Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) play a vital role in ensuring the dental practice they work for runs smoothly. As you master your role as a CDA you may want to take on more responsibility and optimize your earning potential. That is the time to consider getting certified as an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA). Here’s a look at the difference between the two certifications.
What Are a Dental Assistant’s Job Duties?
Your daily job duties are taught during the 13-week CDA training at the American Institute of Dental Assisting (AIDA). Once the course is complete you will need to test to obtain your certification. Once certified, you will be qualified to perform the job duties below:
- Ensuring patients are comfortable before and during their treatments.
- Patient intake, blood pressure, and pulse.
- Taking and developing x-rays.
- Completing dental pantographs.
- Providing patients with follow-up care instructions.
- Assisting the dentist and hygienist during treatments.
- Infection control and sterilization.
- Clerical and administrative tasks.
What Are a Expanded Duties Dental Assistant’s Job Duties?
By taking an additional 7-weeks of training you can apply for a wider range of positions and command a higher salary. With an EDDA certification, you will continue to perform the job duties above, with the addition of the job duties below:
- Applying multiple techniques of Pit and Fissure Sealants.
- Fluoride Application.
- Placing multiple methods of isolation techniques for restorative dentistry of Matrix Systems.
- Place, condense, carve, finish, and polish Amalgam and Composite Restorations.
- Trim and polish intermediate crowns and bridges.
- Place temporary crowns and bridges.
What Makes AIDA’s 7-Week EDDA Program Unique?
Each state’s EDDA requirements are outlined by their in-state Dental Board and not all state Dental Boards recognize EDDA training. The Colorado State Board of Dentistry doesn’t recognize EDDA designation. However, EDDA responsibilities can be performed if indirectly and directly supervised. It is a skill set many Colorado dentists are searching for, and will pay more for.
AIDA is accredited by The Colorado Department of Higher Education. Our curriculum provides a deeper dive than most EDDA programs, ensuring you have a solid foundation for success. What our students appreciate most is that we provide hands-on practical experience in a licensed dental office, ensuring one-on-one training.
And yes, we offer evening classes for CDAs and students who work during the day!
Ready to Learn More?
If you are interested in learning more about expanding your training, we invite you to reach out to admissions today to learn more.