OPT Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Jobs
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant jobs on OPT are available at dental practices across the U.S., but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. EFDA roles qualify under the Health Sciences CIP code, making them eligible for the standard 12-month OPT period, with STEM extension eligibility depending on your degree program.
Find OPT Expanded Functions Dental Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 63+ Expanded Functions Dental Assistant jobs
See all 63+ Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Expanded Functions Dental Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsPosition Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
Job Category Staff & Executive - Allied Health - Dental Assisting
Department RSDM - Newark
Overview
New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating universitywide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research.
Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers.
Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark’s University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates.
Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Expanded Duty Dental Assistant within Rutgers Health University Dental Associates (RHUDA) at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
Under general supervision of Faculty, the Expanded Duty Dental Assistant performs chairside, desk side, and sterilization assistance for Rutgers Health University Dental Associate providers. The Expanded Duty Dental Assistant also assists providers during various examinations, treatment of patients, and dispenses dental materials and instruments. Additionally, the Expanded Duty Dental Assistant performs other clerical, sterilizing, and miscellaneous tasks properly aligned with the functions of the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
- Chairside assists providers during standard and complex procedures.
- Manages post-operative patient care.
- Monitors anesthesia patients in recovery, when necessary.
- Serves as sterilization assistant. Cleans and sterilizes room after each use; prepares treatment room based on scheduled procedures.
- Maintains all dental equipment to ensure they are fully operational pre- and post-procedures.
- Works closely with office staff and providers to ensure accuracy in patient records (individual, daily, monthly, and yearly). Files all records.
- Contacts patients for appointments personally, by telephone, and by mail.
- Charts examinations under the direction of the oral surgeon.
- Maintains inventory and restocks equipment and supplies to ensure efficient clinic operations. Works closely with staff nurse to assist with accurately documenting the use of clinic narcotics.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 182
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 27.550
Mid Range Salary 28.050
Maximum Salary 28.890
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description Teamsters 97
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility PERS
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Satisfactory completion of a formal dental assisting program in an ADA-approved program and certification as a dental assistant and expanded duty assistant in the State of New Jersey is required.
- A minimum of two (2) years of prior dental assistant experience is required.
Certifications/Licenses
- Certification as a dental assistant and expanded duty assistant in the State of New Jersey is required.
- Must possess a valid dental technology license and CPR issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- BLS training and certification are a plus.
- Knowledge of implant surgical components is also a plus.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- The position requires standing up to 2/3 of the time and walking up to 2/3 of the time.
- Sitting may be required up to 1/3 of the time.
- Use of hands to finger, handle, or feel is required over 2/3 of the time, as is reaching with hands and arms.
- The role also involves time spent talking, hearing, kneeling, crouching, or crawling up to 1/3 of the time, and lifting or moving items up to 1/3 to over 2/3 of the time as applicable.
- Must be able to lift patients, heavy boxes weighing up to forty (40) pounds, and instrument sets weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.
- Must also be able to lift surgical supplies above the head.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Clinic and office operations. Moderate noise.
Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST1099
Posting Open Date 05/20/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Newark (RBHS)
City Newark
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
-
- Have you successfully completed an ADA-approved dental assisting program and obtained certification as both a dental assistant and expanded duty assistant in the State of New Jersey?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have a minimum of two (2) years of prior dental assistant experience?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have a valid dental technology license and CPR issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Certifications/Licenses
- Certifications/Licenses (2)
- Certifications/Licenses (3)
Optional Documents
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
Job Category Staff & Executive - Allied Health - Dental Assisting
Department RSDM - Newark
Overview
New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating universitywide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research.
Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers.
Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark’s University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates.
Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Expanded Duty Dental Assistant within Rutgers Health University Dental Associates (RHUDA) at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
Under general supervision of Faculty, the Expanded Duty Dental Assistant performs chairside, desk side, and sterilization assistance for Rutgers Health University Dental Associate providers. The Expanded Duty Dental Assistant also assists providers during various examinations, treatment of patients, and dispenses dental materials and instruments. Additionally, the Expanded Duty Dental Assistant performs other clerical, sterilizing, and miscellaneous tasks properly aligned with the functions of the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
- Chairside assists providers during standard and complex procedures.
- Manages post-operative patient care.
- Monitors anesthesia patients in recovery, when necessary.
- Serves as sterilization assistant. Cleans and sterilizes room after each use; prepares treatment room based on scheduled procedures.
- Maintains all dental equipment to ensure they are fully operational pre- and post-procedures.
- Works closely with office staff and providers to ensure accuracy in patient records (individual, daily, monthly, and yearly). Files all records.
- Contacts patients for appointments personally, by telephone, and by mail.
- Charts examinations under the direction of the oral surgeon.
- Maintains inventory and restocks equipment and supplies to ensure efficient clinic operations. Works closely with staff nurse to assist with accurately documenting the use of clinic narcotics.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 182
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 27.550
Mid Range Salary 28.050
Maximum Salary 28.890
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description Teamsters 97
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility PERS
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Satisfactory completion of a formal dental assisting program in an ADA-approved program and certification as a dental assistant and expanded duty assistant in the State of New Jersey is required.
- A minimum of two (2) years of prior dental assistant experience is required.
Certifications/Licenses
- Certification as a dental assistant and expanded duty assistant in the State of New Jersey is required.
- Must possess a valid dental technology license and CPR issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- BLS training and certification are a plus.
- Knowledge of implant surgical components is also a plus.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- The position requires standing up to 2/3 of the time and walking up to 2/3 of the time.
- Sitting may be required up to 1/3 of the time.
- Use of hands to finger, handle, or feel is required over 2/3 of the time, as is reaching with hands and arms.
- The role also involves time spent talking, hearing, kneeling, crouching, or crawling up to 1/3 of the time, and lifting or moving items up to 1/3 to over 2/3 of the time as applicable.
- Must be able to lift patients, heavy boxes weighing up to forty (40) pounds, and instrument sets weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.
- Must also be able to lift surgical supplies above the head.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Clinic and office operations. Moderate noise.
Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST1099
Posting Open Date 05/20/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Newark (RBHS)
City Newark
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
-
- Have you successfully completed an ADA-approved dental assisting program and obtained certification as both a dental assistant and expanded duty assistant in the State of New Jersey?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have a minimum of two (2) years of prior dental assistant experience?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have a valid dental technology license and CPR issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Certifications/Licenses
- Certifications/Licenses (2)
- Certifications/Licenses (3)
Optional Documents
See all 63+ OPT Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Confirm your state's EFDA licensure requirements before applying
EFDA scope of practice varies significantly by state. Some states require additional certifications beyond your dental assisting credential. Confirm your eligibility to perform expanded functions in your target state before accepting any OPT position to avoid compliance issues.
Verify the employer is enrolled in E-Verify
Every employer hiring an OPT student must be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask dental practices directly before applying. Many small private dental offices are not enrolled and cannot legally hire you on OPT, regardless of how willing they are to offer you a role.
Carry your EAD card and offer letter to every interview
Dental practice managers often have limited immigration experience. Bringing your EAD card and a one-page summary of your OPT work authorization terms helps answer their questions upfront and signals that onboarding you is straightforward, not complicated.
Target multi-location dental groups over solo private practices
Larger dental service organizations and multi-location groups typically have HR teams familiar with work authorization. They are more likely to be E-Verify enrolled and more comfortable navigating the OPT process than a single dentist running a solo practice.
Emphasize your EFDA certifications prominently on your resume
Hiring managers at dental practices prioritize candidates who can perform expanded functions immediately without additional training. List every certified procedure you can perform, the state in which you are licensed, and any coronal polishing or radiography credentials you hold.
Apply early and track your OPT expiration date carefully
OPT authorization has a fixed end date, and dental hiring timelines can run four to eight weeks. Start applying at least two months before your current authorization expires to leave room for background checks, credentialing, and state licensing verification requirements.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant on OPT?
Yes, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant roles qualify for OPT work authorization as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and your EAD must be valid before your first day. You cannot begin work before your EAD start date, even if the employer is ready to onboard you sooner.
Does an EFDA job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your dental assisting or health sciences program was classified under an eligible STEM CIP code, and the EFDA role involves applying scientific knowledge in a measurable way, your DSO may be able to support a STEM extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify.
What should I tell a dental employer who has never hired an OPT student before?
Explain that OPT is a federal work authorization issued by USCIS and tied to your student visa. Your EAD card is your employment authorization document. The employer's only formal obligation is to be enrolled in E-Verify and to complete the standard I-9 process. Many dental employers find the process straightforward once it is explained clearly. You can find EFDA roles at employers already familiar with OPT hiring on Migrate Mate.
Can I work at multiple dental practices simultaneously on OPT?
Yes, OPT allows multiple concurrent employers as long as each position is related to your field of study, each employer is E-Verify enrolled, and your total work hours meet the 20-hours-per-week minimum required to maintain valid OPT status. Report all employers to your DSO and keep your SEVP portal records updated whenever you add or change an employer.
What happens to my OPT status if my dental employer closes or lets me go?
You have a cumulative 90-day unemployment allowance during your OPT period, which extends to 150 days if you have an approved STEM extension. The clock starts the day your employment ends. You are not required to leave the country immediately, but you must actively seek new qualifying employment. Report the employment gap to your DSO promptly and document your job search throughout the period.