Dental Assistant Responsibilities in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania dental assistants perform a wide variety of tasks from clinical to administrative. Their responsibilities are based on the type of practice they work in and whether or not they hold additional certifications.   

 

Clinical Duties 

Clinical responsibilities help provide efficient treatments and ensure patient comfort. A dental assistant may do the following clinical duties: 

• Assist the dentist during exams and procedures 
• Prepares and sterilizes dental instruments 
• Takes and processes dental X-rays (with certification)
• Educating patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care
• Applying fluoride treatments and dental sealants 

 

Administrative Duties

Beyond patient care, dental assistants also handle essential administrative tasks. This can include:

• Scheduling appointments 
• Organizing inventory 
• Greeting patients 
• Preparing patients for treatment

 

Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (EFDA) Duties 

In Pennsylvania, dental assistants can expand their scope of practice by becoming an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA). EFDAs in Pennsylvania can: 

• Place dental fillings 
• Apply dental sealants 
• Take impressions for dental models 

 

Becoming a dental assistant in Pennsylvania is a rewarding career path that offers a mix of clinical, administrative, and expanded function responsibilities. Whether you’re assisting during procedures, educating patients, or managing office tasks, your role is essential in keeping a dental practice running smoothly. If you’re looking to advance your career, earning an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification can open up even more opportunities.

As the demand for skilled dental assistants continues to grow, now is a great time to start your journey in this field.