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Hygiene Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Trillium Dental Group

Be Seen First

Dental Hygiene Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

Job Summary Join our dynamic dental team as a Dental Hygiene Assistant, where your enthusiasm and dedication will help create a welcoming environment for patients seeking exceptional oral healthcare. ...

Proxi Dental Staffing

Dental Hygiene

Portland, OR

$48.96 - $61.20/hr

Permanent Dental Hygienist Opportunity - Portland, OR We're seeking a Dental Hygienist for ... FSA, Voluntary Benefits and Employee Assistant Program * PTO and paid company holidays * Continuing ...

Dreamworks Dental

Dental Hygienist

Gresham, OR · On-site

$60/hr

You will screen patients, perform dental cleanings, and assist the dentists with exams and routine dental hygiene procedures. The ideal candidate is state-licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist ...

Dreamworks Dental

Dental Hygienist

Gresham, OR · On-site

$60/hr

You will screen patients, perform dental cleanings, and assist the dentists with exams and routine dental hygiene procedures. The ideal candidate is state-licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist ...

Dreamworks Dental

Dental Hygienist

Gresham, OR · On-site

$60/hr

You will screen patients, perform dental cleanings, and assist the dentists with exams and routine dental hygiene procedures. The ideal candidate is state-licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist ...

VDW LLC

Dental Hygienist

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$68/hr

Educate patients on oral hygiene and preventive care * Take dental X-rays as needed * Perform periodontal charting and communicate findings with the dental team * Collaborate with the dentist ...

Jonathan Roxas DDS

Dental hygienist

Portland, OR · On-site

$55 - $70/hr

Perform dental hygiene procedures such as cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth Take and develop dental x-rays (if certified) Educate patients on oral hygiene and preventive dental care Assist ...

Weissman Dental

Dental hygienist

Portland, OR · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

... Assist dentists with selecting appropriate treatments for various diseases (including oral cancer ... Hygiene: 1 year (Preferred) License/Certification: Registered Dental Hygienist license (Required ...

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All JobsHygiene JobsHygiene Assistant JobsHygiene Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Hygiene Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

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How much do hygiene assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for hygiene assistant in Portland, OR is $20.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hygiene assistant?

A hygiene assistant or dental hygienist works in a dental office, working one-on-one with a patient to prep them for dental procedures. The job requires excellent interpersonal skills to help ease the anxiety that many feel when visiting the dentist. As a hygiene assistant, your duties include cleaning patients’ teeth before seeing one of the dentists and teaching them techniques to better clean them at home. The minimum qualifications for this career are an associate degree and licensure from your state’s Board of Dental Examiners. You can also get certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to better your chances of obtaining employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hygiene assistant?

To thrive as a Hygiene Assistant, you generally need a basic understanding of infection control, knowledge of cleaning procedures, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning chemicals, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sometimes specialized sanitation equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills are valuable soft skills that help maintain a clean and safe environment. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure effective hygiene standards, prevent the spread of infections, and support overall health and safety in the workplace.

What are some typical challenges a hygiene assistant might face during their daily routines, and how can they effectively manage them?

Hygiene Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict infection control protocols, managing time efficiently in fast-paced environments, and communicating effectively with both patients and dental teams. Adhering to sterilization standards and keeping up with a high patient turnover requires diligence and attention to detail. Building strong organizational skills and staying current with best practices in dental hygiene can help Hygiene Assistants navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Hygiene Assistant vs Dental Assistant?

AspectHygiene AssistantDental Assistant
CredentialsBasic health and safety training, possibly certification in infection controlDental assisting certification or diploma often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities focusing on hygiene and sanitationDental offices, clinics, dental practices
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, hospitals, clinicsDental practices, clinics, dental hospitals
Common Search/ComparisonHygiene Assistant vs Dental Assistant

The main difference between a Hygiene Assistant and a Dental Assistant lies in their work environment and specific certifications. Hygiene Assistants focus on sanitation and infection control in healthcare settings, while Dental Assistants support dental procedures and patient care in dental offices. Both roles require health and safety training, but Dental Assistants often need specialized dental assisting certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role in healthcare or dental industries.

More about Hygiene Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Hygiene jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Hygiene jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Hygiene Assistant jobs in Portland, OR?

For Hygiene Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hygiene Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Hygiene Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Hygiene Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Hygiene Assistant job openings:

Hygiene Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hygiene Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,623 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Dental Hygiene Assistant

Trillium Dental Group

Portland, OR • On-site

$25 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

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Job description

Job Summary

Join our dynamic dental team as a Dental Hygiene Assistant, where your enthusiasm and dedication will help create a welcoming environment for patients seeking exceptional oral healthcare. In this vital role, you will support dental professionals by preparing treatment areas, assisting during procedures, and ensuring the highest standards of infection control and patient safety. Your proactive approach will contribute to delivering comfortable, efficient, and comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in a fast-paced clinical setting while making a positive impact on patient health and confidence.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare treatment rooms by sterilizing and organizing dental instruments and equipment according to infection prevention management protocols.
  • Assist dentists during clinical procedures such as oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry, ensuring smooth workflow through four-handed dentistry techniques.
  • Take and develop dental x-rays and 3D scans using advanced medical imaging technology, adhering to dental sterilization procedures and aseptic techniques.
  • Manage patient records by updating medical documentation, medical records, and ensuring compliance with HIPAA privacy regulations.
  • Monitor vital signs and assist in patient management before, during, and after treatments to ensure comfort and safety.
  • Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, post-treatment care, and explain dental terminology clearly to enhance their understanding of general dentistry procedures.
  • Support the dental team with administrative duties including patient management software updates, appointment scheduling, and answering the dental receptionist phone inquiries.

Skills

  • Proficiency with EMR systems such as Dentrix, for accurate medical documentation and record keeping.
  • Strong knowledge of dental terminology, anatomy, and clinical confidentiality policies to ensure compliance with healthcare standards.
  • Experience in dental instrument processing, sterilization procedures, infection control practices, and healthcare infection prevention and control expertise.
  • Ability to operate dental equipment including X-ray machines, intraoral cameras, 3D scanners, and other clinical tools efficiently.
  • Excellent communication skills for patient care delivery and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team specializing in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics, and other specialties.
  • Familiarity with medical terminology relevant to dentistry and the use of patient management software for scheduling and record keeping.
  • Knowledge of dental sterilization procedures combined with aseptic technique to maintain a safe clinical environment.

Join us in delivering outstanding dental care while advancing your career in a supportive environment that values your growth!