Dental Assistant Instructor (Part-time)

Pima Medical Institute Current Openings; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP: Company Shares (required to work

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Pima Medical Institute in Chula Vista is seeking a part-time Dental Assistant Instructor to guide and mentor students, delivering daytime lectures and hands-on labs. This temporary role offers schedule stability while enabling share of clinical expertise with the next generation of dental assistants.

The position requires California certifications (CDA/RDA or licensed dentist) and 2+ years of dental assisting experience, plus an educational methodology requirement or teaching credential.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant program recognized by U.S. authorities or 3 years of relevant training/experience.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of occupational (practical) experience in Dental Assisting.
• Clinical: Proficiency in four‑handed/six‑handed dentistry principles.
• Regulatory: Awareness of California state requirements for dental assisting programs.
• Certifications: CDA/RDA or licensed dentist; current California Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit & Fissure Sealants.
• Education methodology: 30+ hours teaching method course or designated teaching credential.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and teach dental assisting students during daytime lectures and labs using hands‑on techniques.
• Provide one‑on‑one guidance and clinical grading to help students master skills.
• Enforce OSHA, sanitation, safety, and security standards in labs and classrooms.
• Coordinate externships and help place students at local clinical sites.
• Collaborate with the campus Program Director and faculty to ensure curriculum alignment.

Education

Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant program or equivalent (3 years related training/experience)

Two years of occupational dental assisting experience

Clinical didactic and hands-on dentistry principles

Job description

• On-site
• Faculty West
• Part-Time
• Requisition #: DENTA008196

Description

Dental Assistant Instructor (Part-time)

Type: Part-time (25 hours a week, Monday to Friday)

Compensation: $24.96 – $29.96 per hour

Position Summary

Are you a skilled Dental Assistant looking to add a rewarding instructional role to your professional toolkit? Pima Medical Institute is seeking a passionate professional to join our Chula Vista campus in a part-time role, Monday to Friday.

This short-term contract offers the perfect opportunity to step away from full-time clinic work, share your knowledge, and train the next generation of dental assistants using hands‑on clinical techniques and pre‑established curriculum. While this is initially a temporary assignment, there may be an option to transition into permanent openings later if they become available.

What You'll Do

Mentor Future Pros: Guide and teach dental assisting students during daytime lectures and labs using hands‑on techniques and real‑world clinical experience.

Support Student Success: Provide one‑on‑one advice, guidance, and clinical grading during class, helping students master technical skills.

Maintain Safety: Enforce strict safety, OSHA, sanitation, and security standards in the dental lab and classroom environments.

Coordinate Externships: Leverage your experience to assist in preparing students for successful placement at local clinical externship sites.

Collaborate: Work alongside the campus Program Director and faculty team to ensure consistent classroom management and curriculum alignment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Training: Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant program recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education/CHEA, an otherwise recognized training entity (e.g., hospital‑based program), or a foreign equivalent OR a minimum of three (3) years of job‑related training and experience for those who are not graduates of an accredited program.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of occupational (practical) experience in Dental Assisting.

Clinical Skills: Proficiency in didactic and clinical four‑handed and/or six‑handed dentistry principles.

Regulatory Awareness: General awareness of California state requirements governing dental assisting programs.

Required California Licenses & Certifications:

Nationally Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), or a licensed dentist (Licensed dentists are exempt from holding the CDA/RDA credential).

Active California certifications in: Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, and Pit & Fissure Sealants.

Current license, certification, or other credential required by local, state, or federal laws to work in the Dental Assistant field in California.

Required Educational Methodology Requirement: Must have completed a course or certification program in educational methodology of at least 30 hours, OR hold one of the following:

Ryan Designated Subjects Vocational Education Teaching Credential

Standard Designated Subjects Teaching Credential

Community college teaching credential

Compensation & Employee Benefits

Hiring Range: $24.96 to $29.96 per hour.

• ESOP: Company Shares (required to work 1000 hours a year)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.