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What is an expanded function dental assistant and how to become one
An expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) is a dental assistant who's had enough training and experience to perform more duties. Dental assistants manage patient records, schedule appointments, and clean the patient's teeth. However, an EFDA can also perform coronal polishes, apply sealants and fluoride, and administer anesthesia. The duties that an EFDA perform vary by the dental office they work and the state they practice in.
A day in the life of an EFDA could include dental assistant tasks like giving dental hygiene advice to patients and advanced duties like performing orthodontic work.
EFDAs may also be called licensed dental assistants or certified dental assistants, and the career path often begins with the education and experience of a dental assistant. You'll then need accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) to perform expanded duties.
What general advice would you give to an expanded function dental assistant?
Aaron Benitez CDA, RDA, RDHAP, MSDH
Dental Assisting Faculty, Articulation Officer, Website
Also, since in California the minimum wage is increasing beyond the amount that a starting Dental Assistant could potentially earn, learning new advanced techniques is more relevant.
Avg. Salary $38,666
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%
Asian 7.84%
Black or African American 8.38%
Hispanic or Latino 20.12%
Unknown 5.11%
White 57.79%
Genderfemale 91.16%
male 8.84%
Age - 36American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 36Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Expanded function dental assistant career paths
Key steps to become an expanded function dental assistant
Explore expanded function dental assistant education requirements
Start to develop specific expanded function dental assistant skills
Skills Percentages Patients 23.41% Patient Care 13.38% Vital Signs 8.59% OSHA 6.93% Dexterity 6.04% Complete relevant expanded function dental assistant training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New expanded function dental assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an expanded function dental assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real expanded function dental assistant resumes.Gain additional expanded function dental assistant certifications
More About CertificationsExpanded function dental assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific expanded function dental assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for expanded function dental assistants include Dental Assistant (RDA) and Certified Dental Technician.
Research expanded function dental assistant duties and responsibilities
- Help dentist to manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply.
- Develop and implement individualized dental care plans for patients.
- Record & follow HIPAA regulations.
- Perform coronal polishing and sealant placement.
Prepare your expanded function dental assistant resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your expanded function dental assistant resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an expanded function dental assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable expanded function dental assistant resume templates
Build a professional expanded function dental assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your expanded function dental assistant resume.
Apply for expanded function dental assistant jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an expanded function dental assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first expanded function dental assistant job
Are you an expanded function dental assistant?
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Average expanded function dental assistant salary
The average expanded function dental assistant salary in the United States is $38,666 per year or $19 per hour. Expanded function dental assistant salaries range between $28,000 and $52,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do expanded function dental assistants rate their job?
Expanded function dental assistant reviews
You have to be an A+ at all times, you have no room for error, none at all!!! Absolutely none!!!
I love being able to help people get back on track with their health. I love to be a part of the process that stops and maintains oral disease.
It is taxing on your body, especially your neck and back.
I love working in Healthcare/Dental and having patients turn into relationships and friendship while doing my job to help them with dental care and hygiene. I liked working in a big office as well.
Updated January 8, 2025
