Dental Assistant Trainee — Paid Training & Cert Path

Multnomah County; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Multnomah County Health Department is offering a Limited Duration Health Assistant 2 – Dental Assistant Trainee position as part of the EFDA/PrevDA training pathway. The program spans 9 to 12 months, with certification steps and tuition coverage, aiming to qualify participants as a certified dental assistant within ICS Dental.

Multiple clinic locations in Portland and surrounding areas participate in this trainee program, with a tentative start in November 2026.

Qualifications

• High School completion or GED accepted; college degree can substitute.
• 1–4 years of customer/public-facing experience.
• No prior formal dental assisting training required.
• Externally, competitive recruitment for Limited Duration- Dental Assistant positions.

Responsibilities

• Learn to perform 4-handed dentistry under supervision; mix materials and take X-rays.
• Triage emergency patients and communicate needs to providers.
• Provide patient oral hygiene guidance and healthy diet information.
• Attend classes and maintain disciplined study routine for exams.
• Set up and disinfect operatories and ensure supplies are ready for patient care.
• Clean and sterilize instruments following infection-control guidelines.

Skills

Customer Service

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

BLS CPR Certification

Job description

Multnomah County Health Department is offering a Limited Duration Health Assistant 2 – Dental Assistant Trainee position as part of the EFDA/PrevDA training pathway. The program spans 9 to 12 months, with certification steps and tuition coverage, aiming to qualify participants as a certified dental assistant within ICS Dental.

Multiple clinic locations in Portland and surrounding areas participate in this trainee program, with a tentative start in November 2026.