Practice location
full-time 6 days ago

Dental Assistant Instructor

Smile Makers Dental Center

2810 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22031
32/hr

About the Practice

N/A Team Members
Software Software

Office Tour & Photos

Job Description

Are you an experienced dental assistant with a passion for teaching the next generation of dental professionals? Fairfax Dental Assisting Academy is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Dental Assistant Instructor to join our team and help shape the future of dental care.

About the Role As our Dental Assistant Instructor, you'll combine your hands-on clinical knowledge with a love of education to deliver engaging, practical instruction to students enrolled in our dental assistant program. You'll play a vital role in preparing students with the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to thrive in a dental setting. The ideal candidate leads by example — bringing both clinical expertise and a genuine commitment to student success into the classroom every day.

Schedule & Compensation
Full-Time | Monday–Friday
40 hours per week
$32.00/hour
Responsibilities
Deliver classroom lectures and hands-on lab instruction covering dental assisting fundamentals, chairside techniques, infection control, radiography, and patient care
Demonstrate clinical skills and guide students through practical exercises, adapting your approach to meet different learning styles and skill levels
Evaluate student performance and provide constructive, encouraging feedback
Maintain accurate student records, attendance, and grade reports
Enforce classroom management and ensure safety protocols are followed at all times
Mentor and motivate students, particularly those who may be entering a new career field and need extra encouragement
Collaborate with program leadership to continuously improve curriculum and student outcomes
Model professionalism in appearance, conduct, and communication at all times
Handle student concerns, conflicts, and classroom challenges with confidence, empathy, and fairness
Requirements — Clinical
Minimum 3–5 years of clinical dental assisting experience
DANB certification preferred; Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license a plus
Dental Radiology certification required (or ability to obtain)
CPR/BLS certification (or ability to obtain prior to start)
Prior teaching or training experience preferred
Proficiency in basic computer skills (email, scheduling, learning management systems)
Requirements — Soft Skills & Leadership
Communication: Ability to break down complex dental concepts clearly for students with varying backgrounds and experience levels
Patience & Adaptability: Comfortable adjusting your teaching pace and style based on how students are progressing
Mentorship Mindset: Genuinely invested in student growth and long-term career readiness
Classroom Leadership: Able to command a room with confidence while remaining approachable and supportive
Accountability: Sets clear expectations and holds students to them consistently and fairly
Conflict Resolution: Handles student disputes and classroom challenges calmly and professionally
Organization: Manages lesson plans, grading, and deadlines with reliability and attention to detail
Professionalism: Models the workplace standards and conduct you expect students to carry into their careers
Why Join Us? At Fairfax Dental Assisting Academy, we believe great patient care starts with great education. We're committed to building a supportive, professional environment where instructors are valued and students succeed. If you're ready to step out of the operatory and into the classroom without giving up your passion for dentistry — we'd love to meet you.

Pay: $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) matching
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Work Location: In person

Requirements

• Lesson planning
• Teaching
• CPR Certification
• Chairside assisting
• BLS Certification

About Smile Makers Dental Center

Smile Makers Dental Center is a general & multi-specialty practice across Northern Virginia. They are committed to providing personalized care that addresses unique needs, offering gentle preventive dentistry services and transformative cosmetic options.