Term Assistant or Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene

Position Description

Term Assistant or Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), School of Preventative and Therapeutic Sciences seeks an innovative, energetic individual who will work in a collaborative teaching environment in the delivery of courses in the UAA Dental Hygiene program. The faculty member appointed to this position will provide advising to prospective and current Dental Hygiene students as well as didactic and clinical education to students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program. The faculty member will contribute to the structure and daily operation of the program and clinic, including organization, administration, periodic review and evaluation, continued development, and general effectiveness of program curricula. The College of Health at the University of Alaska Anchorage invites applications for a dedicated and skilled Dental Hygiene Faculty member to help prepare future dental hygiene professionals through high-quality instruction, clinical training, and student mentorship. The successful candidate will deliver engaging instruction across classroom, laboratory, clinical, and online settings, supporting student development in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains while teaching entry-level dental hygiene competencies using diverse, evidence-based instructional methods. This role requires the application of educational theory and best practices in curriculum development, student evaluation, and outcomes assessment, along with maintaining strong clinical dental hygiene skills and competence with current technologies and evidence-based practices. The faculty member will actively participate in a highly collaborative team environment, contributing to program calibration, shared responsibilities, and constructive conflict resolution, as well as supporting student and program assessment processes for continuous improvement. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of contemporary dental hygiene curriculum content with expertise in assigned subject areas, the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to working professionally with diverse populations, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Proficiency in computer applications, including learning management systems such as Blackboard, dental software, and Microsoft Office tools, is required. A strong commitment to the mission and values of the College of Health and the University of Alaska Anchorage, with an emphasis on student success, academic excellence, and community impact, is essential. To thrive in this role, the successful candidate should demonstrate: Strong instructional skills to effectively teach Dental Hygiene (DH) courses, adapting to both classroom and laboratory settings. A collaborative mindset to contribute to a supportive academic environment, and work effectively with colleagues, students, and community partners. A commitment to student success, fostering engagement and supporting learners in achieving their academic and professional goals. Bachelor's degree or higher in dental hygiene or a related field (required by time of hire). Current Alaska Dental Hygiene License or Dental License (required by time of hire). Current Alaska certification in Local Anesthesia (or Dental License) by time of hire. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or equivalent by time of hire.