Current Dental Assistants can raise their earning potential by receiving their certification in expanded functions. The job responsibilities for an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant include not only the tasks assigned to a Dental Assistant, but also the jobs of amalgam placing and carving, the placing of sealants and composite restorations. The Expanded Functions Dental Assistant may also be responsible for the placement and removal of matrix bands, rubber dams or wedges and the placement of bases and liners. The current Dental Assistant may be required to be working in the dental industry and have a dentist who has recommended the assistant for continued education and is willing to work with the assistant to ensure that the assistant is properly supervised. The dentist also is instrumental in helping the assistant prepare for the exams to pass the course. Unemployed Dental Assistants may be required to meet eligibility requirements before taking the expanded course. Each state has their own set of requirements for certification and education regarding the career of Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. It is important to know the requirements in your state prior to signing up for courses. The Dental Assistant will be required to bring certain lab items to class. These items may include a facebow, real teeth and other equipment. All of these items are necessary to prepare the assistant for a real working environment. If the student is unable to bring these requirements to class, they may be refused into the class. The refusal may result in the loss of tuition paid for the course. The assistant may also be required to have certification in CPR and X-ray. The dental profession has seen a growth in the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant in recent years. The assistant is depended upon for quality treatments and proficiency, allowing the dentist to concentrate on other treatments. This field is growing quickly and according to the United States Department of Labor, will continue to grow through the year 2014.