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 Expanded Functions Preventative Dental Assistant Program/ Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Program. In addition, the employee will  describe in the cover letter their understanding of how the program works, including the program requirements and expectations.
- Commitment to actively participate and successfully complete the program , with a two-year commitment to work as an EFPDA/ EFDA within ICS Dental post-enrollment.
- Minimum one (1) year of Customer Service or customer/public-facing experience.

The Application Packet: You MUST submit all requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.

REQUIRED: ( All 1 through 4 should be sent with the application )

- A resume demonstrating you meet minimum qualifications.
- Copy of High School completion or GED certificate (college or university degree can substitute).
- Copy of BLS CPR Certification (if you have one, else should obtain one within 60 days of hire ).
- A Cover Letter addressing: (We strongly advise applicant to spend good amount of time writing your cover letter addressing all as mentioned below)

- Essay explaining your interest, your skills, and strengths as they apply to the dental assistant program.
- In addition, provide your understanding of how the program works, including the requirements and expectations.

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military), or life experiences relevant to this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

Program Expenses & Reimbursement Terms:

- Multnomah County covers educational and certification expenses associated with the program.
- Participants commit to successfully completing the program and maintaining employment at Multnomah County ICS for two (2) years post-certification.

Failure to fulfill training or employment obligations will require full or prorated reimbursement of educational expenses.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION:

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

- Initial review of application/ resume and cover letter for minimum qualifications and all required attachments. If you do not address the minimum qualifications in the application, your application will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the recruitment process.
- Consideration of top candidates
- Background, reference, and education checks

Note: Please be mindful of checking your email inbox for messages from the Recruiter, as you may be emailed requesting additional information. If a response is not received in a timely manner, your application may not be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Type of Position: This position is eligible for overtime.

Type: Represented

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Memorandum of Agreement

AFSCME EFDA/EFPDA, Expanded Functions Preventive Dental Assistant (PrevDA) Pilot Program I.  Parties to the Agreement The parties to this Memorandum of Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “MoA”) are Multnomah County, Oregon, (hereinafter referred to as “the County”), and Local 88 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, (hereinafter referred to as “the Union”).

II.  Background 1. WHEREAS, there is a shortage of Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (hereinafter referred to as “EFDA”) across the State of Oregon. This shortage has impacted Multnomah County's ability to provide the community access to health care services; and  2. WHEREAS, Health Department is looking to build a pathway to train prospective PrevDA/EFDAs by providing opportunities for formal training that would provide prospective candidates with the minimum qualifications to become eligible for EFDA position recruitments; and  3. WHEREAS, ARTICLE 22, Shift and Work Assignment, Section VI, A of the Local 88 CBA provides: Training Programs may be established when a position or specialty is difficult to fill; to develop knowledge, skills or abilities for existing or new employees; or to aid in workforce succession planning. THEREFORE, the parties have reached the following Agreement:

III.  Agreement 1. It is understood by the parties that this pilot program is subject to availability of funding.  2. Participants shall be County employees interested in seeking PrevDA and/or EFDA certifications, selected through a competitive process.  a. Phase 1: Program participants will seek PrevDA certification through a County education program, some of which will be on County paid time. The county pays the cost associated with the PrevDA certification and examination fees.  b. Phase 2: Upon immediate successful attainment of PrevDA certification, the employee commits to one of the following tracks:  i. EFDA Track: Participation in “EFDA Trainee” program, through a competitive selection process, in accordance with Personnel Rule 5-30. Note: If a vacant EFDA Position does not exist, a Limited Duration EFDA Trainee position may be created for the purposes of this program.1  1. The County will cover the cost of EFDA Training Tuition, including cost of books, exam fees (maximum of three exam attempts), and certification applications, exam fees and required lab attire. 1 Exception to Article 22, Section VI (Training Positions) PrevDA/EFDA Trainee Program Page 2 of 4 2. EFDA Trainees will be responsible for completing other requirements for EFDA certification on their own time (e.g., clinical practice hours).  3. The wage rate for a trainee in a training program will be in accordance with Article 22, Section VI, D of the Local 88 CBA. ii. Non-EFDA Track: If no active EFDA Trainee program is available for participation, the employee will seek continued employment for a minimum of two (2) years at Multnomah County immediately following PrevDA certification. 3. The parties agree that the intent of this pilot program is to recruit and retain PrevDAs and EFDAs in Multnomah County. As such, participants of the program shall be willing to sign the attached agreement (Appendix A). The agreement includes a commitment to seek continued employment for a minimum of two (2) years at Multnomah County immediately following completion/termination of the trainee program.   a. If an EFDA Vacancy Exists at the time of EFDA certification: Trainees will be promoted non-competitively as authorized by MCC 9.150 into the budgeted position’s job profile or its regular pay grade at the end of the trainee period provided they remain in good standing, the trainee’s principle duties and responsibilities match the job profile and the trainee meets the minimum qualifications of the budgeted job profile. b. If an EFDA Vacancy Does not Exist at the time of EFDA certification2: Limited Duration EFDA Trainees will be returned to their job profile held immediately prior to the training position. If there is no vacancy for which the employee is qualified in the job profile held by the employee immediately prior to the training program, the employee will be laid off in accordance with Article 21. i. ii. If an EFDA Vacancy becomes available within 2 years following completion of EFDA certification, former Limited Duration EFDA Trainees will participate in an internal competitive selection process for the position and seek continued employment at the County to complete the remainder of the 2-year commitment.  If an EFDA vacancy is filled by an external candidate over an employee who both successfully completed the EFDA trainee program, and applied for the open vacancy, the county will release, with no financial obligation, the employee from the 2-year commitment.  4. The parties understand that these PrevDA and EFDA education programs are an optional professional development opportunity, and not a requirement of the Dental Assistant job profile. As such, PrevDA/EFDA Trainees will complete the education programs and other requirements for the respective certification, some of which will be completed on their own time (outside of work hours). Additionally, the County reserves the right to seek reimbursement via payroll deduction or personal check for costs associated with this program, in the event a selected candidate does not fulfill the obligations agreed upon through the employee agreement.  5. Any disputes regarding the interpretation or application of this MoA shall be resolved by the Parties using the grievance procedures of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. 6. This Agreement shall be effective through June 30th, 2028. This Agreement shall not establish a practice or precedent in any way (e.g. does not establish a status quo).  2 Exception to Article 22, Section VI (Training Positions) PrevDA/EFDA Trainee Program Page 3 of 4 7. In addition to the applicable collective bargaining agreements, this MOA is the full and final agreement of the Parties related to the PrevDA/EFDA Trainee Program. AGREED to this date,    September 19, 2026.

In accordance with Oregon Law , Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions?

Recruiter:
Caitrin Thomaselli

Email:
[email protected]

Phone:
+1 (971) 4218257

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Job Profile:
6294 - Health Assistant 2