Career growth

Expanded duties dental assisting (EDDA) in Colorado

Expanded duties can mean more responsibility and higher pay. Here's how it works, and why Colorado's rules differ from many other states'.

What “expanded duties” means

Across the U.S., titles like EDDA, EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant) and RDAEF describe assistants who are allowed to do more than basic chairside support, often including placing and finishing certain restorations, applying sealants, or taking final impressions. Each state decides which tasks can be delegated and what training is required.

How Colorado handles it

Colorado doesn't license or register dental assistants. Instead, the Colorado Dental Board's rules define which tasks a dentist may delegate, the level of supervision, and any training certain tasks require. The best-known requirement is radiography: before taking x-rays, an assistant needs Board-approved training or a qualifying DANB exam.

Because the rules change, always check the current Colorado Dental Board rules and DANB's Colorado page before taking a course that promises a specific expanded-duty credential.

How to grow into expanded duties

Get hired as a dental assistant and learn chairside basics.
Earn national credentials, such as DANB's RHS, ICE or full CDA certification.
Take continuing education in the skills your office wants to delegate.
Ask your dentist to document your training for each delegated task.