Willamette Dental·Portland, Oregon
The dental assistant provides chairside support to providers to ensure high-quality patient care and comfort. Responsibilities include preparing instruments, performing dental procedures within state regulations, and maintaining a sterile and organized clinical environment.
With emphasis on patient comfort and satisfaction, provide the dentist, hygienist, denturist or other provider with assistance in the delivery of dental care and service in order to achieve the best possible treatment for the patient. Perform all dental procedures permitted consistent with the applicable state laws and regulations. Please note that an EFDA certification is required for this role. Essential Position Functions Prepare and maintain instruments, equipment and materials for all dental procedures, while ensuring our patients are as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Work under the supervision of a dentist, the dental assistant performs all aspects of four-handed dentistry and dental assisting within the scope outlined by his/her state’s dental practice act. Must possess excellent communication skills, be able to counsel out patients in post-operative care and general oral health, as well as demonstrate an understanding of evidence based dentistry. Take and develop dental radiographs. Ask about the patient’s medical history and take blood pressure and pulse. Take impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts. Clean and sterilize all instruments used. These procedures are done in accordance with Company policies and OSHA/WISHA regulations described in the protocol manual. Maintain clean and organized sterilization area. Wear protective clothing, gloves, masks and eyewear. Strict adherence to Willamette Dental’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy. This includes, but is not limited to the use of N95 respirators and other PPE as required by regulatory bodies and company policy. Flexibility to travel to other WD locations within a reasonable range as described in our Travel Policy as needed based on business need. Reliable and predictable attendance is essential. Willamette Dental cannot efficiently provide services to our members and patients without our employees being at work at their scheduled work time. Education and Experience Required: High School Diploma or GED and credentials to function as a Dental Assistant per state requirements. Graduation from an ADA accredited dental assisting program and an EFDA. Licenses, Certifications and Registrations Holds appropriate credentials per state regulations. In Oregon – current Oregon certification for Dental Radiology Proficiency. Oregon EFDA (Expanded Function Dental Assistant) within 180 days of hire. Sealant certification. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Expected hourly hiring range for this position depending on experience: $25—$38 USD Compensation The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to education, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. This position is also eligible for incentive pay in accordance with the terms of the Company’s plan. Company Benefits Willamette Dental offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) retirement plan with 5% match, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, life insurance, voluntary disability insurance, commuter benefits, two complimentary pairs of Fig scrubs (clinical roles), and employee assistance program. Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligible employees will accrue a minimum of 120 PTO hours per employment year in addition to seven paid holidays annually. The Company’s PTO program combines vacation and sick leave, which is more generous than Washington State’s Sick Leave Law. Employees in part-time roles working less than 40 hours per week will accrue PTO on a pro-rated basis. Physical Requirements The work is primarily performed while sitting and/or standing, but will require occasional walking, bending, stooping and carrying light items such as papers, books, or other supplies. The incumbent uses a computer and other standard office equipment to complete tasks. Willamette Dental is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to an individual’s race (including physical characteristics historically associated with race), religion, color, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy-related condition, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function in the company. This position may be exposed to PHI in the course of his/her duties, and will handle protected information (PHI) in a manner consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
Candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED and have completed an ADA-accredited dental assisting program. An EFDA certification is required, along with current state-specific certifications for radiology, sealants, and Basic Life Support.
Market context
In Oregon, dental positions are typically competitive where practices need clinicians who can combine strong patient care with current licensure and flexibility to travel as required. Roles like this often stand out because they require a DMD, DDS, or BDS, plus maintained credentials such as Nitrous Oxide certification, while offering benefits like dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, and an EAP. Review the travel expectations and licensure details carefully before applying; this platform AI-summarizes requirements and benefits from the original job description so you can assess fit faster.