Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Salary Guide 2025
You’ve been working hard as a dental assistant, and you’re ready for more. More responsibility, more opportunities, and yes, more pay. So you’re probably wondering, what’s next for me? But what does the Expanded Duty Dental Assistant’s salary really look like in Georgia? And is it worth pursuing additional training to earn more?
In this guide, we’ll break down current salary trends, what it takes to move up, and how Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School (APDAS) can help you take the next step in your dental assistant career path.
Key Takeaways
- Average EDDA salary in Georgia is $40,614/year or $20/hour, per ZipRecruiter
- EDDA training can increase your salary by $5,000+ annually
- Georgia requires 12 hours of board-approved instruction to perform expanded duties
- APDAS’ program is designed specifically with the pediatric dental assistant in mind
- Graduates earn board-approved EDDA certification and career advancement potential
Want To Learn More?
What Is an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant?
An Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA), also known as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), is a dental assistant who has completed additional training to take on more advanced clinical tasks under a dentist’s supervision. These include tasks like sealant placement, fluoride application, nitrous oxide monitoring, and more.
In Georgia, EDDAs must complete board-approved coursework that satisfies Georgia Code section 150-9-.02 in order to legally perform these expanded duties.
Read more: The Importance of Continued Education for Pediatric Dental Assistants
How Much Does an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Make in Georgia?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average Expanded Duty Dental Assistant salary in GA is:
- $40,614/year
- $3,384/month
- $781/week
- $20/hour
In competitive markets like Atlanta, Georgia, pay can increase based on experience, certifications, and the type of dental office.
Nationally, the average salary for an expanded function dental assistant is around $48,099/year, which shows there is upward potential, especially for those with a specialty like pediatrics.
Salary Comparison: Entry Level vs Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
| Role | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (GA) | $17 | $35,585 |
| Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (GA) | $20 | $40,614 |
*Salary estimates based on data from ZipRecruiter, as of August 2025.
Upgrading your skills from general dental assistant to EDDA can lead to an increase of $5,000 or more annually. That’s a smart return on a relatively short training investment.
What to Expect from the APDAS EDDA Program
The Expanded Duties Dental Assistant Program at Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School (APDAS) is designed to meet the exact requirements set by the Georgia Board of Dentistry, including Georgia Code section 150-9-.02. This ensures graduates leave with the legal qualifications and practical skills to take on more responsibility in the dental office.
To legally perform expanded functions in Georgia—such as monitoring nitrous oxide, applying fluoride and sealants, etching and bonding, or taking alginate impressions—dental assistants must complete 12 hours of instruction through a board-approved course. APDAS delivers this training in an affordable, flexible format that combines online learning with in-person clinical training.
Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Courses Offered at APDAS
Course 6:
- Monitor Nitrous Oxide
- Fluoride Application
- Sealants
- Dry Socket Redressing
Course 6 + Items from Courses 4 & 5:
- Dentin Bonding
- Desensitization
- Liners and Bases
- Alginate Impressions for Passive Orthodontic Appliances
Read more: Learning How to Make Dental Impressions
Why the APDAS EDDA Program Stands Out
- Approved by the Georgia Board of Dentistry to teach and certify EDDAs
- Designed specifically with the pediatric dental assistant in mind
- Classroom learning via recorded webinars and videos
- Clinical training in small class settings for personalized instruction
- Led by experienced instructors in pediatric dentistry
- Constantly updated with the latest techniques and tools
- Graduates are well-prepared for rewarding roles in pediatric dental offices
Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in the EDDA course at APDAS, candidates must meet one of the following:
- Hold current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification
- Graduate from a one-year accredited dental assisting program or one approved by the Georgia Board of Dentistry
- Have been employed as a chair-side assistant by a licensed dentist for a continuous six-month period within the previous three years
Additionally, students must:
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Provide proof of current CPR certification
- Pass written and clinical competency exams
Dental Assistant Job Outlook in Georgia
The dental assistant job outlook in Georgia continues to be strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assisting roles are projected to grow 8% by 2033, faster than many other professions.
Many dental practices are looking for candidates who already have certifications in:
- Radiology safety
- Expanded duties
- Coronal polishing
- Pediatric dental care
By investing in continuing education for dental assistants, you position yourself as a top-tier hire with room to grow.
Read more: Helping Hands: The True Value of Dental Assistants
FAQs
What is an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant?
How much does an expanded function dental assistant make in Georgia?
Are there dental assistant schools in Georgia that offer EDDA programs?
Conclusion: Take the Next Step Toward a Higher-Paying Dental Career
The path to a higher Expanded Duty Dental Assistant salary starts with one step. Whether you want to qualify for better pay, perform advanced procedures, or move into a specialty practice, earning your EDDA certification is a smart move.
At Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School, we make that step accessible. With weekend courses, online learning, and small-group clinical training, our EDDA program is built for working professionals.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, approved by the Georgia Board of Dentistry, and designed for success in pediatric dentistry, APDAS is where your next chapter begins.
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Rhea M. Haugseth, DMD maintained a private practice in Marietta, GA from 1982- 2017. She attended the University of Louisville Dental School and completed her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital / Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is proud to be a Fellow the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy – National Honorary Organizations for Dentists.
Dr. Haugseth is a Past President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(GaPD). Dr. Haugseth has been a National Spokesperson for the AAPD since 1989 and has been frequently interviewed for radio, print, and national television.
Dr. Haugseth is the Founder (2013) and Director of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Atlanta Georgia. She is also the Founder (2014) and Director of the Pediatric Dental Team Association. She is committed to pediatric dental team members and continues to develop ways to enhance their knowledge and skills both in and out of the dental office.