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Expanded Function Dental Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Dream Team Family Dentistry

Be Seen First

Registered Dental Assistant

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Current, active Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant status. * Previous hands-on dental-assisting ... Coronal-polishing, nitrous-oxide monitoring, sealant, expanded-function, oral-surgery, or Dentrix ...

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Expanded Function Dental Assistant information

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$13

$20

$28

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for expanded function dental assistant in Tennessee is $20.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are expanded function dental assistant skills?

Expanded function dental assistants (EFDA) have additional skills beyond basic assisting, such as placing dental restorations, taking impressions, and applying sealants or fluoride treatments. These skills require specific training and certification, allowing EFDAs to perform procedures under the supervision of a dentist, which can improve efficiency 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 Tennessee? For Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Expanded Function Dental Assistant jobs? Cities in Tennessee 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 Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,655 per year, or $21 per hour.

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant - Sumner Pediatric Dentistry

Rock Dental Brands

Nashville, TN • On-site

$19.50 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Rock Dental Brands rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
Assistant with Expanded Functions serves to provide superior support to doctors and to be an example of respect and caring for our customers and office personnel. This role delivers exceptional clinical care, handles multi-layered chairside responsibilities, and focuses on continuous improvement within a patient-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities & Specific Job Duties
  • Expanded Clinical Functions: Perform advanced clinical duties under the direct supervision of a licensed doctor, including coronal polishing, digital X-rays/ dental radiography, impressions, sealants, and tray setup/breakdown.
  • Chairside Support: Assist during general dentistry procedures, fillings, extractions, and crown & bridge work utilizing efficient four-handed dentistry techniques.
  • Patient Communication: Communicate clearly and calmly treatment needs to parents and patients utilizing the prescribed treatment plan.
  • Compliance & Care: Maintain acute awareness of the comfort and safety needs of patients. Ensure signed consent forms are completed and recognize prior authorization requirements.
  • Clinical Documentation: Provide clear and concise documentation of all treatment rendered using electronic and paper dental records and forms.
  • Sterilization & Operations: Execute rigorous sterilization and infection control protocols in compliance with OSHA and HIPAA guidelines. Perform general housekeeping and restock clinical stations as needed.

Requirements & Minimum Must-Have Qualifications:
  • Licensure: Active Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification.
  • Education: Graduate of an Accredited Dental Assistant School.
  • Life Safety: Current CPR / BLS certification.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience: 1+ years of professional Dental Assisting experience.
  • Specialized Certifications:
  • RDA Expanded Functions certification.
  • Nitrous Oxide certification.
  • X-ray / Digital Radiography certification.
  • Coronal Polishing experience.

Core Qualities & Skills
  • Exceptional customer service skills and high computer literacy.
  • Ability to work independently and proactively anticipate the needs of the team and the doctor.
  • Genuinely respectful, kind, and collaborative demeanor toward fellow team members and patients.

What we offer -
Total Rewards: You'll be welcomed into a winning culture that encourages continuous improvement, a challenging and rewarding work environment with a genuine desire to see each other succeed. We will also provide the following:
  • Support you Professionally: Competitive pay, career growth opportunities, talented and a motivated team who care about each other, our mission, and our patients.
  • Support your Health & Well-being: Flexible health and insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, and complimentary orthodontic treatments that help you and your family stay on track
  • Life Balance: Paid time off and holiday pay
  • Planning for the future: Plan for the future with an industry-leading 401K retirement plan with matching company contributions.

What Rock Dental Brands employees say

Hours and flexibility

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