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Expanded Function Dental Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Legacy Dental

Dental Therapist

Austin, MN · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

You'll work alongside experienced dentists, hygienists, and assistants in a collaborative environment that encourages autonomy, continuous learning, and exceptional patient care. If you're passionate ...

COMMUNITY DENTAL CARE

Advanced Dental Therapist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$21.50 - $27.25/hr

We have a full-time opportunity for an Advanced Dental Therapist (ADT) at our Rochester clinic. This position serves as an integral part of the clinical team in providing quality, caring, clinical ...

CLD Eden Prairie MN LLC

Dental Therapist

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Clear Lakes Dental proudly serves patients throughout the twin cities area. We see patients of all ages and backgrounds. We are looking to hire a full time Dental Therapist. Backed by a strong vision ...

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All JobsExpanded Function Dental JobsExpanded Function Dental Assistant JobsExpanded Function Dental Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Expanded Function Dental Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$14

$22

$30

How much do expanded function dental assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for expanded function dental assistant in Minnesota is $22.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a dental assistant be an EFDA?

A dental assistant can become an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) by completing additional training and certification requirements specific to their state or region. EFDAs are licensed to perform certain procedures, such as placing fillings and coronal polishing, under the supervision of a dentist. Certification programs typically include coursework, hands-on training, and passing a competency exam.

What is the average salary for an EFDA in PA?

The average salary for an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) in Pennsylvania is approximately $40,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and location. EFDAs with additional training or working in urban areas may earn higher wages. Certification and proficiency in dental procedures can also influence salary levels.

How does an Expanded Function Dental Assistant typically collaborate with dentists and hygienists during patient care?

As an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), you'll work closely with dentists and dental hygienists to deliver comprehensive patient care. EFDAs are trusted to perform advanced procedures, such as placing fillings, taking impressions, and polishing teeth, often while the dentist focuses on more complex treatments. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you'll coordinate patient flow, share updates, and ensure a smooth, efficient workflow within the practice. This collaborative environment allows EFDAs to take on significant responsibility and contribute directly to patient outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant, you need a dental assisting diploma, EFDA certification, and expertise in chairside assisting, restorative procedures, and infection control. Familiarity with dental radiography, digital charting software, and dental instruments is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to provide reassuring patient care are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities ensure efficient dental operations, high-quality patient outcomes, and compliance with safety standards in a clinical setting.

What Is an Expanded Function Dental Assistant?

An expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) performs duties beyond what many consider “traditional,” and each state defines what these duties are. Some include room turnover, taking x-rays, doing coronal polishing, taking impressions, and placing temporary restorations. You can also apply sealants, fluorides, and topical anesthesia. Some states include responsibilities such as repairing or removing prosthetics, final cementation of crowns and bridges, and more. You sterilize/prepare tools and other equipment for the dentist, schedule appointments on occasion, and complete other administrative tasks. It is essential to stay updated on your state’s laws for what it considers an expanded function and a regular function.

What is the highest paying dental assistant position?

The highest paying dental assistant positions are often specialized roles such as Certified Dental Anesthesia Assistants or those working in oral surgery or orthodontics, which typically offer higher salaries due to advanced skills and certifications. Experience, additional certifications, and working in private practices or specialized clinics can also increase earning potential for dental assistants.

What are Expanded Function Dental Assistants?

Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs) are dental assistants who have received additional training and certification to perform advanced clinical tasks. These tasks often include placing fillings, taking impressions, applying sealants, and other duties that go beyond those of a traditional dental assistant. EFDAs work under the supervision of a dentist but are allowed more responsibility and autonomy in patient care, depending on state regulations. Their enhanced skills help improve the efficiency and quality of dental practices.

Is EFDA a good career?

An Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) is a dental professional trained to perform additional procedures such as placing fillings and crowns under supervision. It offers a stable career with opportunities for specialization, typically requiring certification and hands-on training. The role provides a good job outlook with steady demand in dental practices.

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

AspectExpanded Function Dental AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsRequires additional certifications for expanded dutiesBasic dental assisting certification
Work EnvironmentPerforms advanced procedures under supervisionAssists with routine patient care and procedures
Employer UsageUsed in practices with expanded scope of practiceCommon in most dental practices

Expanded Function Dental Assistants have additional certifications allowing them to perform more complex procedures compared to standard Dental Assistants. They work in similar environments but take on expanded roles, often in practices that require advanced assistance. Standard Dental Assistants focus on routine tasks and patient support. The key difference lies in the scope of practice and certifications, making the Expanded Function Dental Assistant role more specialized.

More about Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Minnesota? For Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Expanded Function Dental Assistant job openings:
Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expanded Function Dental Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,108 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Dental Assistant (EF)

Department of Human Services

Ogema, MN

$47K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most! Join the Indian Health Service as an experienced Expanded Function Dental Assistant. Use your expertise in chairside assisting, restorative procedures, radiography, infection control, and patient education to deliver culturally respectful, high-quality care while improving oral health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).Qualifications:To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
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; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiological procedures meet the credentialing standards, which are set forth in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must (1) have successfully completed an educational program which meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and which is credited 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 radiological 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 radiological procedures to others.
  2. Persons first employed by the Federal Government as radiological personnel after the effective date of the regulation who (a) received training from institutions in a State or foreign jurisdiction which did not accredit training in that particular field at the time of graduation, or (b) practiced in a State of foreign jurisdiction which did not license that particular field or which did not allow special eligibility to take a licensure examination for those who did not graduate from an accredited educational program, provided that such persons show evidence of training, experience, and competence, as determined by OPM or the employing agency.
You must have a current I.H.S. or a State (or foreign jurisdiction) dental radiological health and safety certification of competency or proof of otherwise meeting the above-described requirement.
In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below-
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-05: Applicants must meet one of the following.
  • Specialized Experience: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the private or public sector) performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Providing chairside assistance during dental procedures; performing simple alloy and composite restorations that do not require pin retention or cusp replacement; placing and contouring temporary restorations; placing pit and fissure sealants; performing oral prophylaxis using ultrasonic scaling to remove visible calculus; applying topical fluoride; taking and processing digital intra-oral radiographs; taking and recording vital signs; collecting patient history and assisting with medication reconciliation; performing routine dental laboratory procedures; providing post-treatment instructions and oral health education; maintaining dental instruments and equipment; and following established infection control, sterilization, and safety protocols.
OR
  • Education: Successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in dental assistant or dental hygiene program:
    • Must include 24 or more semester hours in courses such as radiation physics; radiation biology; radiation health, safety and protection; x-ray films and radiographic film quality, radiographic techniques; darkroom and processing techniques; and film mounting.
OR
  • Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and education that meets 100 percent of the qualification requirements. Only education beyond the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.

GS-06: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the private or public sector) performing the following type of work and/or tasks: advanced duties under a dentist such as restorative fillings expanded functions duties, cleaning or surgical expanded function duties. Other examples include monitor nitrous oxide, take x-rays; coronal polishing; apply sealants, place and carve restoratives; take final impressions under close supervision, apply sealants and fluoride.
And
Special Requirements for GS-05 and GS-06 Dental Assistant (Expanded Function) Applicants: Your resume must demonstrate completion of 1 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:
  • 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 intra-oral procedures (also referred to as expanded functions) that are to be performed in the position to be filled.
  • U.S. Army's Dental Therapy Assistant Training Program.
  • Continuing education courses in expanded functions for dental assistants offered by the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services.
  • 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.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.Education:This position has an education requirement. If you are substituting education for experience: You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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