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Dental Hygiene Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Concorde Career Colleges, Inc.

$39.50 - $52/hr

Overview Dental Hygiene Program Director $120-130K (DOE) The Program Director Dental Hygiene is responsible for the overall administration, accreditation, curriculum development, faculty leadership ...

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Dental Hygiene Program Director information

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How much do dental hygiene program director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental hygiene program director in the United States is $42.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.54 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who gets paid more, RN or RDH?

Registered Nurses (RNs) generally earn higher salaries than Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs). RNs typically have more extensive education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, and work in diverse healthcare settings, which often leads to higher compensation. Dental hygienists usually require an associate degree and work primarily in dental offices, with salaries generally lower than those of RNs.

What are some common challenges a Dental Hygiene Program Director faces when balancing administrative duties with supporting faculty and students?

As a Dental Hygiene Program Director, balancing administrative responsibilities—such as accreditation compliance, budgeting, and curriculum development—with active support for faculty and students can be challenging. The role often requires excellent time management and prioritization skills to ensure program goals are met while fostering a positive learning environment. Directors must also stay current with evolving dental hygiene standards, manage clinical partnerships, and address individual student needs, all while leading and mentoring their team. Successful directors cultivate open communication and delegate tasks effectively to maintain program excellence.

What does a Dental Hygiene Program Director do?

A Dental Hygiene Program Director oversees the administration and operations of a dental hygiene academic program, ensuring it meets accreditation standards and provides quality education. They are responsible for curriculum development, faculty management, student recruitment, and program assessment. Additionally, they often serve as a liaison between the institution, industry partners, and accrediting agencies to maintain compliance and promote program excellence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dental Hygiene Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dental Hygiene Program Director, you need advanced knowledge of dental hygiene education, leadership experience, and typically a master's degree in dental hygiene or a related field. Familiarity with accreditation requirements, curriculum development software, and learning management systems is essential. Strong organizational, communication, and mentoring skills help build effective teams and foster student success. These competencies ensure program compliance, academic excellence, and the development of future dental hygiene professionals.

What is the highest paying dental hygienist?

The highest paying dental hygienists typically work in specialized settings such as private practices, outpatient clinics, or hospitals, and may earn higher salaries with advanced certifications or additional responsibilities. Salaries can also vary based on geographic location, experience, and level of education, with some earning over $80,000 annually in high-demand areas.

Why are dental hygienists leaving the field?

Dental hygienists may leave the field due to factors such as high stress levels, physical strain from repetitive motions, limited career advancement opportunities, and burnout. Additionally, changes in work environments, compensation, and work-life balance can influence their decision to leave the profession.

What is the difference between Dental Hygiene Program Director vs Dental Hygiene Instructor?

AspectDental Hygiene Program DirectorDental Hygiene Instructor
CredentialsDental hygiene license, advanced education, possibly a master's degreeDental hygiene license, possibly some teaching experience
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, program oversight, curriculum developmentClassrooms, clinics, hands-on teaching
ResponsibilitiesProgram management, accreditation, faculty coordinationTeaching students, clinical supervision

The Dental Hygiene Program Director focuses on managing and overseeing the entire program, including accreditation and curriculum development. In contrast, the Dental Hygiene Instructor primarily teaches students and supervises clinical practice. Both roles require dental hygiene licensure, but the Program Director typically has additional qualifications and administrative duties.

What is the 20 20 20 rule for dental hygiene?

The 20-20-20 rule in dental hygiene encourages individuals to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes of screen time or activity to reduce eye strain and promote oral health by maintaining regular brushing and flossing routines. For dental hygiene professionals, it emphasizes the importance of consistent oral care practices and patient education on habits that support oral health. This rule helps prevent fatigue and promotes overall well-being in both personal and professional settings.
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What cities are hiring for Dental Hygiene Program Director jobs? Cities with the most Dental Hygiene Program Director job openings:
What states have the most Dental Hygiene Program Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Dental Hygiene Program Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dental Hygiene Program Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dental Hygiene Program Director jobs are:
Dental Hygiene Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dental Hygiene Program Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,963 per year, or $42.3 per hour.
Dental Hygiene Program Director

Dental Hygiene Program Director

Concorde Career Colleges, Inc.

Houston, TX

$110K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Dental Hygiene Program Director


Lead the future of dental hygiene education. 

The Dental Hygiene Program Director provides strategic and operational leadership for Concorde's Dental Hygiene program, ensuring academic excellence, regulatory compliance, and exceptional student outcomes. This leadership role oversees curriculum development, faculty performance, accreditation, clinical partnerships, budgeting, and day-to-day program operations while preparing students for successful careers in dental hygiene. 

If you're an experienced Dental Hygienist or Dentist with a passion for education and leadership, this is an opportunity to shape the next generation of oral healthcare professionals while making a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the communities we serve. 

Benefits You'll Love 

In addition to joining an organization with an outstanding mission, Concorde offers benefits designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth, including: 

  • Salary: $110,000 - $125,000 per year, depending on experience

  • Tuition Waiver for you and your immediate family 

  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage 

  • Generous paid time off 

  • Paid parental leave 

  • 401(k) with Company Match 

  • Pet Insurance 

  • Employee Assistance Program 

  • Professional Development Opportunities 

  • And more! 


What You’ll Do 

Lead the Dental Hygiene Program 

  • Provide overall leadership for the Dental Hygiene program, ensuring academic excellence and operational success.  

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum aligned with CODA standards and industry best practices.  

  • Manage departmental budgets, faculty assignments, scheduling, and program resources.  

  • Monitor program performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.  

  • Align the program with advancements in dental hygiene education and clinical practice. 

Ensure Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance 

  • Maintain compliance with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), state licensing boards, and institutional policies.  

  • Lead accreditation preparation, self-studies, site visits, and regulatory reporting.  

  • Implement assessment plans to support continuous quality improvement.  

  • Maintain advisory committee relationships and required program documentation. 

Lead & Develop Faculty 

  • Recruit, coach, mentor, and evaluate faculty members.  

  • Foster a collaborative, engaged, and high-performing team culture.  

  • Support faculty development and continuous learning.  

  • Recognize and celebrate employee contributions and achievements. 

Support Student Success 

  • Oversee admissions, advising, retention, progression, and graduation.  

  • Promote an exceptional student experience through quality classroom and clinical instruction.  

  • Monitor student progress and address academic concerns and grievances.  

  • Support achievement of completion, licensure, certification, and employment outcomes. 

Build Clinical & Community Partnerships 

  • Develop and maintain relationships with dental practices, clinics, healthcare organizations, and industry partners.  

  • Oversee affiliated clinical education experiences and community service-learning opportunities.  

  • Participate in the local dental community to strengthen the program's reputation and expand student opportunities.  

  • Collaborate with advisory boards and external stakeholders. 

Additional Responsibilities 

  • Perform other duties as assigned


What You'll Bring 

 

Required Education & Experience 

  • Master's degree or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS/DMD) with an educational background.  

  • Degree earned from a CODA-accredited Dental Hygiene or Dental School.  

  • Minimum four (4) years of clinical experience.  

  • Minimum four (4) years of practical work experience in the subject areas taught.  

  • Minimum 2,000 hours of direct patient care as a Registered Dental Hygienist or working alongside Registered Dental Hygienists. 

Required Licensure 

  • Current, unencumbered Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license or Dentist license in the state where instruction occurs. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

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