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Expanded Function Dental Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Possession of an appropriate and v alid certificate of Expanded Function Dental Assistant, including a certification of radiologic proficiency issued by the Oregon State Board of Dental Examiners (A ...

Dental Assistant (EFDA)

Portland, OR · On-site

$27.08 - $32.94/hr

Possession of an appropriate and v alid certificate of Expanded Function Dental Assistant, including a certification of radiologic proficiency issued by the Oregon State Board of Dental Examiners (A ...

Showing results 21-40

Expanded Function Dental Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$24

$33

How much do expanded function dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for expanded function dental assistant in Portland, OR is $24.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $26.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an expanded function dental assistant?

An expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) performs duties beyond what many consider “traditional,” and each state defines what these duties are. Some include room turnover, taking x-rays, doing coronal polishing, taking impressions, and placing temporary restorations. You can also apply sealants, fluorides, and topical anesthesia. Some states include responsibilities such as repairing or removing prosthetics, final cementation of crowns and bridges, and more. You sterilize/prepare tools and other equipment for the dentist, schedule appointments on occasion, and complete other administrative tasks. It is essential to stay updated on your state’s laws for what it considers an expanded function and a regular function.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an expanded function dental assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant, you need a dental assisting diploma, EFDA certification, and expertise in chairside assisting, restorative procedures, and infection control. Familiarity with dental radiography, digital charting software, and dental instruments is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to provide reassuring patient care are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities ensure efficient dental operations, high-quality patient outcomes, and compliance with safety standards in a clinical setting.

How does an expanded function dental assistant typically collaborate with dentists and hygienists during patient care?

As an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), you'll work closely with dentists and dental hygienists to deliver comprehensive patient care. EFDAs are trusted to perform advanced procedures, such as placing fillings, taking impressions, and polishing teeth, often while the dentist focuses on more complex treatments. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you'll coordinate patient flow, share updates, and ensure a smooth, efficient workflow within the practice. This collaborative environment allows EFDAs to take on significant responsibility and contribute directly to patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Expanded Function Dental Assistant vs Dental Assistant?

AspectExpanded Function Dental AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsRequires additional certifications for expanded dutiesBasic dental assisting certification
Work EnvironmentPerforms advanced procedures under supervisionAssists with routine patient care and procedures
Employer UsageUsed in practices with expanded scope of practiceCommon in most dental practices

Expanded Function Dental Assistants have additional certifications allowing them to perform more complex procedures compared to standard Dental Assistants. They work in similar environments but take on expanded roles, often in practices that require advanced assistance. Standard Dental Assistants focus on routine tasks and patient support. The key difference lies in the scope of practice and certifications, making the Expanded Function Dental Assistant role more specialized.

What are expanded function dental assistant skills?

Expanded function dental assistants (EFDA) have additional skills beyond basic assisting, such as placing dental restorations, taking impressions, and applying sealants or fluoride treatments. These skills require specific training and certification, allowing EFDAs to perform procedures under the supervision of a dentist and improve clinic efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Portland, OR?

For Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Expanded Function Dental Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Expanded Function Dental Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,009 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Expanded Function Dental Assistant - Relief - Part Time

Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic

Donald, OR • On-site

$26.02 - $33.14/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join our team as a Relief Expanded Function Dental Assistant at Lancaster Family Health Center in Salem, OR!
Be part of a healthcare organization that believes in making a difference beyond medical care! We've transformed into a leading community health center in the Pacific Northwest with 40+ clinics across Washington and Oregon. We offer a wide range of services such as medical, dental, pharmacy, orthodontia, nutritional counseling, autism screening, and behavioral health. Our holistic model also extends assistance to shelter, energy, weatherization, HIV and AIDS counseling, home visits, and mobile medical/dental clinics.
Explore our short clips, " WE are Yakima - WE are Family " and " YVFWC - And then we grew ," for a glimpse into our dedication to our communities, health, and families.
Visit our website at www.yvfwc.com to learn more about our organization.
Position Highlights:
  • $26.02-$33.14/hour DOE
  • Additional pay for your bilingual skills, paid on hours worked

What You'll Do:
  • Maintains patient medical records, updating patient medical history and vital signs as needed.
  • Conducts complete patient X-ray procedure including panoramic and cephalometric radiographs, and intra oral photographs. Develops and stores the X-Rays in the electronic patient's dental record.
  • Sets up and records periodontal charting per Provider's instruction.
  • Prepares and sets up instruments and equipment necessary for the patient exam performed by the Provider.
  • Mixes materials needed for the exam with awareness of infection control and cross contamination.
  • Performs preventative periodontal care on patients including the application of coronal polish, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
  • Provides education and counsel in oral hygiene for patients in the clinic and Mobile Unit school based programs.
  • Assists 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.
  • May assist in Orthodontics including; obtaining patient records, bite registrations, patient models, fabricating orthodontic retainers, and placing/removing ligature ties.
  • May perform Lead duties by maintaining the daily flow of the department and acting as a liaison between line staff and the direct supervisor. Manages breaks, lunches, sick calls and overtime. Provides insights to leader regarding the skill level and performance of the employees. Responsible for providing training to new employees and existing staff when needed.
  • Performs clinical responsibilities in alignment with The Joint Commission (TJC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and YVFWC requirements.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of hire.
  • Registration as a Surgical Technologist if assisting a Dentist in the operating room.
  • EFDA certification within 90 days of employment required.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish required at level 10
  • Basic knowledge of medical/dental terminology and dental anatomy.
  • Basic knowledge of dental materials and instruments.
  • Basic knowledge of infection control techniques.
  • Basic knowledge of oral health care instruction.
  • Ability to perform four-handed dental assisting including instrument transfer, oral evacuation, cement mixing, and spatulation.
  • Strong level of manual dexterity and coordination.
  • Ability to effectively interact with a variety of patients of all ages, and employees in a professional manner.
  • Basic proficiency with a variety of computer programs including an Electronic Dental Record (EDR), Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

Our Mission Statement
“Together we transform our communities through compassionate, individualized care, eliminating barriers to health and well-being.”
Our mission celebrates inclusivity. We are committed to equal-opportunity employment.

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