Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 3,593,000 - 4,611,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Profit sharing

PTO and paid holidays

Job summary

The Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Salem, OR is seeking an Expanded Function Dental Assistant to join Lancaster Family Health Center. EFDAs expand access to dental services by performing advanced clinical functions and assisting clinicians chairside to increase patient throughput and support equitable, high‑quality care.

Hired candidates will work with EPIC EMR, perform X‑ray and periodontal tasks, assist in orthodontics, and uphold infection control standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• BLS certification within 90 days of hire.
• Registration as a Surgical Technologist if assisting a Dentist in the operating room.
• EFDA certification within 90 days of employment required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required at a level 10.
• Basic knowledge of medical/dental terminology, dental anatomy, dental materials and instruments.
• Basic knowledge of infection control techniques and of oral health care instruction.
• Ability to perform four-handed dental assisting including instrument transfer, oral evacuation, cement mixing, and spatulation.
• Strong manual dexterity and coordination.
• Basic proficiency with computer programs including an EDR, Outlook, Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• 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 X-rays in the electronic dental record.
• Set up and record periodontal charting per the Provider’s instruction.
• Prepare and set up 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.
• 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 sterilizing instruments/equipment and cleaning autoclaves and operatories.
• Assist in Orthodontics as needed, 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), HRSA, and YVFWC requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Medical/dental terminology

Infection control techniques

Four-handed dental assisting

Manual dexterity

EDR, Outlook, Word, Excel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

BLS certification within 90 days

Surgical Technologist registration (operating room)

EFDA certification within 90 days

Job description

Job Brief

Expanded Function Dental Assistant Salem, OR

Employment duration: Full time

Exempt Status: Non-exempt

Offer Relocation?: No

ID: 17076

Join our team as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant at Lancaster Family Health Center in Salem, OR! EFDAs play a critical role in expanding access to dental services at YVFWC. By performing advanced clinical functions and supporting providers chairside, EFDAs help increase patient throughput, support preventive and restorative care, and contribute directly to YVFWC’s mission of delivering equitable, high‑quality dental services to our communities. 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, " are Yakima - WE are Family" and " ," for a glimpse into our dedication to our communities, health, and families!

Position Highlights

• EMR system is EPIC
• $26.28-$33.47/hour DOE
• Additional pay for your bilingual skills when an ALTA score of 10 is achieved, paid on hours worked
• $6,000.00 Hiring/Retention Bonus Structure
• At Hire: $1,800.00
• At 180 days (6 months): $2,400.00
• At 12 months: $1,800.00
• Bonus will be pro-rated based on Full Time Equivalency (FTE)

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health insurance including medical, dental, vision, Rx, 24/7 telemedicine
• Profit sharing & 403(b) retirement plan available
• Generous PTO, 8 paid holidays, and much more!

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 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
• 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
• Assist in Orthodontics as needed, 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
• EFDA certification within 90 days of employment required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required at a level 10
• Basic knowledge of medical/dental terminology, dental anatomy, dental materials and instruments
• Basic knowledge of infection control techniques and 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, providers, 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 to learn more about our organization!