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Dental Hygiene Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dental Hygiene Program Director

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$106.25 - $143.75/hr

Overview The Program Director Dental Hygiene is responsible for the overall administration, accreditation, curriculum development, faculty leadership, and student success within the Dental Hygiene ...

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Dental Hygiene Program information

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$42

$57

How much do dental hygiene program jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental hygiene program 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.

What is a dental hygiene program?

A Dental Hygiene Program is an educational program designed to prepare students for careers as dental hygienists. These programs typically include both classroom instruction in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and dental science, as well as hands-on clinical training. Graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to perform preventive dental care, educate patients on oral health, and assist dentists in various procedures. Completion of an accredited Dental Hygiene Program is usually required to become licensed and practice as a dental hygienist.

What are some common challenges students face during a dental hygiene program, and how can they be managed?

Students in Dental Hygiene Programs often encounter challenges such as balancing rigorous coursework with clinical practice, adapting to fast-paced learning environments, and mastering precise manual skills. Time management and effective study strategies are essential for staying on top of assignments and clinical requirements. Building supportive relationships with peers and faculty can also help manage stress and foster collaboration, while seeking feedback and practicing regularly will improve clinical competencies.

What else can I do with my dental hygiene program?

A dental hygiene program prepares graduates for roles primarily as licensed dental hygienists, but it also provides skills applicable in dental assisting, public health, education, or research. Additional certifications in areas like local anesthesia or radiography can expand career options, and some hygienists work in specialized settings such as pediatric or periodontal practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a dental hygiene program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Dental Hygiene Program, you need a solid background in biology, anatomy, and dental science, often demonstrated by prerequisite coursework and, eventually, licensure as a dental hygienist. Familiarity with dental radiography equipment, patient management software, and infection control protocols is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach help students excel in clinical settings and patient interactions. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective preventive care, ensuring patient safety, and succeeding both academically and professionally in dental hygiene.

What is the difference between Dental Hygiene Program vs Dental Assistant?

AspectDental Hygiene ProgramDental Assistant
CredentialsRequires an accredited program, licensure or certificationRequires certification or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOperates mainly in dental clinics, providing patient care and educationAssists dentists during procedures, manages patient records
Industry UsagePrepares students for licensure as dental hygienistsSupports dental team in clinical and administrative tasks

The Dental Hygiene Program prepares students for licensure as dental hygienists, focusing on patient care, education, and clinical skills. In contrast, a Dental Assistant supports dentists during procedures and handles administrative duties. Both roles are essential in dental practices but differ in scope, credentials, and responsibilities.

More about Dental Hygiene Program jobs
What cities are hiring for Dental Hygiene Program jobs? Cities with the most Dental Hygiene Program job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dental Hygiene Program jobs? The most popular types of Dental Hygiene Program jobs are:
Infographic showing various Dental Hygiene Program job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% 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

Concorde Career Colleges, Inc.

North Hollywood, CA โ€ข On-site

$39.50 - $52/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Dental Hygiene Program Director

$120-130K (DOE)


The Program Director Dental Hygiene is responsible for the overall administration, accreditation, curriculum development, faculty leadership, and student success within the Dental Hygiene program. This role ensures compliance with accreditation and licensing standards, fosters excellence in teaching and clinical education, and collaborates with faculty, students, and external stakeholders to advance the programโ€™s mission.

In addition to joining an organization with an outstanding mission, Concorde is happy to provide the following Benefits You'll Love - 

  • Tuition Waiver: Enjoy a tuition waiver after 6 months of employment for you AND your immediate family offered at UTI and Concorde campuses
  • Paid Time Off: Competitive paid time off programs for employees (Vacation, Sick, Flexible)
  • Retirement Matching: 50% match on the first 6% of your contributions after 90 days
  • Paid Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby
  • Competitive Insurance: Health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents
  • Pet Insurance: Competitive coverage for your furry family members through ASPCA
  • Health Plan Enrollment: Eligibility starts first of the month following completing one full month of employment

Principal Accountabilities & Deliverables

  • Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Dental Hygiene curriculum.
    • Maintain and track compliance with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards and state regulations
    • Manage program budgets, faculty assignments, and resource allocation
    • Develop and maintain partnerships with dental professionals, clinics, and industry stakeholders
    • Actively participate in the local professional community to raise awareness of program, enhance student opportunity, and build the professional network
  • Oversee student admissions, retention, and academic advising
    • Drive student experience to effectively provide students with quality education, clinical experiences, and preparation for licensure exams
    • Address student concerns, grievances, and academic progress issues
    • Provide support and supervision to meet programmatic and institutional completion, licensure and placement outcomes
  • Maintain program accreditation and prepare for site visits and self-study reports
    • Monitor and maintain compliance with CODA, state licensing boards, advisory committees and institutional policies
    • Implement assessment measures for continuous program improvement
    • Manage program alignment with industry advancements and best practices in dental hygiene
  • Oversee the operation of on-campus or affiliated clinical sites
  • Establish community partnerships for service-learning opportunities
  • Promote outreach initiatives to support public oral health education
  • Maintain effective relationships with clinical partners, advisory boards, and accreditation bodies
  • Participate in the budgeting process and effectively manager resource
  • Establish/maintain a high performance team of professional, motivated and engaged staff utilizing effective training, performance management and career-development activities while leading them to achieve established business results and performance metrics
  • Recognizes and rewards employee contributions and achievements
  • Other duties as assigned

Licenses / Certifications

  • Unencumbered Dental Hygienist license or Dentist license in the state where instruction occurs (required)
  • Active dental hygiene or dental license issued by DBC w/ no disciplinary actions

Education / Experience

  • Master's degree or Dentist with a background in education. (Required) 
  • Dental Hygiene degree must be earned from a CODA-accredited Dental Hygiene or Dental School.
  • Minimum of four (4) years of practical work experience in the subject areas being taught.
  • At least 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience as:
    • A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
  • Demonstrated direct and specialized knowledge in the area(s) of instruction.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of leadership and/or administrative experience.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of teaching experience in a pre-licensure or post-licensure Dental Hygiene or Dental program.

Skills

  • Knowledge of CODA accreditation standards and curriculum development
  • Proficiency in budget management and faculty supervision
  • Expertise in the area of assignment that demonstrates the skills needed to provide instruction
  • Design and deliver engaging educational content, adapting teaching methods to diverse learning styles
  • Build rapport with students, clinical partners, and colleagues, fostering a positive learning environment
  • Flexibility to stay current with industry advancements and incorporate new knowledge into teaching practices
  • Competence in evaluating student performance and providing constructive feedback
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective instruction and interaction with students and colleagues
  • Commitment to ongoing learning and participation in professional growth opportunities

Standard Abilities

  • Able and willing to:
    • Communicate, think, learn, and reason
    • Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasks
    • Safely ambulate and/or maneuver when on-site at Company locations
    • Demonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibility
  • Ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneously
  • Ability to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the position
  • Ability to foster long-term relationships with stakeholders

Work Environment

  • Work is performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment when on site at assigned company location. Employees must be able to safely ambulate when on company premises.
  • This position is designated as On Campus. Work environments may include exposure to student learning environments with a variety of conditions. Employees must be able to follow all safety precautions including the use of personal-protective equipment. Employees must also be able to adhere to site-specific safety procedures.
  • Travel Requirements
    • No travel required