Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
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.
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A team that is aligned and patient-focused creates a great environment for patients, and for you as a member of the team. This is what we strive to be and who we want to join us in providing the best care possible for patients to help our communities be healthier, feel better, and smile with confidence.
We are seeking an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant that shares our passion for patient care and education, as well as creating a welcoming environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide chair-side clinical support to Dentists and Hygienists by charting, patient education, operatory set-up and clean-up
- Deliver a superior patient experience at all phases of their appointment
- Take and process X-Rays
- Perform procedures as directed by the Dentist and Hygienist, while maintaining a productive, efficient schedule
- Enter patient treatment plans and maintain files
- Complete sterilization processes for equipment and operatories
- Educate patients on the importance of their oral health and how it is best maintained
Qualifications
- Advanced Dental Assistant Certification (EFDA, EDDA, EFODA)
- Radiology certification required to be compliant with the State Dental Board
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Dental Assistant preferred
- Excellent time management and problem-solving skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office products and working with a dental software, experience with Dentrix preferred
- Excellent communication skills and a commitment to partnering with all team members to create a great environment
Benefits
As a valued team member, you’ll enjoy a rewarding career with growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits for full-time Expanded Functions Dental Assistants include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Wellness Program
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Employee Referral Program Bonuses
- Quarterly Bonus Opportunities
- 401k
- Career Growth Opportunities
An equal opportunity employer and an advocate for diversity and inclusion
Hourly rate: $25—$30 USD
We take great pride in helping our communities be healthier, feel better, and smile with confidence. Daily, we are driven by our vision to provide an elite patient experience tailored to their needs to receive the best care possible.
Not only do our team members find it rewarding to help patients be healthier, but they also enjoy being part of an organization that supports their growth. Our commitment to professional development and promoting internally when appropriate allows for tremendous career opportunities.
SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE!
A team that is aligned and patient-focused creates a great environment for patients, and for you as a member of the team. This is what we strive to be and who we want to join us in providing the best care possible for patients to help our communities be healthier, feel better, and smile with confidence.
We are seeking an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant that shares our passion for patient care and education, as well as creating a welcoming environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide chair-side clinical support to Dentists and Hygienists by charting, patient education, operatory set-up and clean-up
- Deliver a superior patient experience at all phases of their appointment
- Take and process X-Rays
- Perform procedures as directed by the Dentist and Hygienist, while maintaining a productive, efficient schedule
- Enter patient treatment plans and maintain files
- Complete sterilization processes for equipment and operatories
- Educate patients on the importance of their oral health and how it is best maintained
Qualifications
- Advanced Dental Assistant Certification (EFDA, EDDA, EFODA)
- Radiology certification required to be compliant with the State Dental Board
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Dental Assistant preferred
- Excellent time management and problem-solving skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office products and working with a dental software, experience with Dentrix preferred
- Excellent communication skills and a commitment to partnering with all team members to create a great environment
Benefits
As a valued team member, you’ll enjoy a rewarding career with growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits for full-time Expanded Functions Dental Assistants include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Wellness Program
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Employee Referral Program Bonuses
- Quarterly Bonus Opportunities
- 401k
- Career Growth Opportunities
An equal opportunity employer and an advocate for diversity and inclusion
Hourly rate: $25—$30 USD
We take great pride in helping our communities be healthier, feel better, and smile with confidence. Daily, we are driven by our vision to provide an elite patient experience tailored to their needs to receive the best care possible.
Not only do our team members find it rewarding to help patients be healthier, but they also enjoy being part of an organization that supports their growth. Our commitment to professional development and promoting internally when appropriate allows for tremendous career opportunities.
How to Get Visa 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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