Dental Assistant - Trainee

Department Overview

This Dental Assistant, Trainee (DAT) position is a 9-month part-time, paid position that includes clinical support responsibilities, as well as formal and informal educational experiences.

 

During the course of the training program, the DAT supports multiple work units within the School of Dentistry patient care clinics based upon clinical needs. The position includes interaction with dental care providers, dental students, patient support staff, clinic managers, and patients. The position performs a variety of clinical support and office functions, as assigned.

 

The DAT will complete 1) an online Dental Assistant education program, 2) a DANB certified, in-person radiology certification program, and 3) other informal, on-the-job training. Program participants should expect to complete at least ten (10) hours per week of study time outside of work hours.

 

Primary work duties include escorting patients to and from the waiting room to the clinical dental operatory, preparation and disinfection of operatories for dental procedures using basic infection control techniques, routine equipment maintenance, and inventory stocking and tracking. The work is performed in a HIPAA compliant environment where confidentiality and discretion are required. The position requires flexibility and willingness to work in multiple patient care areas.

 

To ensure consideration for an October 6th start date, please submit application by September 1, 2025.

 

All applicants are required to submit a statement of interest along with the online application. Please attach a Word/PDF document with your online application. In approximately 300 words, answer this prompt "I am interested in becoming a Dental Assistant at OHSU because..."

 

Please include any significant events or experiences that have led you to pursue this opportunity and describe your understanding of the Dental Assistant role. Your statement will help us better understand your passion and motivation for joining our program. We look forward to reviewing your submission.

Function/Duties of Position

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT:

• Print and post daily patient schedules
• Print and post dental student and dental assisting student daily/weekly schedules
• Provide clerical assistance, as directed

CLINICAL OPERATIONS:

• Set up, maintain, and break down dental operatories for patient care including barrier placement, surface disinfection, and procedure tray assembly
• Prepare instruments for central sterilization
• Sterilize instruments within work unit when indicated
• Serve as rover during clinic operations bringing needed supplies to dental assistants and dental providers
• Obtain and record basic vital signs, once trained
• Record periodontal charting, once trained
• Sits chair side and provide support to provider as competency allows

MAINTAINANCE:

• Participates in daily/weekly/monthly and annual operatory and clinic maintenance.

INVENTORY:

• Stocks and organizes supplies in operatories and in clinical area
• Participates in the clinic inventory management system
• Orders supplies as directed

PATIENT EXPERIENCE:

• Greet and welcome patients, escorts patient in/out of operatory; seats patients in dental chair
• Monitor patient flow
• Update patients or patient family regarding appointment progress
• Address in-the-moment patient needs, as directed

DENTAL ASSISTANT EDUCATION:

• Complete educational curriculum as assigned in the online Dental Assistant program
• Complete a DANB certified radiology certification as provided by Continuing Dental Education
• Participate in other learning activities as assigned by Supervisor
• Other clinical operations related tasks including running errands, transporting equipment, etc.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Basic computer skills
• Customer service skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment 
• Detail oriented with organizational skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Receptiveness to feedback and coaching
• Demonstrable record of reliable attendance, punctuality, and proven successful performance at past and present employers 
• Ability to work both with a team and independently
• Ability to successfully learn through an online learning format
• BLS/CPR within six weeks of hire and then maintained without interruption. American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a medical or dental healthcare setting
• Use of MS Office and Windows
• Familiarity with medical or dental terminology

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or [email protected].