Expanded Functions Dental Assistant: More Responsibilities
An expanded functions dental assistant needs more specialized training than a regular assistant. As a matter of fact, an expanded functions dental assistant also has better prospects for advancement in this career.
While they are still not dental hygienists, they do perform some of the tasks, but on a limited scale. Yet even with the additional responsibilities, there is a significant difference in payscale between the two positions. Assistants earn between $11 and $20 per hour, while a dental hygienist's salary ranges from $16 to $24.
Job Description
How much more complex is the responsibilities of an expanded functions assistant? They call them chair side assistants to dentists. That's because dental assistant duties include helping out in all the phases of specialized dental procedures and treatments. This means it's more than just tooth extractions or fillings.
When patients require restorative, surgical, endodontic, prosthodontic or periodontal treatments, the dentist will need an expanded functions dental assistant on hand all throughout the procedure.
Before even getting to the actual treatment procedure, it is your job to ensure that all the equipment to be used are well maintained, are properly functioning and sanitized.
The assistant prepares both the patients and the area to be used during the treatment, making sure all the instruments, materials and supplies are adequate.
Another task is operating the dental x-ray equipment, including developing the film afterward.
Registered Dental Assistant with Expanded Function Requirements
Because of the nature of the job, an expanded functions assistant (EFDA) must be licensed before they can practice. In fact the more formal title for this occupation in certain areas is Registered Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions or RDAEF.
You are required to have proper training beyond that learned en route to becoming a dental assistant; in particular you must complete an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant associate degree, which is offered in schools accredited by the American Dental Association or institutions with dentistry courses.
You may get credit for your experience as dental assistant and any previous related training you may have undertaken prior to starting the job. Some schools, however, have additional requirements prior to admission: you must be certified; and you must have at least two years work experience in the field.
The training is usually an average of 200 hours divided between classroom learning and the bulk (75%) for clinical or hands-on training. It will usually include a course in radiology that will train you how to take oral x-rays and develop the film. This is the primary difference between a regular assistant and the expanded functions dental assistant.
Complete this training and you qualify to take the state exam for expanded functions dental assistant; pass that and you can register with your state's Dental Board to be allowed to practice.
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