Clinical Instructor of Dental Hygiene

Posting Text

The University of South Dakota Department of Dental Hygiene invites applications for a full-time (12-month, 100%) Clinical Faculty position based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This position is part of an innovative partnership between the University of South Dakota and Falls Community Health Dental Clinic that combines academic instruction, clinical supervision, and direct patient care in a community health setting.

The successful candidate will supervise dental hygiene students during clinical education experiences, and deliver direct patient care during designated clinic sessions. This faculty member will play an integral role in preparing future dental hygienists while advancing access to quality oral healthcare throughout the region.
Essential Responsibilities

Teaching & Clinical Education

• Supervise dental hygiene students in the clinical setting while ensuring patient safety and high-quality care.
• Provide instruction, mentoring, and evaluation of student clinical performance.
• Facilitate student competency assessments and clinical skill development.
• Participate in faculty calibration, curriculum development, program assessment, and accreditation activities.
• Ensure compliance with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards, South Dakota Board of Dentistry regulations, and University policies.
• Collaborate with Falls Community Health Dental Clinic staff to coordinate student schedules and clinical learning experiences.

Clinical Practice

• Provide direct preventive dental hygiene services within the scope of South Dakota licensure during designated clinical practice periods.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation utilizing the clinic’s electronic health record.
• Collaborate with dentists, dental hygienists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Support quality improvement, infection prevention, and patient-centered care initiatives.

Faculty Service & Professional Engagement

• Participate in department, university, and community service activities.
• Maintain professional licensure, certifications, and clinical competency.
• Engage in professional development appropriate to faculty rank.
• Demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and service.
• Displays initiative and willingness to contribute to continuous improvement of clinical education and patient care.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited Dental Hygiene program.
• Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH).
• Current South Dakota dental hygiene license or eligibility for South Dakota licensure.
• South Dakota certification to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation, or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
• In good standing with the South Dakota Board of Dentistry.
• Demonstrated commitment to community engagement and service.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, healthcare providers, and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MSDH) or a closely related field, or current enrollment in a graduate degree program.
• Three or more years of clinical dental hygiene experience.
• Previous preclinical and/or clinical teaching experience in a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
• Experience providing care in public health, federally qualified health center, or other community setting.
• Knowledge of CODA accreditation standards and outcomes assessment.

Work ScheduleThis is a full-time, 12-month faculty position. Clinical education activities are generally scheduled Tuesday through Thursday during the academic year. The faculty member will also provide direct patient care at Falls Community Health Dental Clinic during designated clinic sessions, anticipated to average approximately one and one-half days per week (Mondays, Fridays). This position offers a unique opportunity to combine teaching, clinical practice, and community service through a partnership between the University of South Dakota and Falls Community Health Dental Clinic. Faculty maintain an active clinical role while educating future dental hygienists, expanding access to care, and strengthening South Dakota’s oral health workforce.

The University of South Dakota is committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence, collaboration, innovation, and service.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Date 08/19/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 09/20/2026 Advertised Salary commensurate with education and experience, plus State of SD benefits package Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Tenure Status Term Proposed Rank Instructor Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search Department Description and Cultural Expectations Enrolling over 2,100 students, the USD School of Health Sciences is the only comprehensive School of Health Sciences in the state and is a leader in interprofessional education. The School of Health Sciences is home for eleven graduate degree majors, six undergraduate degree majors, four minors, and five certificate programs. The majors include Addiction Counseling and Prevention, Dental Hygiene, Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Public Health, and Social Work. In addition, the SHS is home for two centers the Center for Prevention of Child Maltreatment and the Interprofessional Health Education Center. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.