The main role of an expanded dental assistant usually concerns the performance of restorations after the dentist has removed decay from the teeth. Such a role comprises duties such as managing asepsis, or freeing patients' oral cavities from contamination with microorganisms, polishing off teeth stains and preparing teeth for placement of crowns via cementation or other dental appliances. Other expansive duties include exposing and processing radiographs or X-rays, performing basic business office procedures such as scheduling appointment or performing billing and bookkeeping, observing infection and hazard control protocols, performing dental laboratory procedures, helping the dentist in the management of emergencies and providing oral health instruction to patients.
To become an expanded dental assistant, you would need to enroll in an expanded dental assisting certificate program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. It usually takes between six months to a year to complete, and programs are offered in community colleges and technical schools. Those who need a higher level of knowledge can opt for a two-year associate program instead, which is offered in the same type of educational institutions. Typical coursework includes dental radiology, dental morphology, dental materials, oral biology and office management. Unlike regular dental assistants, expanded dental assistants are required in some states to be licensed professionals in order to perform expanded functions. This can be accomplished by passing the exam for the Certified Dental Assistant credential, administered by the Dental Assisting National Board.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for dental assistants was about $34,000 in 2009. The bottom 10 percent made about $23,000 a year while the top 10 percent made an annual salary of about $47,000. More than 90 percent of dental assistants worked in dentists' offices, where they made an average annual salary that matched the national average, although those who worked in the federal government sector made slightly more at about $38,000. The District of Columbia had the highest annual dental assistant salary at about $46,000; relatively high-paying states included Alaska, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.