Dental Assistant - Relief

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry; Walla Walla, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

Walla Walla Family Medical Center in Walla Walla, WA is seeking a part-time Relief Dental Assistant to support dental providers and patients. The role emphasizes infection control, radiography, charting, and four-handed dentistry under supervision.

You’ll work with EPIC EMR, share duties across clinical tasks, and may benefit from bilingual differential compensation for English/Spanish proficiency. Join a mission-driven team serving our communities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bilingual preferred at high level.
• BLS certification within 90 days of hire; optional surgical technologist registration for OR support.
• Registered Dental Assistant or EFDA certification preferred.
• Basic dental terminology, materials, and infection control knowledge.
• Ability to perform four-handed dentistry with patient comfort in mind.

Responsibilities

• Maintain patient records and vital signs; update medical history as needed.
• Conduct complete dental X-ray procedures and manage radiographs in EDR.
• Set up and record periodontal charting as instructed.
• Prepare instruments and equipment for provider exams.
• Mix materials with infection control in mind; prevent cross-contamination.
• Provide preventative periodontal care: polish, fluoride, sealants.
• Manage nitrous oxide under provider supervision.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene; participate in school-based programs.
• Monitor infection control program; sterilize, package, and clean equipment.
• Assist in orthodontics as needed; obtain records and fabricate retainers.
• Adhere to Joint Commission, HRSA, and YVFWC standards; perform other duties.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Four-handed dentistry

Manual dexterity

Infection control

Patient education

Customer service

EPIC EMR

Education

High School Diploma or GED

BLS certification

Registered Dental Assistant or EFDA certification

Surgical Technologist registration (if OR assisting)

Tools

EPIC EMR

Microsoft Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

Position Title: Dental Assistant - Relief

City: Walla Walla

State/Territory: US-WA

Employment Duration: Part time

Offer Relocation: No

Exempt Status: Non-exempt

ID: 17293

Join our team as a Relief Dental Assistant at Walla Walla Family Medical Center in Walla Walla, WA!

Dental Assistants play a vital role at YVFWC by supporting dental providers and helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and cared for throughout their visit. Through direct patient interaction, clinical support, and attention to safety and infection control, this position helps ensure high standards of care while advancing YVFWC's mission to provide accessible, quality dental services to the communities we serve.

Be part of a healthcare organization that believes in making a difference beyond medical care! We've transformed into a leading community health center in the Pacific Northwest with 40+ clinics across Washington and Oregon. We offer a wide range of services such as medical, dental, pharmacy, orthodontia, nutritional counseling, autism screening, and behavioral health. Our holistic model also extends assistance to shelter, energy, weatherization, HIV and AIDS counseling, home visits, and mobile medical/dental clinics.

We invite you to explore our short clips, "WE are Yakima - WE are Family" and "YVFWC - And then we grew," for a glimpse into our dedication to our communities, health, and families!

Position Highlights:

• EMR system is EPIC
• $22.52-$33.15/hour DOE
• Additional pay for your bilingual skills paid on hours worked

What You'll Do:

• Maintain patient medical records, updating medical history and vital signs as needed
• Conduct complete patient X‑ray procedures, including panoramic and cephalometric radiographs, and intraoral photographs. Develop and store the X‑rays in the electronic dental record
• Set up and record periodontal charting per the Provider's instruction
• Prepare and set up the instruments and equipment necessary for the patient exam performed by the Provider
• Mix materials needed for the exam with awareness of infection control and cross‑contamination
• Perform preventative periodontal care on patients, including coronal polish, fluoride treatments, and sealants
• Starts and monitors nitrous oxide analgesia as necessary under the direct supervision of the Provider
• Provide education and counsel in oral hygiene for patients in the clinic and Mobile Unit school‑based programs
• Assist in implementing and monitoring the patient infection control program for the clinic, including ensuring the integrity of sterile packaging, sterilizing instruments/equipment, and cleaning autoclaves and operatories
• May assist in Orthodontics including; obtaining patient records, bite registrations, patient models, fabricating orthodontic retainers, and placing/removing ligature ties
• Performs clinical responsibilities in alignment with The Joint Commission (TJC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and YVFWC requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of hire
• Registration as a Surgical Technologist if assisting a Dentist in the operating room
• Registered Dental Assistant or EFDA certification
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred at a level 10
• This position is eligible for Bilingual Differential Compensation when an ALTA score of 10 is achieved
• Basic knowledge of medical/dental terminology and dental anatomy
• Basic knowledge of dental materials and instruments
• Basic knowledge of infection control techniques
• Basic knowledge of oral health care instruction
• Ability to perform four-handed dental assisting including instrument transfer, oral evacuation, cement mixing, and spatulation
• Strong level of manual dexterity and coordination
• Ability to effectively interact with a variety of patients of all ages, and employees in a professional manner
• Basic proficiency with a variety of computer programs including an Electronic Dental Record (EDR), Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Our Mission Statement

“Together we transform our communities through compassionate, individualized care, eliminating barriers to health and well-being.”

Our mission celebrates inclusivity. We are committed to equal-opportunity employment.

Visit our website at www.yvfwc.com to learn more about our organization!