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Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Expanded Functions Dental Assistant information

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for expanded functions dental assistant in the United States is $23.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are expanded functions skills for dental assistants?

Expanded functions skills for dental assistants include performing procedures such as coronal polishing, placing and removing temporary restorations, and applying sealants under the supervision of a dentist. These skills often require additional training and certification, allowing assistants to take on more complex tasks and improve efficiency in dental practice settings.

What are Expanded Functions Dental Assistants?

Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (EFDAs) are dental assistants who have received additional training and certification to perform advanced duties beyond those of a standard dental assistant. EFDAs can provide direct patient care under the supervision of a dentist, such as placing fillings, taking impressions, applying sealants, and polishing teeth. Their specific responsibilities vary depending on state regulations, but their expanded role helps dentists provide more efficient and comprehensive care. EFDAs must complete formal education and pass exams to obtain their expanded functions credentials.

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

AspectExpanded Functions Dental AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsRequires additional certifications for expanded dutiesBasic dental assisting certification
Work EnvironmentPerforms advanced procedures under supervisionAssists with general chairside duties
Employer UsageUsed in practices with expanded scope of practiceCommon in most dental offices

Expanded Functions Dental Assistants have additional certifications allowing them to perform more advanced procedures compared to general Dental Assistants. They work in similar environments but take on expanded roles, making them valuable for practices seeking to increase efficiency and scope of services.

What is the highest paying dental assistant position?

The highest paying dental assistant position is typically a Certified or Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), who performs advanced procedures such as placing restorations and taking impressions. These roles often require additional certification and experience, leading to higher salaries compared to entry-level dental assistants.

Is being an EFDA worth it?

Being an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) can be worthwhile for those interested in advancing their dental assisting career, as it often offers higher pay and increased responsibilities such as placing restorations. Certification and additional training are typically required, and the role provides opportunities to develop specialized skills in dental procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by Expanded Functions Dental Assistants, and how can they overcome them?

Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (EFDAs) often navigate a fast-paced environment where multitasking and attention to detail are essential. One common challenge is balancing chairside assisting with performing expanded duties, such as placing restorations or taking impressions, all while ensuring patient comfort and safety. EFDAs can overcome these challenges by staying organized, maintaining strong communication with dentists and hygienists, and participating in ongoing training to keep their technical skills sharp. Building a collaborative relationship with the dental team also helps streamline workflow and reduce stress during busy periods.

Can a dental assistant be an EFDA?

A dental assistant can become an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) by completing additional training and certification requirements, which vary by state or region. EFDAs are licensed to perform certain procedures under the supervision of a dentist, often including placing and finishing restorations, and must meet specific educational and licensing standards. Not all dental assistants are automatically EFDAs; additional qualifications are necessary to perform expanded functions legally and safely.

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

To thrive as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, you need comprehensive knowledge of dental procedures, infection control, and dental anatomy, supported by completion of an accredited dental assisting program and relevant state certifications. Proficiency in using dental radiography equipment, digital charting systems, and dental materials is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to reassure patients are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient dental care delivery, patient comfort, and smooth collaboration with the dental team.
More about Expanded Functions Dental Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Expanded Functions Dental Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Expanded Functions Dental Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Expanded Functions Dental Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Expanded Functions Dental Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Expanded Functions Dental Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,099 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Pickerington Family Dental

Pickerington, OH • On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant – EFDA – Dental Assistant

(must have EFDA certification)


Pickerington Family Dental is looking for a Expanded Functions Dental Assistant to join our team.

About Pickerington Family Dental

Pickerington Family Dental, like each Heartland Dental supported office, is unique to the community and the patients they serve. 

  • Join a 9 person team that thrives on collaboration, communication and community
  • Bring Your Skills to a Team That Supports, Develops, and Celebrates You
  • Work Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:30am -5:00pm and Tuesday 8:30 am -6:00pm

Why join a Heartland Dental supported office?

If you are a reliable and positive individual looking for career satisfaction and continuing educational opportunities, join our team! A Heartland Dental supported office is seeking a friendly Expanded Functions Dental Assistant to support the clinical treatment care of our patients. As an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, you will play a large role in the provision of effective and trustworthy dental services. You will sustain patient comfort, soothe upset patients, listen to their needs and educate them on dental procedures. You will also manage clinical supplies, work efficiently to maintain the supported dentist’s schedule and adhere to all OSHA and company safety policies.

Heartland Dental is the nation's largest dental support organization, providing non-clinical administrative support services to more than 3,000 supported doctors across 39 states and the District of Columbia in 1,900+ dental offices. Each Heartland Dental supported office is unique to the community and the patients they serve. Supported doctors are the clinical leaders of their practice, retain full clinical autonomy, and establish their own care philosophies. All Heartland Dental supported doctors are united by a common goal: delivering the highest quality dental care and patient experiences.

Benefits:

We understand that you work hard, which is why each supported location provides an excellent compensation and benefits package.  Additionally, Heartland Dental’s extensive training and continuing education opportunities are unparalleled and exceed industry norms. Each supported location invests heavily in your professional and personal growth and wants to see you succeed.  If your career ambitions include leadership and further advancement, our network of supported locations offer many opportunities to help you meet your goals.  Heartland Dental’s network of supported locations is expected to double in size within the next five to seven years and new opportunities will be created to support that growth.

Additional benefits:

  • Medical and prescription drug insurance
  • Free dental services for yourself and your dependents minus lab fees
  • Vision care support
  • Life insurance
  • 401(K) retirement plan
  • 6 paid holidays off
  • Team-focused, uplifting and educational work culture
  • Potential for 2 weeks vacation available


As an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant at a Heartland Dental supported office, you will organize and maintain lab equipment, take and develop X-rays and provide comprehensive post-operative dental procedures to patients.


Additional responsibilities of the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant include:

  • Taking and recording medical and dental histories and patient vital signs
  • Assisting the dentist in managing dental emergencies
  • Improving your clinical skills and acumen through participation in continuing education and training opportunities offered by Heartland Dental

Requirements:

Job Requirement - Expanded Functions Dental Assistant – EFDA – Dental Assistant:

As an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, you must have a positive and outgoing personality, exceptional interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, excellent patient care skills and strong organizational skills.
Additional requirements for the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant include:

  • Superior working knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
  • Ability to build rapport with patients
  • Good manual dexterity
  • Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs
  • Ability to travel at least once every other month for training, occasionally      overnight
  • Dental assisting school certificate is a plus
  • Previous work experience in a dental practice is a plus

We put our people first at Heartland Dental, and that shows in our generous benefits package.
Company retains the sole discretion to change the duties of the position at any time.
We provide all employees and applicants for employment the protections of federal, state, and local laws affording equal opportunity in employment.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both team members and patients, a tuberculosis (TB) test is required for all new hires in dental office positions. This is a standard requirement for dental office roles and must be completed prior to starting employment. The test will be arranged during the pre-employment process, and any necessary guidance or paperwork will be provided. Not applicable in the state of FL & TN.Â