Expanded Function Dental Assistant - Relief

Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Inc.; Astoria (OR); On-site; USD 44,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Coastal Family Health Center in Astoria, OR seeks a Relief Expanded Function Dental Assistant to support comprehensive dental services. You will manage patient records, perform X‑rays, charting, and instrument setup while maintaining infection control and clinical standards.

Opportunity to assist Orthodontics and lead department activities. Requirements include High School Diploma or GED, BLS within 90 days, EFDA within 90 days, and EDR proficiency; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 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) preferred at level 10 for differential pay.
• Basic knowledge of dental terminology, anatomy, materials/instruments, infection control and oral health care instruction.
• Ability for four-handed dental assisting and instrument transfer.
• Proficiency with an Electronic Dental Record (EDR) and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Maintain patient records and update medical history and vital signs.
• Perform X-ray procedures including panoramic/cephalometric radiographs; store in EDR.
• Set up and record periodontal charting as instructed.
• Prepare instruments and equipment for patient exams.
• Mix materials with infection control and cross-contamination awareness.
• Perform preventative periodontal care and sealants.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene in the clinic and mobile units.
• Assist infection control program, sterilization, autoclave care.
• Assist in Orthodontics as needed with records and models.
• Lead duties: supervise flow, breaks, overtime; train staff; provide insights.
• Perform other duties as assigned and ensure compliance with TJC/HRSA/YVFWC.
• Clinical responsibilities aligned with organizational requirements.

Job description

Join our team as a Relief Expanded Function Dental Assistant at Coastal Family Health Center in Astoria, OR!

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.

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

• $32.23 - $41.05/hour DOE

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

• Perform Lead duties as needed by maintaining the daily flow of the department and acting as a liaison between line staff and the direct supervisor. Manage breaks, lunches, sick calls, and overtime. Provide insights regarding employee skill level and performance. Provide training to new employees and existing staff when needed

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Perform clinical responsibilities in alignment with The Joint Commission (TJC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and YVFWC requirements

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)

• 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) preferred at level 10 for differential pay

• Additionalpay for bilingual skills, paidonhours worked

• Basic knowledge of medical/dental terminology, dental anatomy, dental materials/instruments, infection control techniques, and 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 professionally with various patients of all ages and employees

• Basic proficiency in 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.