Additional Duties Allowed For An Expanded Function Dental Assistant

Different states have different job titles for dental assistants. Some states only use the job title dental assistant. Others have options for different levels of dental assistants, including those who have extra training and can now be allowed to perform more functions than regular dental assistants. The titles for these professionals include Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina), Expanded Function Dental Assistant (Florida, Idaho, Maine, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont), Dental Assistant qualified in expanded duties or Dental Assistant qualified in expanded functions (Illinois, Missouri, New Hampshire, Texas, West Virginia).

In order to find out more about exactly what job titles are used in your state, and what people with those job titles are allowed to do, you can go to the Dental Assisting National Board Website. They have a state by state listing of titles and PDF files showing exactly what people with each of the different titles can and cannot do according to state laws and regulations.

There are a variety of additional duties that an Expanded Function Dental Assistant might be allowed to do. As mentioned above, the exact duties allowed vary by state and by training, since you are not allowed to perform a function if you have not been trained in how to do it. In some states you have to become certified in the different functions in order to be allowed to do them. Some states allow these professionals to do more than others.

An Expanded Function Dental Assistant in Florida, for example, might be allowed to take x-rays as long as they are certified as a dental radiographer by the Florida Department of Health. With supervision they are also allowed to apply topical flourides, remove sutures, put in or take out rubber dams, apply sealants, put in temporary crowns, monitor nitrous oxide administration (after proper training and with CPR certification), and take impressions for and deliver home bleaching trays, among other tasks.

Before you can become an Expanded Function Dental Assistant, you will need to complete an accredited training program. It might be best to attend a program in the state where you would like to practice to make sure that you are taught the things which you will be allowed to do.