How to hire an expanded function dental assistant

How to hire an expanded function dental assistant, step by step

Here's a step-by-step expanded function dental assistant hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an expanded function dental assistant job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new expanded function dental assistant
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your expanded function dental assistant job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an expanded function dental assistant for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect expanded function dental assistant also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents expanded function dental assistant salaries for various positions.

   Type of Expanded Function Dental Assistant	Description	Hourly rate
   Expanded Function Dental Assistant	Dental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from providing patient care and taking x rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work.	$13-25
   Dental Nurse	A Dental Nurse assists dentists in carrying out different kinds of oral-care procedures. They look after patient records and make notes when the dentist is examining a patient.	$24-61
   Dental Technician	Dental Technicians manufacture dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures in accordance with the dentist's specifications. They are also responsible for replacing, repairing, or modifying full or partial dentures.	$19-55

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Patients
   • Patient Care
   • Vital Signs
   • OSHA
   • Dexterity
   • Dental Procedures
   • EFDA
   • CPR
   • Infection Control Procedures
   • Chair Side
   • Digital X-Rays
   • Dental Care
   • Functions Dental
   • Dental Histories

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Capture digital x-ray imaging using Eaglesoft.
   • Preform placement and contouring of composite restorations and sealants as well as coronal polishing and fluoride application.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your expanded function dental assistant job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An expanded function dental assistant can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, expanded function dental assistants' average salary in mississippi is 42% less than in minnesota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level expanded function dental assistants 46% less than senior-level expanded function dental assistants.
   • Certifications. An expanded function dental assistant with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an expanded function dental assistant's salary.

   Average expanded function dental assistant salary

   $38,666yearly

   $18.59 hourly rate

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   Entry-level expanded function dental assistant salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

4. Writing an expanded function dental assistant job description

   A good expanded function dental assistant job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an expanded function dental assistant job description:

   Expanded function dental assistant job description example

   Applicants for all positions will be required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 during the hiring process. Valid medical or religious exemptions will be considered but serial COVID-19 testing will be required to maintain employment.
   
   The person in this position assists the Dental Provider at chair side. In addition, the Dental Assistant greets patients and prepares them for treatment.
   
   This is a full time position wtih a work schedule that is split between our clinics in Salem and Woodburn.
   Sign-on bonus of $4,000.00 on first paycheck and $2,000.00 at 12 months of employment.
   
   Essential Functions/Responsibilities/Duties
   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. 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 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
   Education : High School Diploma or GED. Professional Licenses/Certificates/Registration: CPR certification within 90 days of employment. BLS (Basic Life Support) certification within 90 days of employment preferred. Registration as a Surgical Technologist if assisting a Dentist in the operating room. EFDA certification within 90 days of employment required. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required or Preferred: English/Spanish bilingual proficiency in written and verbal communication required. Demonstrates the ability to communicate at level 10 on the ALTA language proficiency scale. 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.
   About YVFWC
   
   We serve more than 181,000 patients across 25 medical clinics, 14 dental clinics, 10 pharmacies, and 64 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.
   
   Working at YVFWC
   
   Working in our organization means being the 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.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right expanded function dental assistant for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with expanded function dental assistants they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit expanded function dental assistants who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your expanded function dental assistant job on Zippia to find and recruit expanded function dental assistant candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting expanded function dental assistants requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new expanded function dental assistant

   Once you have selected a candidate for the expanded function dental assistant position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new expanded function dental assistant. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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