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Instrument Assistant Jobs in Aloha, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Instrument Assistant information

See Aloha, OR salary details

$9

$19

$30

How much do instrument assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument assistant in Aloha, OR is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Instrument Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectInstrument AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary education; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient surgical centersHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics
Job RoleAssists with instrument setup, sterilization, and passing instruments during surgeryPrepares operating rooms, sterilizes equipment, hands instruments to surgeons

While both roles support surgical teams, Instrument Assistants primarily focus on instrument handling and sterilization, often with less formal education. Surgical Technologists have more comprehensive training and certification, performing broader perioperative tasks. Both are essential in surgical settings, but Surgical Technologists typically have more responsibilities and formal credentials.

What does an instrument assistant do?

Instrument Assistants are responsible for preparing, sterilizing, and organizing surgical instruments before procedures. On a daily basis, they ensure all tools are accounted for and in proper working order, assist with instrument setup in operating rooms, and work closely with surgical teams to anticipate needs during procedures. They also help with inventory management, restocking supplies, and maintaining documentation for quality assurance. Teamwork and attention to detail are crucial, as their role directly supports patient safety and surgical efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument assistant?

To thrive as an Instrument Assistant, you need a solid understanding of instrument sterilization, maintenance, and handling procedures, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification in sterile processing. Familiarity with autoclaves, instrument tracking systems, and infection control protocols is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong organizational skills are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure surgical instruments are properly prepared, reducing infection risks and supporting efficient healthcare operations.

What is an instrument assistant?

Instrument Assistants are professionals who support the setup, maintenance, and operation of scientific or technical instruments, often in laboratories, medical facilities, or industrial environments. Their responsibilities may include calibrating equipment, preparing instruments for procedures, assisting senior technicians or scientists, and ensuring that all tools are functioning properly. They play a key role in maintaining the accuracy and efficiency of operations by troubleshooting minor issues and adhering to safety protocols. Instrument Assistants typically work under the supervision of more experienced staff and may also be involved in record-keeping and inventory management.

Expanded Function Dental Assistant - Relief

Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic

Woodburn, OR • On-site

$26.02 - $33.14/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


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 Salud Medical Center in Woodburn, 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.

Employment Type: Part time

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