1

Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda Jobs in Virginia

Dental Assistant / EFDA

Norfolk, VA

$19.50 - $25/hr

Dental Assistant / EFDA Location: Norfolk, VA 23510 Konikoff Family Dental - Brambleton is seeking ... We are in search of a driven and dedicated Expanded Functions Dental Assistant to join our team. If ...

$46K/yr

AND Applicants for Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) positions must have completed one-year of acceptable course work, preceptorship, or other formal training and/or work assignments specifically ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda information

What is an expanded function dental assistant (EFDA)?

Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs) are dental assistants who have received additional training and certification to perform advanced clinical tasks beyond basic dental assisting duties. These tasks can include placing fillings, polishing teeth, taking impressions, and applying sealants, depending on state regulations. EFDAs work closely with dentists to provide quality patient care and help improve the efficiency of dental offices. To become an EFDA, individuals typically need to complete a specialized training program and pass a state or national certification exam.

How does an expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) typically collaborate with dentists and hygienists during procedures?

As an EFDA, you play a key role in supporting dentists and hygienists by performing advanced clinical duties, such as placing fillings, taking impressions, and applying sealants under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial—EFDAs often prepare patients, manage clinical workflow, and anticipate the needs of both dentists and hygienists during procedures. This collaboration helps ensure efficient patient care and allows the dental team to provide a higher volume of quality services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an expanded function dental assistant (EFDA), and why are they important?

To thrive as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), you need comprehensive knowledge of dental procedures, chairside assisting skills, and completion of an accredited EFDA program with state certification. Familiarity with dental radiography, digital imaging systems, and dental charting software is commonly required. Exceptional manual dexterity, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal communication set top EFDAs apart. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality dental care, enhancing both patient outcomes and practice productivity.

What is the difference between Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda vs Dental Assistant?

AspectExpanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)Dental Assistant
CertificationsRequires EFDA certification/licenseRequires Dental Assistant certification/license
Scope of PracticePerforms advanced procedures like placing restorations and coronal polishingAssists with patient care, sterilization, and basic procedures
Work EnvironmentOperates more independently in clinical proceduresSupports dentists and handles administrative tasks

In summary, an EFDA has additional certifications allowing them to perform advanced procedures like placing restorations, whereas a Dental Assistant primarily supports the dental team with basic tasks. Both roles are essential in dental practices, but EFDA roles involve a broader scope of clinical responsibilities.

Are Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda jobs in high demand?

Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) jobs are in growing demand due to increased emphasis on dental care and expanded responsibilities for dental assistants. EFDAs with certification and skills in procedures like coronal polishing and sealant placement are particularly sought after in dental practices. The job outlook is positive, with opportunities expected to grow alongside the dental industry.

What are popular job titles related to Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda jobs in Virginia?

For Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda job openings:

Infographic showing various Expanded Function Dental Assistant Efda job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Dental Assistant (Expanded Function)

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA

Portsmouth, VA • On-site, Remote

$46K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Defense Health Agency rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
About the Position: This position falls under the Defense Health Agency-Atlantic Network at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Dental Clinic, working in a clinical dental environment performing both routine and expanded function dental assistant duties, with responsibilities ranging from patient preparation and treatment support to radiographic work and record keeping, Monday - Friday 06:15 A.M. to 3:15 P.M.
This is a Direct Hire Solicitation
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  • Perform Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) duties in one or more phases of complex/difficult restorative, prosthodontic, oral surgical, endodontic, or oral hygiene treatment.
  • Perform oral prophylaxis and provide therapeutic care in the cases of acute gingivitis and incipient to moderate periodontal diseases using a variety of scalers and ultrasonic equipment.
  • Chart examination and treatment information as relayed by dentist to patient records.
  • Operate dental X-ray equipment to take intra and extra-oral radiographs.
  • Prepare and arrange all instruments and materials needed for each treatment.
  • Maintain dental equipment in a clean and operative condition.
  • Restore teeth prepared by dentist with permanent and temporary fillings.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
  • This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random drug testing, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
  • Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
  • This position has mandatory seasonal Influenza vaccination requirements and is subject to annual seasonal Influenza vaccinations unless otherwise exempted for medical or religious reasons (documentation of exemption must be provided upon hire).
  • This position requires the incumbent to have Tuberculosis testing.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
  • Position requires employee to wear a uniform and/or protective clothing.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • Radiology Certification required.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Dental Assistant (Expanded Functions):
Radiology Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must (1) have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and (2) be certified as radiographers in their field. The following meet these requirements:
(1) Persons employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel prior to the effective date of the regulation (January 13, 1986) who show evidence of current or fully satisfactory performance or certification of such from a licensed practitioner such as a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic who prescribes radiologic procedures to others.
(2) Persons first employed by the Federal Government as radiologic personnel after the effective date of the regulation who (a) received training from institutions in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not accredit training in that particular field at the time of graduation, or (b) practiced in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not license that particular field or did not allow special eligibility to take a licensure examination for those who did not graduate from an accredited educational program, provided such persons show evidence of training, experience, and competence, as determined by OPM or the employing agency.
AND
Applicants for Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) positions must have completed one-year of acceptable course work, preceptorship, or other formal training and/or work assignments specifically designed to equip them with knowledge and skills required to perform intra-oral procedures involved in the position to be filled. Examples of acceptable training are:
1. Courses in a dental hygiene or dental assistant program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Accreditation that are directly related to the intraoral procedures (also referred to as expanded functions) that are to be performed in the position to be filled.
2. U.S. Army's Dental Therapy Assistant Training Program.
3. Continuing education courses in expanded functions for dental assistants offered by the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services.
4. Other training comparable to the above in private or governmental hospitals, clinics, or schools that included formal classroom instruction and clinical training in the knowledge and skills required to perform intra-oral procedures in the position to be filled.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience which includes, 1). Assisting dental specialists with intra-oral procedures; 2). Maintaining dental equipment; and 3). Operating dental x-ray equipment to take radiographs on dental patients. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
OR
Education:
A half year (9 semester hours) of graduate-level education progressing toward a master's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, or related field of study. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education by 9. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
  • Enhanced Leave Accrual MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
  • Advanced In-hire MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What Defense Health Agency employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom