calgary dental jobs

You have stood beside the dentist through long procedures, put nervous patients at ease and kept the operatory running safely. Along the way, you have probably shown a new team member or two the ropes. That is teaching, and it is one of the most rewarding ways to shape the future of dental care.

At Ascentia Career Institute in Kelowna, we are looking for a Chairside Dental Program Instructor who loves this profession and wants to pass it on. You will start by teaching our Chairside Dental Assistant program, and if leadership excites you, we will support you every step of the way toward leading our dental program faculty.

The opportunity

You will teach in our Chairside Dental Assistant program (Dental Assistant Level 1), and as our planned Dental Assisting program opens, you will have the chance to teach in it too and be part of it from the very beginning.

You will enjoy a mix of in-class and online teaching. Theory may be taught in person or online at scheduled times, while laboratory and clinical skills are taught in person, where students practise hands-on under your guidance and direct supervision.

Why teach at Ascentia

We want you to love where you work. When you join Ascentia, you will have:

• A brand-new campus that is a great place to teach and learn
• A fully equipped dental lab, so your students can practise real chairside skills
• A supportive team of colleagues who work together and help each other succeed
• A great company culture where your ideas and your growth matter

What you will do

• Bring lessons to life in the classroom, lab, clinic and online, following the approved curriculum and learning outcomes
• Demonstrate chairside skills, then coach students until they feel safe, accurate and confident
• Teach and model infection prevention and control, patient safety and professional ethics
• Prepare or adapt lesson materials, quizzes, exams and skills assessments
• Evaluate students with clinical checklists and standard rubrics, and give timely feedback
• Take part in calibration so all instructors assess students the same way
• Keep accurate attendance, grade and student-progress records
• Prepare students for clinical placements and support them as they step into real practice
• Collaborate with a supportive team on student progress and program quality
• Help create a welcoming, respectful and inclusive learning environment grounded in cultural safety and humility

What you bring

• A registered dental health professional in good standing with foundational knowledge similar to a Licensed Dental Assistant
• A post-secondary credential in dental assisting or a closely related field, plus at least two years of recent experience in a dental practice
• Training in adult education or teaching methods, or willingness to complete it within your first 3 months with Ascentia's support
• Comfort teaching online and willingness to learn our student and learning management system
• Able to teach in person at our Kelowna location

It is a bonus if you have

• Current BCCOHP Licensed Dental Assistant registration
• A bachelor's degree, or working toward one; a health science field is a plus
• Experience teaching, training, precepting or mentoring dental assistants or students
• Experience leading people, such as a lead assistant, office manager or clinical supervisor
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification
• Recent clinical experience in general or specialty practice, dental radiography, infection prevention and control, or laboratory procedures
• Strong communication, organization and record-keeping skills

Grow with us: a path to Dental Program Lead

We believe in growing our people. As our dental programs develop, we plan to appoint a Dental Program Lead to guide the faculty and the day-to-day academic and clinical program, and we would love to develop that person from within our own team. It could be you.

What we look for in you

• Willingness to learn about curriculum, student assessment and program quality
• Ability to understand program accreditation standards and turn them into clear procedures and policies
• Ability to follow through, putting those procedures and policies into practice and monitoring them so the program continues to meet the standards
• Interest in mentoring other instructors and taking on leadership tasks
• Commitment to completing education and training that the Lead role requires

How we will support you

• Tools, curriculum and resources to help you grow as an educator
• Mentoring and hands-on experience in program planning and quality work

Future benefits for suitable candidates

Based on your performance and progress, and as the role develops, you may be offered:

• Tuition reimbursement for approved education, such as a teaching credential
• A pay increase when you take on added responsibilities

These benefits are not guaranteed. They depend on your suitability, performance and program needs.

Pay and schedule

The hourly range is CA$32 to CA$38, based on qualifications and experience. The position is part time in Kelowna, BC, with a minimum of 25 hours a week, leading to full time. At the interview, we will discuss additional hours for the lesson preparation time and office hours.

How to apply

Ready to inspire the next generation of dental assistants? Send us your resume and a short cover letter that tells us:

• Your dental background and your BCCOHP registration status
• The subjects you feel ready to teach
• Any teaching, training, mentoring or leadership experience
• Your interest in growing toward a program leadership role

Thank you for your interest in joining Ascentia. We will contact candidates selected for an interview.

Bring your chairside experience into the classroom, and grow with us into leading the next generation of dental assistants.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $32.00-$38.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Tuition reimbursement

Application question(s):

• Are you registered and in good standing with BCCOHP? (Yes / No)
• Do you hold current BLS or CPR certification? (Yes / No)
• Can you teach in person at our Kelowna location? (Yes / No)
• Are you interested in growing into a program leadership role? (Yes / No)

Work Location: In person