Dental Assisting Orthodontic Expanded Functions

Orthodontic dental assistants provide chairside assistance to orthodontists and ensure that patients are well-informed about orthodontic procedures and braces aftercare. They prepare appointment rooms, sterilize orthodontic tools, and adjust patients' braces as directed by the orthodontist.​ ​This course prepares current dental assistants to learn expanded orthodontic dental assisting functions as approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners (MBDE) and prepares them to take the Maryland Dental Assisting Expanded Orthodontic Functions Examination. These expanded functions are advanced tasks that require increased skill and responsibility. Students must be employed in an orthodontic office where their orthodontist will sign off on their clinical skills. Course topics include: preparing, fitting and cementing orthodontic bands; placing and removing arch wires; and isolating, etching, bonding and placing brackets.​​

​Students should be detail oriented, and demonstrate dexterity (good at working with hands), interpersonal skills, listening skills, and organizational skills which are all essential for success. See Technical Standards at the end of this document.

Career opportunities include promotion to Maryland Orthodontic Expanded Functions Dental Assistant.​

​According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment the number of dental assistants has been projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. 56,400 openings for dental assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.​

Program Course Sequence