Do you know what an expanded dental assistant does? Or how an expanded dental assistant is different from a dental assistant? 

Those are the questions we are going to cover in today's article. 

Let's get started. . . 

What is an Expanded Function Dental Assistant?

A dental clinic needs an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) for preparing duties that include patient, chair, and administrative work.

 Each EFDA must meet the requirements to work in this industry, including having state and radiology certifications. 

Their responsibilities may include:

• Preparing treatment rooms before procedures.
• Reviewing dental records.
• Ensuring patients are comfortable.
• Taking and developing x-rays. 

An EFDA may also provide technical assistance to the pediatric dentist, such as applying anesthesia or pain medication during a cavity filling.

How do you Gain Expanded Function Skills as a Dental Assistant?

One of the most common questions dental assistants ask is, "How do I become an expanded function dental assistant?" Unfortunately, there is no easy answer because every state is unique. Not all states use the title Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA).

It may surprise you that there are at least 41 different job titles for dental assistants in the US. For instance, a dental assistant that undertakes expanded duties may be referred to as an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant in some areas. This assistant may go by: 

• Expanded Function Dental Assistant 
• Registered Dental Assistant 
• Licensed Dental Assistant
• Qualified Dental Assistant 

In addition, some states have only one level of dental assistant, while others have up to five levels and job titles. And every state has different education, exam, and experience requirements.

If you are interested in becoming an expanded function dental assistant in your state, there are many steps you can take. Here are four steps to consider: 

1. Check your state's requirements.

Visit your state dental board or the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) website at www.danb.org  and look under State-Specific Information. 

From there, you may learn more about dental assistants' education, experience, exam requirements, and the tasks they are permitted to carry out. 

You can also find links to each state's dental board website; dental board websites often contain the applications you will need to complete to meet that state's dental assistant requirements.

2. Look at courses that have received board approval and dental assisting programs.

Many state dental boards mandate that dental assistants finish one or more state dental board-approved courses and graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program to undertake extended duties. Check with your dental board to find out which courses are board-approved. For a list of CODA-accredited dental assisting programs, visit www.ada.org or www.danb.org. 

3. Earn the CDA certification from DANB

Twenty-nine states recognize or require the CDA exam from DANB to perform expanded functions or expose radiographs. A CDA certification can help you progress professionally, increase career mobility, and give you a competitive edge. 

4. Consider DANB's CPDA exam.

Although each state establishes its standards for carrying out expanded duties, there are some common trends across the nation. For instance, many states are increasing the range of tasks assistants can complete. Dental assistants are currently permitted to execute coronal polishing operations under 43 dental practice acts, apply sealants under 38 acts, apply topical fluoride under 45 acts, and use topical anesthetic under 49 acts. These four tasks are covered in the component exams for the DANB CPDA Certification exam.

What are the Duties of an Expanded Function Dental Assistant? 

Here is a list of duties an expanded dental assistant may perform daily and have the ability and training to complete: 

• Caries and cavity classifications
• Tooth morphology
• Cavity preparations
• Properties of amalgam
• Esthetic restorative materials and procedures
• Placement of bases and liners
• Etching
• Bonding
• Composite resin
• Amalgam utilizing two-handed and four-handed dentistry
• Crown and Bridge Impressions
• Cord Packing
• Temporary Crown Fabrication and Cementation
• Orthodontics

Dental Assistant Vs. Expanded Function Dental Assistants: What is the Difference? 

Patients are the main focus of dental assistants' work. Dental assistants are specifically responsible for: 

• Scheduling: Scheduling appointments when needed
• Preparing: Preparing patients ready for treatments and procedures 
• Sterilizing: Sterilizing equipment
• Handling: Handling billing and payment when needed 
• Providing: Providing support to dentists and hygienists during dental treatment or procedure 
• Educating: Educating patients on good oral hygiene
• Processing: Processing x-rays and lab samples when trained and certified. 

Depending on the state where they work, dental assistants can become expanded dental function assistants, allowing them to perform advanced duties under a dentist's supervision. 

They typically sterilize equipment to help ensure that diseases do not transmit from patient to patient via dental instruments.

They may also set up equipment trays so a dentist or hygienist has everything they need for examinations and procedures. The expanded functions of the dental assistant role may include coronal polishing, sealant placement, and removing and fabricating temporary crowns. Dental assistants with education in expanded functions should also possess skills in:

• Communication
• Working in a clinical setting
• Administrative office work
• Medical billing and coding

Extended Functions Dental Assistant Salary

The estimated pay for an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant is $62,982 per year in the United States, with an average salary of $50,875 per year.

More Information

Dental Assistant Skills Checklist 

5 Dental Assistant Resume Skills List

Soft Skills You Need As A Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant Job Description

Dental Assistant Working Interview

How To Become The Best Dental Assistant You Can

 

References: 

https://oralhealthworkforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Dental_Assistant_Workforce_2015.pdf 

 

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