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Hygiene Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Hygiene Instructor information

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$42.5K

$76.1K

$146.5K

How much do hygiene instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for hygiene instructor in the United States is $76,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 20 20 20 rule for dental hygiene?

The 20-20-20 rule in dental hygiene encourages individuals to brush their teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, and to replace their toothbrush every 20 to 30 days. As a hygiene instructor, teaching patients about consistent oral care routines and proper brushing techniques is essential for maintaining oral health.

How much do dental hygienist professors make?

Dental hygiene instructors or professors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education level, and the institution. They often hold a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene or a related field and may need teaching certifications or credentials.

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.

How to become a dental hygiene clinical instructor?

To become a dental hygiene clinical instructor, one typically needs to have a valid dental hygiene license, several years of clinical experience, and a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene or education. Additional certifications in teaching or patient care may enhance prospects, and strong communication and leadership skills are essential for supervising students in clinical settings.

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 are Hygiene Instructors?

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.

Why are dental hygienists leaving the field?

Dental hygienists may leave the field due to factors such as high stress levels, physical demands of the job, limited career advancement opportunities, and burnout. Changes in healthcare policies and compensation issues can also influence job satisfaction and retention in the profession.
More about Hygiene Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Hygiene Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Hygiene Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Hygiene Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Hygiene Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hygiene Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,132 per year, or $36.6 per hour.
Dental Hygiene Instructor-Tenure Track

Dental Hygiene Instructor-Tenure Track

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham, WA • On-site

$74K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Salary: $74,408.00 - $107,187.00 Annually
Location : 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA
Job Type: Full-Time Faculty
Job Number: 2026-00025
Department: Dental Hygiene Program
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Summary:
As a Dental Hygiene Instructor, you'll bring curriculum to life through innovative teaching methods, mentorship, and meaningful student engagement across a variety of learning environments. Join a collaborative team dedicated to excellence, continuous improvement, and advancing the future of dental education.
Salary: $74,408-$107,187
Position Duties & Responsibilities
Position Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Plan, develop and teach Dental Hygiene coursework including didactic, lab and clinical instruction;
  • Provide timely and accurate assessment feedback to students;
  • Monitor and document student performance;
  • Advise program students in course selection and planning;
  • Hold office hours;
  • Participate in program management in coordination with Dean and other faculty, including annual schedules and purchasing of program equipment and supplies;
  • Participate in CODA annual reports and accreditation efforts;
  • Participate in upkeep of supplies inventory and equipment maintenance;
  • Work within College guidelines in purchasing supplies for the Dental Hygiene program
  • Mentor adjunct faculty and work closely with other program staff like Instructional Technicians, and Work-study students;
  • Participate in student recruitment activities;
  • Work with other faculty and staff to create and implement long-term and strategic plans for the department;
  • Work with other college faculty and staff on issues relevant to student success;
  • Effectively use instructional computer applications, including learning management systems (like Canvas);
  • Work with employers to facilitate job and internship opportunities for students;
  • Regularly attend all faculty, division, and department meetings, advisory committee and serve on campus-wide committees;
  • Coordinate with members of the program advisory committee to ensure the program training meets industry needs;
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to Bellingham Technical College's mission;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
This position requires the ability to:
  • Work effectively with diverse students, colleagues, staff and a community who represent a broad spectrum of ages, abilities, ethnicities, and educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds
  • Communicate clearly (verbal and written)
  • Work independently and as a member of a team
  • Analyze and solve problems independently and collaboratively
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to Bellingham Technical College's Mission and contribute to college-wide goals and activities
  • Work independently and on a variable schedule that may include evenings
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Completed a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from an accredited institution.
  • Current, unencumbered Washington State license as a Dental Hygienist, or ability to obtain licensure prior to employment
  • Five or more years of clinical experience as a practicing hygienist and/or experience teaching Dental Hygiene classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical curriculum in a higher education setting
  • Demonstrated ability to teach and/or train individuals with a variety of learning styles and backgrounds
  • Experience with Dental software applications
  • Prior to final hire, a pre-employment background, including criminal history and signed declaration statement as it pertains to sexual misconduct per Washington State Law (RCW 28B.112.080) will be conducted. Employment is contingent on passing the background check and signed declaration per RCW 28b.112.080 satisfactory to the college. Information from the background check and declaration will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. This position has access to children under the age of 18 as part of the State of Washington Running Start Program
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Completed a master's degree in dental education or a related field from an accredited institution.
  • Experience in a leadership role
  • Demonstrated experience with designing training, organizing instructional content, or using technology to support learning

Supplemental Information
Compensation, Work Schedule and Benefits:
Salary $74,408-$107,187 based on a 173-day annual contract
Final placement is determined according to the current negotiated CBA and based on an evaluation of education and work and/or teaching experience.
  • Additional optional compensation may be paid above the 173-day contract rate subject to terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
  • Additional summer contract and compensation would be paid for summer quarter if program is in session and an assignment is available.
  • Additional compensation includes up to $4,000 for doctoral stipend
  • Access to professional development pool

This is not guaranteed year to year and is subject to legislation and Collective Bargaining. The work schedule will vary based on student and college needs. Some evening hours are expected. This is not a remote position. On campus teaching and presence are required.
Benefits:
This position will receive prorated leave based on the BEA CBA:
  • Receive 90 hours of frontloaded sick leave per academic year (based on 7.5 hours per month)
  • 2 non-cumulative personal leave days per academic year
  • 3 non-cumulative family illness days per academic year

Benefits also include a Washington State insurance package including selecting one of:
  • 6 medical options
  • 3 dental plan options
  • 3 vision plan options

Include:
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability

Retirement benefits package including one of:
  • Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 3
  • SBCTC Retirement 403(b)

Two voluntary investment (not matched) programs
  • TIAA (403b)
  • State Deferred Compensation (457) plan

Additional optional benefits include ability to participate in:
  • Medical Flexible Spending plan
  • Limited Purpose Flexible Spending plan
  • Health Savings Account
  • Dependent Care Assistance
  • Discounts for automobile and homeowner insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Up to 21 days of military leave
  • Up to 5 days of paid bereavement leave
  • Paid civil/jury duty
  • Bereavement leave
  • Ability to participate in a shared leave program

Bargaining Unit:
  • The position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Bellingham Educational Association (BEA) Benefits are subject to the CBA.

Application Procedures and Deadline:
Required application materials must be completed and submitted online at www.btc.edu/jobs and received by 5 p.m. on 06/29/2026 for priority consideration. Application materials received after this date and time may be considered until the position is filled.
More information about Bellingham Technical College is at www.btc.edu or contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 752-8354. At this time, BTC is not sponsoring H-1B Visas.
Required Online Application Materials:
(Attachments in Word or PDF file only)
  • Complete the BTC online application
  • Resume
  • Complete all supplemental questions
  • Official transcripts of any degrees listed and copies of licenses will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for July 16th with 2nd interviews occurring the week of July 27th after reference checks. Candidates selected for interviews will provide a 10-minute teaching demonstration on the topic of "Clinician Ergonomics and Instrument Placement in Dental Hygiene Practice".
Estimated Start Date: September 16, 2026, for Fall Quarter
The application package and all materials submitted with it become the property of the college and will not be returned or considered for additional or future openings.
Mission: Bellingham Technical College provides student-centered, high-quality professional technical education for today's needs and tomorrow's opportunities.
Employment Eligibility Verification: Bellingham Technical College employs only United States citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the Department of Homeland Security.
Bellingham Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, pregnancy, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its programs, activities, and services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies/Section 504: Allison Mack, Director for Human Resources, 360.752.8354, or . For Title IX compliance, contact: Michele Waltz, Vice President of Student Services, 360.752.8440, or . Mailing address: 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225. BTC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Accessibility Resources office at 360.752.8576.
Bellingham Technical College offers a comprehensive benefits package including leave, retirement, medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance as well as flexible spending accounts and tuition waiver.
Please see specific posting for benefits associated with the position.
01
Have you completed a bachelor's degree or higher in dental hygiene from an accredited institution?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a current unencumbered Washington State license as a Dental Hygienist, or ability to obtain licensure prior to employment?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have five or more years of clinical experience as a practicing hygienist and/or experience teaching Dental Hygiene classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical curriculum in a higher education setting?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Briefly describe your experience that demonstrates an ability to teach and/or train individuals with a variety of learning styles and backgrounds.
05
Briefly describe your experience with dental software applications. Which systems have you used, and how have you used them in your clinical or professional work?
06
In what ways have you demonstrated leadership in your professional experience? Please share examples and how those experiences would inform your work as faculty.
07
Describe any experience you have designing training, organizing instructional content, or using technology to support learning. What approaches or tools have you used?
08
It is recommended you print off and review the position announcement and application process requirements prior to final submittal of your application. Be sure work history and education fields of the online application are complete and required materials are attached. If your application is not complete, and required documents are not attached, it will not be considered for further screening. Required attachment includes a resume in Word or PDF file only.
  • Acknowledgement

Required Question