Assistant Professor, Dental Hygiene

Job Description Summary
The Dental Hygiene Program at Shawnee State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. The successful candidate will contribute to the teaching, scholarship, and service missions of the program. Responsibilities include teaching didactic, laboratory, and clinical dental hygiene courses, participating in curriculum development and assessment, maintaining CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) compliance, and engaging in scholarly activities and university service.
Key Responsibilities:
• Serve as Course Director for assigned didactic, laboratory, or clinical courses, including planning, organizing, delivering, and evaluating instruction.
• Ensure compliance with CODA accreditation standards for dental hygiene education through accurate documentation, assessment, and program improvement activities.
• Collaborate with dental hygiene faculty, community health partners, and clinical agencies to develop and maintain high-quality educational and clinical experiences.
• Teach across multiple formats, including traditional classroom, online, hybrid, laboratory, and clinical settings, as assigned by the Program Director.
• Supervise, advise, and mentor students in academic, laboratory, and clinical settings.
• Develop and revise fieldwork and clinical education policies and evaluation tools consistent with accreditation requirements and best practices.
• Engage in continuous improvement efforts, including curriculum development, program assessment, and strategic planning.
• Participate actively in departmental, college, university, and professional service, including participation in governance and accreditation processes.
• Pursue scholarly activities such as research, publications, presentations, and grants in support of tenure and promotion criteria.
• Contribute to student recruitment, advisement, retention, and professional development initiatives.

The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by 2/28/2026. Only online applications are accepted.

Complete your application by clicking the Apply for this Job link above and including:

*cover letter addressed to Dr. Christine Raber, Dean, College of Health and Human Services, specifically addressing how your qualifications meet the posted minimum requirements of the position;

*curriculum vitae;

*1-2 page statement of teaching philosophy;

*unofficial transcripts indicating highest degree attained; and

In the Professional References section of the application, enter a minimum of three references who can confirm your experience and abilities to perform the responsibilities of this position. The References you provide will receive an email containing a unique link that allows them to upload your reference letter confidentially. Reference letters should be addressed to Dr. Christine Raber, Dean, College of Health and Human Services.

Candidates invited for an on-campus interview will be required to present a teaching lecture and laboratory demonstration of their instructional abilities. Specific questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Raber at craber@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience and qualifications) including an attractive benefits package (see Overview of Employee Benefits for more information). The award of rank will be commensurate with degree and experience, as per the Shawnee Education Association collective bargaining agreement (Download PDF reader). Employment with the University is dependent upon BOT budget approval for the fiscal year. Official transcripts and background check are required prior to hire. We are committed to maintaining a learning environment that recognizes and values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups.

SSU seeks individuals who share our commitment to students as our first priority.

Shawnee State University is the regional state university for South-Central Ohio. It is a primarily undergraduate, four year public university with limited graduate degree programs. Enrollment is approximately 3,700 students. Shawnee State is located on the Ohio River in Portsmouth, Ohio – a small city nestled in a beautiful, rural area of Southern Ohio. Portsmouth is approximately an hour drive from Huntington, WV, and two hours from Columbus or Cincinnati, Ohio. Additional information about SSU is available at www.shawnee.edu.

Shawnee State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against any individual based on race, color, genetic information, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or military status.

Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in Dental Hygiene, Education, or related health sciences field from a CODA-accredited institution.
Minimum of three (3) years of full-time clinical dental hygiene practice experience.
Current, active, and unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in Ohio, or eligibility for Ohio licensure by start date.
Certification in the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation.
Prior experience teaching or supervising students in a clinical dental hygiene program.
Knowledge and experience with CODA accreditation standards, particularly those related to curriculum and clinical education.
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferred:
Doctoral degree (e.g., Ed.D., Ph.D., D.H.Sc.) in Dental Hygiene, Higher Education, or a closely related field.
Previous full-time higher education teaching experience and involvement in curriculum development and program assessment.
Active membership in professional organizations such as the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) or the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).
Experience participating in CODA accreditation processes, including self-study development and site visits.
Demonstrated success in scholarly activities, including presentations, publications, or funded research.