Dental Assisting Instructor and Program Director

Salary : $57,313.00 - $128,459.00 Annually
Location : NACC - 138 Alabama Highway 35, Rainsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 08881
College/Division: NACC-201060-Dental Hygienist
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 11/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Campus Location: Northeast Alabama Community College

Position Summary

Note about Applying: Please check the application requirements at the end of this announcement. When applying, applicants will be required to submit a resume and transcript(s) via the NEOED system, but there are other documents that are also required as part of this job application. Those can be added by selecting "Add Supplemental Attachment" on the attachments screen of your online application.

Once the position has been filled, each applicant will be notified by email. This process can take several weeks to complete after the application deadline.

Salary Placement and Work Hours: This is a 12-month, full-time position. Placement will be on the D1 Salary Schedule with a range of $57,313-$128,459, dependent on verifiable and applicable work experience and education. A possible supplement may be available at the President's discretion. Placement is determined by the President and Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees Policy and salary schedule guidelines. The work week is Monday through Friday. Hours worked will be a minimum of 35 per week.

Supervisory Responsibility: Yes

Start Date: January 4, 2027 (preferred, but negotiable with President)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions*: The Dental Assisting Instructor and Program Director teaches in the dental assisting program and provides overall direction, coordination, planning, organization, evaluation, and administration of the program. The employee must teach dental assisting courses; advise students; sponsor student organizations as assigned; participate in college and departmental committee work; submit required reports on attendance and grades; and assist in registration. This position is under direct supervision of the Dean of Healthcare Programs and must comply with all policies of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, the Alabama Community College System, and Northeast Alabama Community College.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities of this position include the following:

1. The program director must be responsible for
   1. the structure and daily operation of the program;
   2. the organization; administration; periodic review and evaluation; continued development; and effectiveness of program curricula;
   3. record-keeping, data collection, self-study compilation, and other tasks necessary for acquiring and maintaining program accreditation;
   4. coordinating activities with affiliated clinical agencies, including student rotations, affiliation agreements evaluation, and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with agency personnel;
   5. submission of class schedules each semester per the deadline indicated by the Dean of Healthcare Programs;
   6. direct supervision of program faculty and staff, including part-time and full-time personnel;
   7. assisting human resources with recruitment of program faculty and staff;
   8. submitting annual budgets for the program and responsibly managing the funding dedicated to the program as approved by the President; and
   9. following institutional policies for requesting purchases necessary for the program.
2. Organize, instruct, and supervise students in both the classroom and lab settings as assigned
3. Prepare course syllabi and learning outcomes in conjunction with departmental guidelines
4. Participate in the selection of texts and teaching materials
5. Serve as academic advisor for students as assigned, including utilizing advising software and following College advising procedures and processes
6. Participate in all student registration periods and work closely with students to adjust schedules per the College drop/add process
7. Assist students in attaining relevant certifications
8. Maintain appropriate work hours as outlined in State and College policies
9. Participate in the College's planning process
10. Serve on institutional committees
11. Be willing to attend professional training as required by program needs or requirements or as requested by the Dean of Healthcare Programs or the President
12. Adhere to all policies and procedures set forth by the College
13. Maintain currency of professional knowledge and skills through professional development and continuing education
14. Recruit students for the program and College at large
15. Teach day and evening classes, on and/or off-campus, and distance education courses, if needed, including industry training courses
16. Have knowledge of and commitment to the philosophy and objectives of Northeast Alabama Community College
17. Represent the College and its philosophy to prospective students and to others in the community
18. Collect and maintain performance data for reporting purposes
19. Maintain a safe, secure, and sanitary classroom and lab environment
20. Comply with all policies of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, the Alabama Community College System, and Northeast Alabama Community College
21. Complete other duties as assigned by the Dean of Healthcare Programs and/or President

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Effective oral and written communication skills
2. Ability to present instructional material in an understandable manner
3. Ability to deal with students from a variety of backgrounds
4. Knowledge of subject matter and latest advances in subject (s) taught
5. Understanding of the mission and goals of Northeast Alabama Community College and the Alabama Community College System
6. Knowledge of established policies and procedures of the college

Minimum Required Education, Training, and/or Experience:

• Education: A minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. The degree may be obtained within six months of hire.
• Certification: Must hold a current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential or obtain CDA certification within six months of hire, as required for the position in Alabama.
• Registered Dental Hygienists: If a Registered Dental Hygienist, you must also obtain the DANB CDA credential within six months of hire.
• Occupational Experience: Must have occupational experience applying the principles of four-handed dentistry, either through employment as a dental assistant or through experience working alongside a chairside dental assistant.
• Educational Preparation: Must have completed instruction in educational theory and methodology, including curriculum development, educational psychology, test construction, measurement, and evaluation.

Preferred Profile
Ideally, this employee will possess a strong background in dental assisting or a related dental profession, with demonstrated experience in dental education, clinical instruction, or workforce training. Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• A master's degree in education, health professions education, or a related field.
• Experience teaching, mentoring, or supervising dental assisting students or other healthcare professionals.
• Experience in curriculum development, instructional planning, student assessment, and program evaluation.
• Strong clinical knowledge and proficiency in four-handed dentistry, dental radiography, infection prevention and control, dental materials, and chairside assisting procedures.
• Familiarity with dental assisting program accreditation standards, including Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requirements, and applicable state regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to student achievement, clinical competency, and continuous program improvement.

Application Procedures/Additional Information
IMPORTANT!!! - Read all of the following information very carefully before you submit an application. Do not submit an application until you have all required application materials uploaded to NEOED. Do not send transcripts or letters of recommendation to the NACC Human Resources or Registrar's Offices. These must be uploaded by the applicant as part of his or her application. To have a complete application, applicants must complete the online application form and submit the following documents on the "Attachments" screen of the online application. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the requirements are met.

THERE ARE SEVEN REQUIREMENTS
1.A completed online application form2.A current résumé that confirms skills, knowledge, abilities, and education as required (outlined in the job announcement)3.A separate transcript from each College attended (This means all of them, even if the credit shows on another transcript and even if it is from a community, junior, or technical college)

4.Three signed letters of recommendation that (a) confirm experience and (b) are dated within one year of the application deadline. (c) One must be from the applicant's current or former supervisor, employer, or college instructor. (d) Each must have an actual signature or electronic signature. Typed signatures and typed cursive fonts are NOT accepted.

5.Proof of a Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential or a letter attesting to when you will obtain the credential

6.A letter to President David Campbell explaining your experience and preparation, which addresses the following components:

• Occupational Experience in four-handed dentistry, either through employment as a dental assistant or through experience working alongside a chairside dental assistant.
• Educational Preparation: A list of the instruction you have received in educational theory and methodology, including curriculum development, educational psychology, test construction, measurement, and evaluation.

7.A position paper of 500-1000 words to explain why you would like to teach dental assisting at the community college level.

YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS AS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND MEET THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS OF THE JOB TO BE CONSIDERED.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS:
All applications must be submitted through the NEOED system. Click on the green "Apply" button at the top of this announcement to create or access your NEOED account. All application materials must be uploaded by the applicant to his or her account, including transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, etc., according to what is listed in the application requirements section by the application deadline. Do not submit an application until you have all required application materials uploaded. Applications are only accepted through the NEOED System. If you have questions, contact the Human Resources Office at 256.228.6001, ext. 2230. Technical questions about the NEOED website, account creation, and/or uploading or completing application materials should be directed to the NEOED helpline at 855-524-5627.A scanner and computer are available on campus for applicants who need to upload documents to the online application system. This service is free of charge and is available during normal operating hours of the TLC and Library. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Ms. Judith Lea in the Technology Learning Center (256.228.6001, ext. 2309) or Dr. Julia Everett (256.228.6001, ext. 2226) in the Library.Applications for the position will be reviewed to determine (1) if they are complete and (2) if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications required of the position. Interviews are then scheduled at the President's discretion and will be conducted in person or through a web-interface such as Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams. Applicants will be required to participate in an interview at their own expense. Official transcripts will be required of the finalist chosen for employment by the President.