Health Assistant 2 - Dental Assistant Trainee (Limited Duration)

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Assistant 2 - Dental Assistant Trainee is a limited-duration position supporting selected candidates in the Integrated Clinical Services (ICS) Dental Expanded Functions Preventive Dental Assistant (EFPDA/PrevDA) and Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) Training Program. The program lasts approximately 9 to 12 months and provides a pathway to dental assistant certification. It has two phases: participants first complete coursework toward PrevDA/EFPDA certification, with some coursework on paid County time and certification and examination fees covered by the County. After PrevDA certification, participants enter either an EFDA track, with tuition, books, exam fees, and lab attire covered, or a non-EFDA track, continuing employment as an EFPDA/PrevDA. Participants commit to working for ICS Dental for two years after certification. Failure to complete training or meet employment obligations may require full or prorated reimbursement of education expenses.

The role provides clinical assistance to dentists and dental hygienists while learning under the guidance of a certified employee. It also involves academic participation in the training program, infection control and resource management, and respectful patient service. Positions may be based at one of six Multnomah County dental clinics in Portland or Gresham, Oregon. The position may last up to two years and is eligible for overtime.

Requirements

• High school completion or GED; a college or university degree may substitute.
• One to four years of qualifying experience and/or training demonstrating the ability to perform the position’s duties.
• At least one year of customer service or customer/public-facing experience.
• No previous formal dental assisting training.
• Submit a cover letter describing interest, skills, strengths, transferable skills, and understanding of the program’s requirements and expectations.
• Commit to actively participating in and successfully completing the program and working as an EFPDA/EFDA within ICS Dental for two years post-certification.
• Submit a resume and proof of high school completion or GED (a college or university degree may substitute).
• Provide BLS CPR certification if available, or obtain it within 60 days of hire.
• Internal applicants must be in good standing and have passed their probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Learn and provide direct clinical assistance and support to dentists and dental hygienists.
• Learn to perform four-handed dentistry, mix materials, place rubber dams, take study-model impressions, and take diagnostic x-rays under the guidance of a certified employee.
• Triage emergency patients and make providers aware of clients’ needs.
• Provide patients with oral hygiene instructions and information on healthy food choices.
• Attend classes promptly, participate in classroom discussions and activities, meet assignment deadlines, and maintain a disciplined study routine in preparation for exams.
• Set up and disinfect operatories and ensure instruments and supplies are available for patient care.
• Clean and sterilize instruments according to infection-control guidelines; follow personal protective equipment requirements; monitor supply inventory; and report repair needs.
• Interact respectfully and courteously with patients, monitor wait times, keep patients informed of schedule delays, and conduct phone follow-up and documentation for missed appointments.
• Act as a liaison with treatment staff and providers.

Benefits

• County-covered PrevDA certification and examination fees.
• For the EFDA track, County-covered training tuition, books, exam fees, certification application costs, and required lab attire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED