Health Assistant 2 - Dental Assistant Trainee; Limited

Pay Range: $24.62 - $30.28 Hourly

Department:
Health Department

Job Type: Limited Duration

Exemption Status:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
October 30, 2026

Integrated Clinical Services (ICS) provides quality health services for people who experience barriers to accessing care. The vision of Integrated Clinical Services is to provide services that are integrated and connected to support optional health, reducing wait times and optimizing access. The Dental Program works with many community partners, targeting underserved populations in Multnomah County to ensure access to dental services including providing education, prevention and dental treatment.

The Health Assistant 2 - Dental Assistant Trainee (Limited Duration) position supports selected candidates in theICS Dental EFPDA/EFDA Training Program—a 9 to 12-month initiative providing a pathway to become a certified dental assistant at Multnomah County Health Department. The program includes two phases:

Phase1:
Trainees complete coursework to achieve PrevDA/EFPDA certification, some of which is on paid time with County-covered certification and exam fees (maximum 3 attempts).Phase2:
Following PrevDA certification, participants enter either the EFDA Track (completing clinical hours and training with tuition, books, exam fees, and lab attire provided) or the Non-EFDA Track (continuing employment as a EFPDA/PrevDA). Graduates commit to working forICS Dental for 2 years post-certification.

This job posting will be used to fill positions at the following locations:

• Billi Odegaard Dental Clinic, 33 NW Broadway, Suite 380, Portland, OR 97209
• East County Dental Clinic, 600 NE 8th St, Gresham, OR 97030
• Mid County Dental Clinic, 12710 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97236
• Northeast Dental Clinic, 5329 NE MLK Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211
• Rockwood Dental Clinic, 2020 SE 182nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233
• Southeast Dental Clinic, 3653 SE 34th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

The tentative start date for this program is November 17th, 2026. This is a Limited Duration position and may last up to 2 years.

• Under the guidance of a certified employee, learn to perform all aspects of 4-handed dentistry using effective and efficient techniques; mix materials; place rubber dams, take study model impressions, and take diagnostic x-rays.
• Triage emergency patients and make providers aware of client needs.
• Provide patients with oral hygiene instructions and information on healthy food choices.
• Demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence by consistently attending classes promptly, actively engaging in classroom discussions and activities, meeting assignment deadlines, and maintaining a disciplined study routine in preparation for exams.
• Set up and disinfect operatories following the proper procedures ensuring all instruments and supplies are available for patient care.
• Clean and sterilize instruments according to established infection control guidelines.
• Report necessary repair needs, observe Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines and monitor supply (inventory) levels.
• Interact with patients in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Proactively monitor client wait times and ensure patients are kept informed of schedule delays.
• Conduct phone follow-up and documentation for missed patient appointments.
• Act as a liaison with treatment staff and providers.
• Provide direct clinical assistance to and support Dentists and Dental Hygienists while supporting the clinical team.

At Multnomah County, we don't just accept differences; we value and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are…