Clinical Instructor of Dental Hygiene

South Dakota Board of Regents; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Dakota Board of Regents seeks a Clinical Instructor of Dental Hygiene for a full-time, 12-month position based in Sioux Falls, SD. The role blends teaching, clinical supervision, and direct patient care in a community health setting with Falls Community Health Dental Clinic.

The candidate will supervise students, deliver patient care, maintain licensure, and ensure CODA compliance while collaborating with community partners to expand regional oral health access.

Qualifications

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Commitment to community engagement and service.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Clinical supervision

Educational mentoring

Education

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

CODA-accredited Dental Hygiene program

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants should submit:

• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Contact information for three professional references
• Copies of professional licenses and certifications (upon request)

The University of South Dakota is committed to creating a welcoming learning and working environment that supports excellence, collaboration, and service to the people of South Dakota.

Logo

Institution

Institution The University of South Dakota

Working Title

Working Title Clinical Instructor of Dental Hygiene

Posting Number

Posting Number F01915P

Department

Physical Location of Position (City)

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.

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.

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.
• 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 working in community or public health settings.
• Knowledge of CODA accreditation standards and outcomes assessment.

Work Schedule

This 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

Posting Date 08/19/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date

First Consideration Date 09/20/2026

Advertised Salary

Advertised Salary commensurate with education and experience, plus State of SD benefits package

Duration of the Term

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent

Appointment Percent 100

Tenure Status

Tenure Status Term

Proposed Rank

Proposed Rank Instructor

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

Scope of Search

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.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Protective Clothing, Surgical Mask

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting light, Repetitive Motion, Use Both Hands, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating), Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Driving, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Walking, Climbing Stairs, Reaching, Squatting, Stretching

Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses), Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Biohazard, Chemical Hazards, Exposure to Infectious Diseases, Radiation, Vibrations, Vaccination recommended due to potential occupational exposure, Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete, Exposure or Potential Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids, Exposure to Noise, Work in narrow aisles/passageways

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts
• Other
• Reference List

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affinity to ensure all employment practices are free of discrimination. In addition, the Board of Regents fully supports incorporation of non-discrimination and Affinity rules and regulations into all of its employment practices. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.

Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.

South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3455