthood mission. To learn more: Our Mission.

When you work for Planned Parenthood, you make a difference in the lives of those we serve by affirming the human right to reproductive health and freedom. 

 

Planned Parenthood is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, sex, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, age, veteran status, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, size, disability, socioeconomic status, or status regarding public assistance. Planned Parenthood is committed to encouraging and promoting diversity as well as providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Planned Parenthood is dedicated to an equitable and inclusive work environment and encourages all interested candidates to apply regardless of initial skill set.

 

*Any job offer will be contingent upon the results of a background investigation.*

 

This position is included in the SEIU bargaining unit, and depending on state law, requires union dues be deducted from employee paychecks in an amount up to 2.25% of gross pay.