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Hygiene Instructor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Hygiene Instructor information

See Tennessee salary details

$38.6K

$69.1K

$133K

How much do hygiene instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for hygiene instructor in Tennessee is $69,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $72,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hygiene Instructor vs Dental Assistant?

AspectHygiene InstructorDental Assistant
CertificationsDental Hygiene License, Teaching Certification (if applicable)Dental Assistant Certification or CDA
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, dental schools, training programsDental clinics, offices, laboratories
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, dental schoolsDental practices, clinics
Primary FocusTeaching dental hygiene techniques and theoryAssisting dentists, patient care, chairside support

While both roles involve dental health, a Hygiene Instructor primarily educates students or professionals about dental hygiene practices, whereas a Dental Assistant supports dental procedures directly in clinical settings. The Hygiene Instructor focuses on teaching and curriculum development, often requiring teaching credentials, while the Dental Assistant works hands-on with patients and dental teams.

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

To thrive as a Hygiene Instructor, you typically need a background in health education, knowledge of hygiene best practices, and relevant certifications such as Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or similar. Familiarity with instructional tools, educational software, and standard safety protocols is important for effective teaching. Excellent communication, patience, and motivational skills help engage learners and foster positive behavioral change. These skills ensure that students understand and adopt proper hygiene practices, which is critical for public health and safety.

What is a hygiene instructor?

Hygiene Instructors are professionals who teach individuals or groups about proper hygiene practices to promote health and prevent the spread of diseases. They may work in schools, healthcare facilities, community centers, or businesses to educate people on topics such as handwashing, personal cleanliness, and sanitation. Their responsibilities often include developing educational materials, conducting workshops, and assessing the effectiveness of hygiene programs. By raising awareness and providing practical guidance, Hygiene Instructors play a vital role in public health and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by hygiene instructors when training diverse groups, and how can they be addressed?

Hygiene Instructors often work with groups that have varying levels of background knowledge, cultural perspectives, and language abilities, which can make it challenging to ensure everyone fully understands and applies best hygiene practices. To address this, instructors typically use a variety of teaching methods—such as demonstrations, visual aids, and interactive activities—to engage all learners. They also adapt their communication style and provide additional support or resources as needed, fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment.
What job categories do people searching Hygiene Instructor jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Hygiene Instructor jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Hygiene Instructor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,099 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor - Dental Hygiene

University of Tennessee

Memphis, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Part-Time Non-Tenure Adjunct Instructor

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the Department of Dental Hygiene is seeking a part-time non-tenure Adjunct Instructor.

Responsibilities
  • Provide instruction in clinical, didactic, laboratory settings, or specialty rotations in accordance with curriculum and program standards.
  • Evaluate and assess student performance through clinical evaluations, and various assessments.
  • Guide and support students through mentoring
  • Participate in departmental meetings, engage in faculty development initiatives
  • Participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education to stay up to date with advancements in the dental hygiene field.
  • Keep current with relevant literature to inform and integrate research into teaching and clinical practice.
  • Participate in student remediation as needed to support competency attainment.
  • Adhere to all institutional, programmatic, and clinic policies, including HIPAA and OSHA standards.
  • Model professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective communication.
  • Participate in required program meetings, calibration sessions, and faculty training.
  • Maintain current knowledge of best practices in dental hygiene education and patient care.
Qualifications

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene from a Commission of Dental Accreditations (CODA) or a Dental Hygiene program is required.

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of clinical practice experience as a Dental Hygienist. Familiarity with accreditation standards (CODA). Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills. Demonstrated commitment to student success and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Excellent computer skills and familiarity with technology to support effective teaching.

LICENSES: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Current and unrestricted Dental Hygiene license in the State of Tennessee. Certified in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration in the State of Tennessee

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES: Prior teaching or instructional experience in Dental Hygiene.