Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Salem, OR, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $26.02 - $33.14

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Prescription coverage

24/7 telemedicine

Profit sharing

403(b) Retirement Plan

generous PTO

Paid holidays

Job Description

Lancaster Family Health Center, part of Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic (YVFWC), is a prominent community health organization dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services across Washington and Oregon. With over 40 clinics, YVFWC focuses on delivering high-quality medical, dental, pharmacy, orthodontia, nutritional counseling, autism screening, and behavioral health services. Additionally, the center extends its care beyond traditional healthcare by offering support programs such as shelter assistance, energy and weatherization services, HIV and AIDS counseling, home visits, and mobile medical and dental clinics. This holistic approach reflects YVFWC's commitment to addressing the broad needs of the communities it serves, fostering health equity and inclusivity for all individuals.

The Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) position at Lancaster Family Health Center in Salem, OR, plays a vital role in expanding access to advanced dental services and enhancing patient care. As an EFDA, you will perform specialized clinical functions and assist dental providers chairside to increase patient throughput and support preventive and restorative dental care. This full-time, non-exempt role operates within the EPIC EMR system and offers a competitive hourly wage range of $26.02 to $33.14, based on experience. In addition, the position includes a $6,000 hiring and retention bonus structure paid in installments over the first year and compensation for bilingual skills worked.

Your daily responsibilities will involve maintaining patient medical records, performing comprehensive intraoral x-rays, periodontal charting, and preparing instruments and materials for dental exams. You will also be involved in preventative periodontal treatments, patient oral hygiene education, and assisting in orthodontic procedures as needed. The EFDA's role is crucial in ensuring infection control protocols are followed meticulously to maintain a safe and sterile clinical environment. With this position, you become an integral member of a healthcare model that goes beyond conventional treatment to provide compassionate, individualized care and eliminate barriers to health and well-being in the community. Joining YVFWC means becoming part of a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming lives through equitable healthcare and innovative community programs.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Oregon EFDA certification within 90 days of employment
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of hire
Bilingual (English/Spanish) at level 10
Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with patients, providers, and staff
Basic knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, materials, and infection control techniques
Strong manual dexterity and coordination
Basic computer skills including electronic dental records and Microsoft Office applications

Job Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of hire
Oregon EFDA certification within 90 days of employment required
Bilingual (English/Spanish) required at a level 10
Ability to interact with patients, providers, and staff in a professional and respectful manner
Basic knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, materials, and infection control techniques
Strong manual dexterity and coordination
Basic computer proficiency, including Electronic Dental Records and Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Job Duties

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 the 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 other duties as assigned