In the State of Colorado, there is no formal certification for dental assisting. However, there are two defined sets of job duties—standard dental assisting (DA) and expanded duties dental assisting (EDDA). You begin your training to learn standard DA job duties. To command a higher salary, you can continue your education with EDDA training. Below we outline the job duties for each of these positions.
Standard Dental Assistant Job Duties
AIDA’s 13-week dental assisting training program ensures you are competent and confident completing the job duties below. Unlike many programs in the area, we offer hands-on training in a live dental clinic.
- 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.
Expanded Duties Dental Assistant Job Duties
Many of our students continue their education directly after their standard training. However, you can wait and complete your 7-week EDDA training at any time. With EDDA training, you’ll continue with the job duties above and add on the positive challenge 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.
The Salary Difference Between DA and EDDA
Your EDDA skill set will streamline and optimize operations within your dental practice. This increases your likelihood of reaching the top of the pay scale. Keep in mind that if you complete your EDDA training directly after your DA training, you’re likely to begin with an entry-level salary.
If you obtain your EDDA training after you’re established in your career, you’re likely to increase your salary by $1 to $2 per hour upon completion. Be sure to discuss what your pay increase will be before you continue your education.
According to Indeed, in Colorado:
- The starting salary for all dental assistants is around $16.80 per hour.
- The median salary for standard DAs is between $21 to $22 per hour.
- With EDDA training, the median salary rises to around $23 per hour.
- With EDDA training and tenure, the salary maxes out at $29 per hour.
The Benefit of Hands-On Training
AIDA wants to see you excel, which is why both of our programs include hands-on training in a live dental clinic. With most programs in the area, your first day on the job is your first time working with patients. This can be nerve-racking, so we provide the opportunity for real-life dental assisting.
Working with patients while you’re training provides you with:
- The opportunity to practice both your hard and soft skills.
- Feedback for your individual areas of opportunity.
- A greater sense of confidence starting your new career.
Want to Learn More About Dental Assisting?
If you live in the Colorado Springs area and want to learn more about training to be a DA or continuing your education as an EDDA, reach out to AIDA. We’ll book a live tour of our facilities and answer all of your questions.
And yes, we have evening and weekend classes so you can continue to work while you complete our program!