Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Duties

Working as a dental assistant can provide the opportunity to interact with patients and staff. It also offers the ability to do both administrative work and patient care under the supervision of a dentist. A combination of these duties may be referred to as expanded functions.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7% increase in dental assistant jobs between 2022 and 2032.¹ This is a positive job outlook for new graduates. A dental assistant training program that includes expanded functions from an accredited healthcare school can provide training to obtain this expanded skill set. But what exactly does someone in this role do?

What Is an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant?

Dental assistants with expanded functions play an important role in a dentist’s office. They help prepare patients for treatment, prepare the work area for dental hygienists, and can also assist with front office work such as recordkeeping and patient billing.

There can be laboratory work in this role, performed under the direction of a dentist. Lab work may include the creation of temporary crowns and the preparation of materials to make casts of patients’ teeth. A dental assistant with expanded functions may also work with patients to apply fluoride treatments or take impressions of patients’ teeth.

Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Job Duties

A dental assistant with expanded functions can help with many dental practice activities. During a typical day at work, they might:

• Confirm appointments – Call patients to remind them of upcoming dental visits.
• Schedule follow-up appointments – Work with patients to schedule future dental appointments.
• Submit insurance claims – Ensure patients only pay for services that aren’t covered by their insurance and collect co-pays or payments due.
• Obtain medical histories – Collect personal information that may affect treatment, such as patient allergies or medical conditions.
• Process X-rays – Process X-ray images for the dentist to view and analyze.
• Sterilize and set up instruments – Ensure the tools are clean and set up properly for use.
• Communicate with patients – Prepare patients for exams and communicate dental hygiene instructions.

States have different regulations and educational requirements for dental assistants, so the duties may vary depending on where the practice is located.

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Training

If you’re looking for a dental assistant school, Ultimate Medical Academy is an accredited healthcare institution offering a Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions program at its Clearwater, Florida campus.

You can choose between our diploma program which can be completed in 12 months² or our associate degree which can be completed in 20 months.² The curriculum in both includes instruction in expanded office functions, covering topics needed to prepare you to pursue an entry-level career as a dental assistant.

With UMA’s Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions program, you receive a combination of classroom, laboratory, and hands-on learning. A 240-hour externship in a dentist’s office provides you with relevant experience working alongside a dentist and with actual patients.

UMA also offers students job search assistance and career fairs on campus, as well as assistance with resume writing and practicing interview skills. Contact us today to learn more, or to talk about your healthcare career goals!