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Lead dental assistant vs expanded function dental assistant

The differences between lead dental assistants and expanded function dental assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a lead dental assistant and an expanded function dental assistant. Additionally, a lead dental assistant has an average salary of $41,290, which is higher than the $38,666 average annual salary of an expanded function dental assistant.

The top three skills for a lead dental assistant include patients, infection control and patient care. The most important skills for an expanded function dental assistant are patients, patient care, and vital signs.

Lead dental assistant vs expanded function dental assistant overview

Lead Dental AssistantExpanded Function Dental Assistant
Yearly salary$41,290$38,666
Hourly rate$19.85$18.59
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs31,58869,681
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 24%Associate Degree, 38%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Lead dental assistant vs expanded function dental assistant salary

Lead dental assistants and expanded function dental assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead Dental AssistantExpanded Function Dental Assistant
Average salary$41,290$38,666
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $57,000Between $28,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between lead dental assistant and expanded function dental assistant education

There are a few differences between a lead dental assistant and an expanded function dental assistant in terms of educational background:

Lead Dental AssistantExpanded Function Dental Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 24%Associate Degree, 38%
Most common majorDental AssistingDental Assisting
Most common college--

Lead dental assistant vs expanded function dental assistant demographics

Here are the differences between lead dental assistants' and expanded function dental assistants' demographics:

Lead Dental AssistantExpanded Function Dental Assistant
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 9.2% Female, 90.8%Male, 8.8% Female, 91.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 24.7% Asian, 8.0% White, 52.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 7.8% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between lead dental assistant and expanded function dental assistant duties and responsibilities

Lead dental assistant example responsibilities.

  • Provide oral care instruction to patients according to surgery or alternate dental procedures.
  • Provide exceptional oral hygiene care under supervision to a variety of patients in addition to assign clerical duties.
  • Certify as an instructor for CPR.
  • Demonstrate compliance in coordinating CPR training for staff.
  • Maintain dental records in accordance with HIPPA policy.
  • Enter patient information into computer system (PBS ENDO).
  • Show more

Expanded function dental assistant example 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.
  • Show more

Lead dental assistant vs expanded function dental assistant skills

Common lead dental assistant skills
  • Patients, 25%
  • Infection Control, 7%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Dental Procedures, 4%
  • CPR, 4%
Common expanded function dental assistant skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Patient Care, 13%
  • Vital Signs, 9%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Dexterity, 6%
  • Dental Procedures, 5%

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