Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions

What is a Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions? A dental assistant performs many important tasks in a dental office, including handling patient records, scheduling appointments, sterilizing equipment, and preparing patients for procedures. Expanded functions may include fabricating temporary restoration and whitening trays, taking digital and analog X-rays, and creating impressions. Working as a Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions When you enroll in the Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions Diploma Program at UMA's Clearwater Campus, you'll learn field-spspecific subject matter such as dental and medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, vital signs, nutrition, health, infection control, tooth morphology, preventive dentistry, dental radiology, and dental office management. The training you receive will prepare you to pursue entry-level positions as a dental assistant. Employment is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations. This field is projected to have 52,900 job openings each year, on average, over that decade.1 UMA graduates in this program have found entry-level dental assistant positions in the following environments: Dental officesPhysicians' offices Why UMA? 1-on-1 academic assistanceIndividual help in the job searchPotential resource guidance for outside the classroomCommitted advisors from start to finishUMA On-Campus LearningOn-campus programs are blended, featuring hands-on training and online coursework.Programs include on-site externships to help you gain real-world experience.You'll participate in classrooms with a maximum size of 25 students.Certification PrepOur programs help prepare you to sit for applicable certification exams.3Our team will help you with exam-focused material and support you in areas where you might need extra help, at no additional cost. What inspired me to do UMA is that I felt like I had been taking care of everyone else … it was just time for me to do something for myself. The role of a dental assistant differs from that of a dental hygienist since hygienists typically perform more complex work such as patient examinations, dental cleanings, and other preventative oral care.