What It Means to Become an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
- Modern Dental Training of Cumming
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
Becoming an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) opens doors to a rewarding career in dental care. It means stepping beyond the usual dental assistant role to take on more responsibilities and skills. If you’re looking for a fast-track into a dental assistant career, understanding what it takes to become an EDDA is a great place to start.
What Is an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant?
An Expanded Duty Dental Assistant is a dental assistant who has received additional training and certification to perform more advanced tasks. These tasks go beyond the basic duties like sterilizing instruments or assisting the dentist during procedures. EDDAs can take on duties such as monitoring Nitrous Oxide and applying sealants under the supervision of a dentist.
This role requires extra education and passing a state-approved exam. The goal is to help dentists provide better care by allowing assistants to handle more technical work safely and effectively.
In Georgia Dental Board requires 16 hours of training, 8-hours of online lectures prior 8 hours of clinical hands-on training.
Why Become an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant?
Choosing to become an EDDA means more job opportunities and higher pay. Dentists value assistants who can do more because it helps the whole dental office run smoothly. You get to learn new skills that make your work more interesting and challenging.
Plus, with the right training, you can quickly move from entry-level dental assistant to a more skilled professional. This can lead to better job security and career growth.
How to Become an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
The path to becoming an EDDA usually involves a few key steps:
Complete a dental assistant program: Start with a basic dental assistant course that covers the fundamentals of dental care and office procedures.
Gain work experience: Most states require you to have some hands-on experience as a dental assistant before you can apply for expanded duties.
Take an expanded duty course: This specialized training teaches you how to perform advanced tasks safely. It often includes both classroom learning and practical skills.
Pass the certification exam: After training, you must pass a state-approved exam to become certified as an EDDA.
For example, Modern Dental of Cumming offers a comprehensive program that prepares students for these steps. Their courses focus on practical skills and certifications that help students launch successful careers quickly. You can learn more about their offerings here.
What Skills Do Expanded Duty Dental Assistants Need?
Being an EDDA means mastering both technical and soft skills. Here are some important ones:
Technical skills: You need to know how to take impressions, apply sealants, and assist with other advanced procedures.
Applying Fluoride varnish
Facebow
Yes, fabricating temporary crowns and much more.
Attention to detail: Dental work requires precision. Small mistakes can affect patient health.
Communication: You’ll work closely with dentists and patients, so clear communication is key.
Time management: Handling more duties means managing your time well to keep the office running smoothly.
Tools and Products EDDAs Use
Expanded Duty Dental Assistants use a variety of tools and products to perform their tasks. For example, dental sealants are a common preventive treatment that EDDAs often apply. One product that stands out is the Clinpro Sealant. It’s a light-cured, fluoride-releasing sealant that helps protect teeth from decay. This product is easy to apply and bonds well to the tooth surface, making it a favorite in many dental offices.
You can find more about Clinpro Sealant here.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like for an EDDA?
A day in the life of an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant is busy and varied. You might start by preparing the treatment room and sterilizing instruments. Then, you could assist the dentist during a procedure, place a filling, or take impressions for crowns or bridges.
You’ll also spend time educating patients on oral hygiene and preventive care. Applying sealants to children’s teeth is a common task that helps prevent cavities.
Because you handle more advanced duties, your role is crucial in helping the dental office run efficiently and providing excellent patient care.
Benefits of Training with Modern Dental of Cumming
If you want to become an EDDA in Georgia, choosing the right training program is important. Modern Dental of Cumming offers courses designed to help students gain practical skills fast. Their programs focus on hands-on learning and preparing students for certification exams.
They also have strong job placement rates, which means graduates often find work quickly after completing the program. This makes them a top choice for anyone serious about starting a dental assistant career.
Check out their course details and enrollment options here.
What to Expect After Becoming an EDDA
Once certified, you’ll have more responsibilities and better pay. You’ll be able to work in a variety of dental settings, including general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and specialty practices.
Your expanded skills will make you a valuable team member. You might also find opportunities to continue your education and move into other dental roles, such as dental hygienist or office manager.
Final Thoughts on Becoming an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
Becoming an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant means more skills, more responsibility, and more career options. It’s a smart move if you want to grow quickly in the dental field. With the right training, like the programs offered by Modern Dental Training of Cumming, you can gain the skills and certifications needed to succeed.
If you’re ready to take the next step, consider enrolling in an expanded duty course. It’s a practical way to boost your career and make a real difference in patient care.
Ready to start your journey? Learn more about becoming an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant and explore training options that fit your goals. Your future in dental care is waiting.
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