If you’re pursuing a career in dentistry or seeking to enhance your knowledge about the dental field, you’ve likely wondered, “What is the highest level of dental assistant?” Here’s everything you need to know about dental assisting levels, certifications, and how far this rewarding career can take you.
Dental assistants play a key role in dental practices, working alongside dentists to ensure procedures run smoothly, patients are comfortable, and treatments are efficient. The profession, however, has several progressive levels, determined by education, certifications, and hands-on experience. Understanding these levels can help aspiring dental assistants and pre-med students outline their career goals more effectively.
Before we go into the details of the highest level of a dental assistant, it’s essential to understand their core responsibilities. Dental assistants handle both clinical and administrative tasks. Their duties include, but are not limited to:
Their scope of practice depends on their level of education, certifications, and the state they are operating in. The higher the level of qualification, the more complex and technical their responsibilities can become.
This is the starting point for most individuals entering the field of dental assisting. Entry-level dental assistants handle basic tasks like sterilizing equipment, assisting during standard procedures, and performing administrative duties. They usually receive on-the-job training without formal certification.
Typical requirements:
Key skills acquired:
Registered Dental Assistants have completed formal education and certification to handle more responsibilities. Earning the RDA designation typically requires completing an accredited dental assisting program (offered by technical colleges or vocational schools) and passing a state or national examination, such as the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam.
Typical requirements:
Expanded roles for RDAs include:
EFDA certification is considered the top-tier qualification for dental assistants. These professionals have advanced training, allowing them to perform more specialized and technical tasks under the supervision of a dentist. EFDAs are critical assets to dental practices because their role significantly boosts operational efficiency.
Key responsibilities of an EFDA:
Because EFDA capabilities frequently overlap with those of a dental hygienist, achieving this level often comes with additional job opportunities and higher earning potential.
Typical requirements:
If you’re looking to reach the EFDA level as quickly and efficiently as possible, here are the steps to follow:
Ensure you select a CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation)-approved program. These programs generally offer classroom instruction and clinical training to build foundational knowledge and confidence.
Becoming a CDA ensures your skills are officially recognized. The DANB exam is the most common path for this. It covers chairside assisting, radiation health and safety, and infection control.
Before pursuing EFDA certification, most states require at least one to two years of work experience as an RDA or CDA. Real-world experience is invaluable for handling increasingly complex tasks.
Enroll in an EFDA program tailored to equip you with skills like advanced restorative techniques, patient management strategies, and more. Many courses are offered as hands-on workshops or part-time modules for working professionals.
Finally, sit for your state’s EFDA licensing exam. This usually includes didactic, clinical, and written components.
Reaching EFDA status isn’t just about climbing the career ladder—it’s about creating meaningful impacts within a dental practice. Here are several reasons why pursuing the highest level of dental assisting is worth it:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), dental assistants earn a median salary of $38,660 per year. EFDAs, depending on location and work setting, can earn significantly more due to their expanded skill set.
EFDAs are highly sought after both in private practices and specialized clinics. Beyond routine assisting, EFDAs may have opportunities to train other staff, manage office operations, or transition into education roles.
EFDAs perform advanced tasks that reduce a dentist’s workload, allowing clinicians to focus on more complex procedures. This trust and responsibility can lead to increased job satisfaction.
EFDAs are considered indispensable in the dental workforce. Their technical expertise ensures practices stay competitive in patient care and operational efficiency, making their roles less vulnerable to industry workforce changes.
Becoming an EFDA isn’t the only career path for a dental professional. Some RDAs leverage their experience to transition into dental hygiene (which involves more education but comes with additional responsibilities and income potential) or to pursue dental school.
For pre-med students or med school applicants, working as an EFDA can offer invaluable experience in patient care, exposure to clinical settings, and a deeper understanding of oral health—building a stronger foundation for later careers in the health sciences.
Achieving the highest level of dental assistant—Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)—positions you as an integral member of any dental team. With advanced training and certification, you can take on more technical responsibilities, enjoy better career opportunities, and make a difference in how care is delivered to patients.
If you’re ready to begin your path toward becoming an EFDA, take the first step today by enrolling in an accredited dental assisting program. The road to professional growth is just a course (and a little determination) away!
Shaping the future of dental care.
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