Dental Assistant I - Temporary

At Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, we honor all members of our community and acknowledge the dignity of each person we serve. Our purpose is to provide high quality, comprehensive primary health care to the communities of Washington and Yamhill counties with a special emphasis on migrant and seasonal farm workers and a view to removing barriers to health care.

We strive to provide an environment that welcomes and values the people we employ and serve. If you are unsure whether you meet all the required qualifications for this role but are interested and passionate about this potential position, we encourage you to apply.

Job Summary

This temporary position is part of an internal DA I → DA II upskilling pilot program designed to prepare experienced Dental Assistants for expanded functions through structured clinical training, mentorship, and certification support. This is a temporary, six-month training role aligned with the DA I → DA II Upskilling Pilot.

Continued employment is contingent on program completion and available positions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Anticipate the dental provider’s needs by selecting and laying out the appropriate instruments and materials for each procedure.
• Assist the dental provider chairside with the transfer and preparation of instruments and materials, using approved dental assisting principles.
• Administer and dispense fluoride varnish, topical anesthetic, and desensitizers, when appropriate or requested by dental provider.
• Take impressions for diagnostic or opposing models or for fabrication of the temporary or provisional restorations or appliances.
• Take and record patient blood pressures in accordance with the dental blood pressure procedure.
• Perform A1cs after completing the required training.
• Maintain A1c testing competency through annual refresher training.
• Accurately place and adjust digital sensors, expose x-rays, and confirm that images are of diagnostic quality.
• Anticipate patient needs and comfort throughout the visit to support a positive patient experience.
• Support patient flow within the dental department, including preparing and seating patients and coordinating timely operatory turnover.
• Maintain a clean, orderly operatory during procedures.
• Disinfect and reset the operatory after each patient so it is clean and ready before the next patient arrives.
• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and tray set-ups according to established protocols.
• Maintain and disinfect handpieces, vacuum lines, dental units, chairs, and operatory lights so they remain properly sterilized and operational.
• Adhere to infection control and OSHA guidelines at all times, working with the Lead DA and Dental Operations Manager to ensure compliance.
• Perform daily, weekly, and quarterly equipment maintenance as directed by the Lead DA and/or Dental Operations Manager.
• Maintain dental supply inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Submit purchase orders for dental supplies when requested.
• Restock operatories and supply areas as necessary.
• Perform expanded function duties only when actively working to obtain a required expanded functions check-off (EFDA or EFPDA), and only under the direct supervision of a licensed dental practitioner.
• Complete and maintain all documentation and training required for Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage, compliance, and privileging.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Handle protected health information (PHI) in a manner consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, safe driving record and insurance coverage required. HIPAA Requirements: The Dental Assistant I will have access to PHI in the course of carrying out their duties. Applying the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA, the designated records sets to which this employee will have access include: the full dental chart, the full medical chart, all information in the practice management system, and all other billing and account information. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
• Ability to interact respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse racial, educational, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a professional team.
• Willing to support all team members to accomplish daily activities.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, written and spoken, preferred.

Education and Experience

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• ICE (infection control exam) passed
• Oregon Radiology Certification (ORCR) required at time of hire
• Must successfully complete the CPFDA or EFPDA certification during the six-month pilot program. VGMHC will reimburse certification costs upon successful completion. Training & Mentorship
• This role includes paid training time dedicated to skills development, certification preparation, and clinical mentorship.
• The Dental Assistant will be assigned dental assistant, hygienist and/or dentist preceptors for supervised clinical learning.
• Training schedules may include designated skills lab days and adjusted clinic assignments. Behavioral Competencies: Accountability: Role model VG’s mission, vision, and shared values Customer-Focus: Listen to the voice of the customer and strive to delight them by exceeding their expectations Teamwork: If someone needs help, help them Initiative: Be innovative, apply fresh ideas, and continuously improve how you do your work Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality and respect the privacy of others Ethical: Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and stewardship in all encounters at work Respect: Demonstrate consideration and appreciation for co-workers and patients Communication: Demonstrate the ability to convey thoughts and ideas as well as understand perspective of others Physical Requirements:
• Sitting – 55%
• Standing – up to 50%
• Walking – up to 25%
• Use of computer – 40%
• Ability to lift/carry up to 30 lbs. Working Environment/Physical Hazards:
• Work in well-lighted, ventilated environment
• Exposure to blood borne pathogens and potentially hazardous chemicals Immunization: Staff members must meet immunization requirements as stated in VGMHC’s immunization policy and state and federal guidelines. Job descriptions represent a general outline of the essential and major job duties, functions and qualifications required. They cannot be all-inclusive and comprehensive due to the dynamic nature of work performed to accomplish VGMHC’s Mission. VGMHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from consideration for employment because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, veteran status, marital status, or physical challenges. The policy applies not only to recruitment and hiring practices, but also includes fairness in placement, promotion, transfer, rate of pay, and termination.