At Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, we believe you're more than a Dental Assistant, and we are more than a job. We're an FQHC committed to providing patient-centered care to communities. Compassion is at the core of our approach. We treat patients according to their preferences, regardless of location, origin, or ability to pay. Our doors are open to all, regardless of their citizenship status.
We serve over 197,000 patients across 28 medical clinics, 15 dental clinics, 11 pharmacies, and 49 program sites in two states. We are Level 3 Certified as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). With integrated services including medical, dental, pharmacy, orthodontia, primary care nutritional counseling, autism screening, and primary care behavioral health, YVFWC's patient-centered model of care offers patients the full spectrum of care and shelter assistance, energy assistance, weatherization, HIV and AIDS counseling and testing, home visits, and four mobile medical/dental clinics.
These short clips share a glimpse of our dedication to our communities, our health, and our families:
WE are Yakima - WE are Family
YVFWC - And then we grew
We are seeking a Dental Assistant for our Columbia Basin Pediatric Dentistry in Kennewick, WA.
What We Offer:
- $21.86 - $26.77 /hour DOE with the ability to go higher for highly experienced candidates
- $4,000 sign-on bonus & $1,000 bonus at 12 months of employment
- Additional pay for bilingual skills
- 100% employer-paid health insurance including medical, dental, vision, Rx, 24/7 telemedicine
- Profit sharing & 403(b) retirement plan available
- Generous PTO, 8 paid holidays, and much more!
- Maintains patient medical records, updating patient medical history and vital signs as needed.
- Conducts complete patient X-ray procedures, 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 applying coronal polish, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
- Starts and monitors nitrous oxide analgesia as necessary under the direct supervision of the Provider. (Only in Washington),
- 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 leaders regarding the skill level and performance of the employees. Responsible for providing training to new employees and existing staff when needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Performs clinical responsibilities in alignment with The Joint Commission (TJC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and YVFWC requirements.
- Required Education: High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
- Licenses/Certificates/Registration: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of hire. Registration as a Surgical Technologist if assisting a Dentist in the operating room. Registration as a Dental Assistant or EFDA certification. NOTE: Dental Assistants who have not received their Dental Assistant registration from the State of Washington will not be allowed to perform the Essential Functions of the job until it is received. Prior to this time, a Dental Assistant will be allowed to observe patient care and assist with paperwork and receptionist roles only. Dental Assistant Registration must be completed within 7 days of hire unless specifically approved by the Clinic Administrator.
- Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required or Preferred: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Demonstrates ability to communicate at level 10 on the ALTA language proficiency scale to receive bilingual differential pay. 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 professionally with various patients of all ages and employees. Basic proficiency with various computer programs, including an Electronic Dental Record (EDR), Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Working in our organization means being a passionate champion for those who have no voice. It means having the opportunity to work with underserved populations and with peers committed to the same work.
At Farm Workers Clinic
- We will consistently trust one another to work for the common good.
- We will foster integrity by demonstrating ethical behavior and insisting on doing what we say we will do.
- We will demonstrate transparency by being candid and truthful no matter the risk.
- We will create partnerships to strengthen ourselves and our community.
- We will fight for just treatment for all individuals.
- We will let joy in.
- We have the courage to be an agent of change and refuse anything short of excellence.
Our mission celebrates diversity. We are committed to equal-opportunity employment.
Contact us at to learn more about this opportunity!