Health Assistant 2 - Dental Assistant Trainee (Limited Duration)

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
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
The Opportunity:
THIS WORK MATTERS!
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 the ICS 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:
Phase 1: 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).
Phase 2: 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 for ICS Dental for 2 years post-certification.
This job posting will be used to fill positions at the below locations:
1. Billi Odegaard Dental Clinic, 33 NW Broadway, Suite 380, Portland, OR 97209
2. East County Dental Clinic, 600 NE 8th St, Gresham, OR 97030
3. Mid County Dental Clinic, 12710 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97236
4. Northeast Dental Clinic, 5329 NE MLK Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211
5. Rockwood Dental Clinic, 2020 SE 182nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233
6. 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.***
As a Health Assistant 2 - Dental Assistant Trainee (Limited Duration), you will:
Clinical Functions and Provider Support
Learn, practice, and build expertise in providing direct clinical assistance and support to Dentists and Dental Hygienists while the support of the clinical team.
Under the guidance of a certified employee, learns to perform all aspects of 4 handed dentistry using effective and efficient techniques; mixes materials; places rubber dams, takes study models impressions, and takes diagnostic x-rays.
Triages emergency patients, makes providers aware of clients needs.
Provides patients with oral hygiene instructions and provides information on healthy food choices.
Academic Commitment
Demonstrates 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.
Resource Management / Infection Control
Sets up and disinfects operatories following the proper procedures ensuring all instruments and supplies are available for patient care.
Cleans and sterilizes instruments according to established infection control guidelines.
Reports necessary repair needs, observes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines and monitors supply (inventory) levels.
Customer Service
Interacts with patients in a respectful and courteous manner.
Proactively monitors client wait times and ensures patients are kept informed of schedule delays.
Conducts phone follow-up and documentation for missed patient appointments. Acts as liaison with treatment staff and providers.
Diversity and Inclusion: 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 proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Health Department employee, you will create a work culture of respect, trust, and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County's attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.
TO QUALIFY:
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item in a section is labeled required for details about how we typically screen applications and review our overview of the selection process.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be as noted below. All non-traditional education, training, and experience will be evaluated.
High School completion or GED certificate (college or university degree can substitute)
One (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 1-4 years of qualifying training and/or experience).
Internal candidates (that is current MCHD employee with regular status, temporary, on-call, or limited duration employee) - to apply should be in good standing and have passed probationary period. If you apply, please keep your manager/supervisor informed.
External candidates - who apply will be selected through a competitive recruitment process for the Limited Duration- Dental Assistant (Health Assistant 2) positions.
No previous formal dental assisting training is allowed.
Submission of a cover letter detailing interest, skills, and strengths as they apply to the Expan