Unlicensed Dental Assistant Instructor

Summary/Purpose

The Unlicensed Dental Assistant Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction and hands-on training to students enrolled in the Unlicensed Dental Assistant (UDA) program. This role focuses on teaching, instruction, and student development, ensuring learners gain the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required for entry-level dental assisting roles. The instructor meets the needs of diverse students, enables productivity through effective instructional practices, and aligns teaching activities with Summit Academy OIC’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Instruction & Teaching
• Deliver classroom and clinical instruction for the Unlicensed Dental Assistant curriculum, including dental terminology, chairside assisting, infection control, dental materials, radiography concepts, and patient care fundamentals.
• Prepare and implement lesson plans, learning activities, and assessments that align with curriculum standards, industry expectations, and student learning outcomes.
• Provide hands-on demonstrations and supervised practice using dental office and laboratory equipment to reinforce learning.
• Adapt instructional methods to meet the learning styles, academic levels, and needs of adult learners.
• Evaluate student performance through practical skills assessments, written exams, and observation; provide timely feedback and coaching to support student success.
• Maintain a structured, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that promotes professionalism, safety, and engagement.

• Student Support & Development
• Support students in developing employability skills such as professionalism, communication, teamwork, time management, and ethical behavior.
• Monitor student attendance, participation, and progress; document outcomes and intervene early when academic or behavioral concerns arise.
• Mentor students and provide guidance related to career pathways, workplace expectations, and successful transition into employment.

• Program & Curriculum Support
• Participate in curriculum development, review, and continuous improvement to ensure relevance, compliance, and alignment with workforce needs.
• Ensure instructional content reflects current dental assisting practices, infection control standards, and regulatory requirements for unlicensed dental assistants.
• Collaborate with healthcare staff, administrators, and employer partners to support program effectiveness and student outcomes.

• Compliance, Safety & Learning Environment
• Instruct and enforce proper infection control procedures, OSHA standards, and safety protocols within the classroom, lab, and simulated dental environments.
• Ensure proper use, care, and maintenance of dental instruments, equipment, and supplies used for instructional purposes.
• Model professional dental office standards, including patient confidentiality and ethical conduct.

• Administrative Responsibilities
• Maintain accurate student records, grades, attendance, and required documentation in learning management and student information systems.
• Prepare reports and participate in meetings related to student progress, accreditation, and program performance.

• Knowledge, skills, & abilities
• Knowledge of dental assisting principles, chairside procedures, dental anatomy, infection control, and clinical workflows.
• Ability to teach and demonstrate dental assisting skills in both classroom and lab settings.
• Strong instructional, facilitation, and classroom management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse adult learners and support equitable student outcomes.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail in instructional planning and documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an educational and healthcare-focused team.

Supervisory responsibility

This position has no direct reports.

Work environment

This position operates in a classroom, dental lab, and simulated dental office environment. The role routinely uses dental office and laboratory equipment, including dental chairs, operatory tools, sterilization equipment, radiography simulators, personal protective equipment (PPE), and instructional technology, as well as standard office equipment such as computers and phones.

• Physical demands
• Stand for extended periods while teaching and supervising students in lab and clinical simulations.
• Demonstrate dental assisting procedures, including bending, reaching, and positioning around dental chairs and equipment.
• Lift, move, and set up dental instruments, supplies, and equipment (up to approximately 25 pounds).
• Use fine motor skills for handling dental instruments and materials.
• Visually inspect procedures, instruments, and student performance.

Position type & expected hours of work

• This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• It is not eligible for overtime pay.
• Expected hours of the position are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours work may be required to meet the expectations of the position.
• Position is required to work on site.

TRAVEL

This position requires limited travel. Less than 5% each year.

• Required education & experience
• Associate’s Degree
• Valid and current Minnesota State Board of Dentistry Dental Assistant License
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in a dental setting as a Dental Assistant or similar role
• CPR & BLS Certification
• Strong knowledge of infection control, aseptic techniques, and dental office procedures.
• Continuing Education and participation in continuing education courses to maintain licensure and stay updated on best practices and new technologies in dental care.

• Preferred education & experience
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Teaching, training, or instructional experience
• Dental radiography/X-ray certification

Other duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO

It is the policy of Summit Academy OIC to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Summit Academy OIC will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

• Our paid time off (PTO) policy, which begins accruing at 10 hours per month;
• 11 annual paid holidays in addition to 2 annual scheduled, paid mental health days;
• Eligibility to elect comprehensive health, vision, dental, and voluntary life insurance;
• Employer-sponsored life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance;
• Eligibility to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match, effective day one;
• Eligibility for an annual bonus based on organizational and employee performance