Assistant Professor Dental Auxiliary, Tenure Track

Assistant Professor Dental Auxiliary, Tenure Track

Department: Dental Auxiliary
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

GRCC is seeking faculty who possess an interest in working with diverse student populations from wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin and ability; engage in and develop innovative teaching strategies; effectively assess student learning outcomes; demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and provide service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work, as well as work associated with the School of Health Sciences and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communications skills, collaborate effectively, and use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with both the letter and the spirit of GRCC values.

GRCC has an excellent benefits program and the Faculty Association contract provides opportunities to earn additional compensation.

GRCC is seeking faculty who possess an interest in working with diverse student populations from wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin and ability; engage in and develop innovative teaching strategies; effectively assess student learning outcomes; demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and provide service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work, as well as work associated with the School of Health Sciences and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communications skills, collaborate effectively, and use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with both the letter and the spirit of GRCC values.

GRCC has an excellent benefits program and the Faculty Association contract provides opportunities to earn additional compensation.

Requisition ID: 1071
Position Number: 00001142
Employee Group: Faculty Association
Schedule: 42 Weeks (37 Contract Hours spread over Fall, Winter and Summer Semesters)
Compensation: Bachelor's Degree $71,124 - $79,019 or Master's Degree $76,935 - $85,475. Final offers will be based on full-time college-level teaching and/or industry experience.
Benefits: Full-time
Reports to: Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences
Posting Opens: 02/10/2026
Posting Closes: 03/12/2026

• Teach community dental hygiene courses and other dental hygiene courses, both lab and didactic, as needed.
• Serve as community-based dentistry liaison, which includes oversight of community-based oral health projects, coordinating student supplemental enrichment rotations and organizes community dental events.
• Establish and maintain master affiliation agreements with community dental partners
• Oversee student rotations at supplemental community dental sites
• Establish and maintain interprofessional experiences with internal and external partners.
• Comply with, contribute to, and coordinate infection control policies and procedures for all associated labs and clinics.
• Integrate instruction on clinical dental hygiene and the provision of oral health care services for patients with special needs and in the context of community dental/oral health, including management of patients with bloodborne infectious diseases.
• Align practices with all clinical faculty through coordination and calibration to ensure consistent standards and instructional practices within dental auxiliaries clinical courses.
• Work with tenured faculty and assigned mentor(s) to ensure consistent standards and instructional practices are embedded within each course.
• Effectively assess, document, and advise students regarding their academic and clinical performance.
• Demonstrate a commitment to a learning-centered environment in the classroom.
• Incorporate new technologies and methods for enhanced teaching and learning into instructional methods.
• Engage in on-going professional development to maintain expertise in the field and communicate outcomes with faculty and administration.
• Maintain licensure and professional membership related to profession.
• Advise students on curriculum, academic programs, and employment and career goals.
• Participate in departmental student advising plans.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of students from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of abilities.
• Provide instruction that encompasses the full scope of dental hygiene science content, including oral health education, preventive counseling, health promotion, patient management, and the legal and ethical aspects of practice.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the program and the college by participating in academic program review; curriculum development, evaluation and revision; committee membership; department and advisory committee meetings.
• Collect and analyze program, course, and student outcome data.
• Communicate clearly with students, staff, faculty and administration.
• Assist the Program Director in the preparation of reports and other required documents.
• Contribute to program accreditation processes and reports as determined by the Program Director.
• Assist in marketing and promotion of departmental and college programs and events.
• Promote the department by creating partnerships with state and local communities, health care facilities, and schools.
• Adhere to college processes, policies, and contractual obligations.
• Support the College's Strategic Plan through departmental and college action projects as appropriate.
• Support the department and the college through other work normally expected of GRCC faculty members.
• May serve as community-based dentistry liaison, which includes oversight of community-based oral health projects, coordinating student supplemental enrichment rotations and organizes community dental events.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in health or education related field required.
• Master's Degree in health or education related field preferred.
• Must possess a current, unencumbered Michigan registered dental hygiene license, or be able to obtain one prior to the start date.
• Certified in Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Sedation in the State of Michigan or be able to obtain one prior to the start date.
• Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or be able to obtain prior to the start date.

Work Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical dental hygiene experience, required.
• Minimum two (2) years college teaching experience or experience teaching adult learners, required.
• Experience in dental hygiene curriculum design and utilization of educational technology, preferred.

Skills

• Ability to effectively use data
• Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of people.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.
• Proven ability to provide excellent customer service to students and staff in an academic setting.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations.
• Adhere to the American Dental Hygienists' Associations code of ethics.
• Adhere to safety regulations, maintain confidentiality, and use sound judgment in regards to safety of self and others.

Physical Demands
Demonstrate, assist and/or support students with:

• Physical Strength - transferring patients to or from a wheelchair to a dental chair. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Mobility -be able to stand, lift, reach, bend, and stretch, provide support and stability. Sufficient independent mobility within the architectural environment is necessary, including the ability to maneuver in restricted spaces. Move quickly in an emergency.
• Hearing - hear faint sounds from a distance of 4 feet-approximately the distance between a patient seated in a dental chair and a person in a standing position next to the dental chair. Hear sounds such as those emitted by a stethoscope while taking a blood pressure.
• Visual Discrimination - sufficient vision to differentiate movements, read markings on instruments and measuring devices.
• Coordination - Sufficient motor skills, eye-hand coordination skills, manipulative skills, and sensory function in both extremities to perform dental hygiene skills.
• Manual Dexterity - sufficient fine motor skills to manipulative objects and people safely. Add physical demands here (must be demonstrated in an essential function).

Mental Demands

• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility.
• Exercise good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.
• Must be punctual and dependable.
• Possess an understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.
• Possess an interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin and ability.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website .
• Travel to off-campus sites will be required.
• Must be able to work in a classroom, clinic and laboratory in an academic setting.
• Ability to work in high traffic, indoor environments.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings.

BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership .
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities .
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options , including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at . Submit a cover letter resume, and unofficial transcripts for full consideration. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

HIRING PROCESS

GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.

To apply, visit