Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Program
Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Program
Demand for paraprofessionals - like EFDAs - grew tremendously in recent years. EFDAs work as part of the dental team, teaming with dentists in restorative dental procedures, providing both timely and exacting care to patients.
EFDA Program in Jenkintown, PA
*Certificate option available – see information here: Manor College EFDA Certificate Program
Are you interested in a career in dental medicine but don’t want to spend several years in dental school? Enrolling in the expanded functions dental assisting (EFDA) program at Manor College may be the right move for you. Located in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, Manor College provides personalized academics with Catholic Basilian and Ukrainian foundations. Learn more about our expanded functions dental assisting associate degree program and its benefits below.
What Is Expanded Functions Dental Assisting?
An Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) is a dental assistant who has completed further training to perform all the duties of a dental assistant and more. Each state has different definitions of an EFDA, but they typically provide reversible dental procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist. EFDAs in PA can perform direct patient care duties like:
- Taking X-rays of teeth and mouth
- Performing laboratory and digital procedures
- Fabricating temporary crowns and bridges
- Placing and removing Dental Dams and Matrix systems
- Placing, carving, and finishing amalgam and composite restorations
- Applying sealants to teeth
- Taking impressions of teeth
- Performing coronal polishing
- Applying topical anesthetic or topical fluoride to teeth
- Cosmetic dentistry
Since EFDAs have to perform many different duties, they should be able to multitask and switch between tasks seamlessly. Many EFDAs start as dental assistants to learn the basics of dentistry and gain experience in a dental office. Completing an EFDA program can start you on the journey toward a rewarding and profitable career in dentistry.
Our Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Program
Whether you’re already a dental assistant and want to advance your career or you’re looking for a completely new career, the EFDA program at Manor College can help you get there. Accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the Manor College EFDA program is available in both associate degree and certificate options. Admission requirements for our EFDA program include:
- Two years of high school math
- One year of high school biology/chemistry lab
- Minimum 2.5 high school GPA
- Personal interview with program director
To learn more about the program requirements and courses, view our course catalog.
EFDA Program Curriculum
Our EFDA program runs for two years and features a curriculum with a combination of sciences, lectures, labs, and hands-on training. In the first year, students will learn all aspects of dental assisting via labs and lectures in the classroom. During the summer, students transition into EFDA and begin learning advanced EFDA training.
In their second semester, aspiring EFDAs get direct patient care experience right on campus in our Dental Health Center. The Dental Health Center is equipped with the latest technology and serves more than 2,000 patients from the surrounding community. The facility features five dental operatories and a staff hygienist and functions both as a state-of-the-art dental lab and a classroom. Students get to work under the direct supervision of licensed dentists and EFDAs who serve as clinical instructors. They also complete a 90-hour internship in their spring semester.
Once students have completed their graduation requirements, they can apply to the PA State Board of Dentistry to sit for the EFDA written boards.
Why Study Expanded Functions Dental Assisting at Manor College?
Choosing to study EFDA at Manor College comes with many benefits. Since 1976, Manor College has been educating and training dental assistants and had the first EFDA program in the state of Pennsylvania. Our students are prepared to earn various certifications and licensures during the program or upon graduation*, including:
- CPR certification
- Preparation for Radiation Health and Safety Exam (RHS DANB Exam) to become X-ray certified in PA
- Preparation for the PA EFDA Board Exam to apply and take the PA EFDA Board Exam for Licensure after competition of the program
Our program prepares students to work in various dentistry settings in PA, including private practices, clinical settings, educational settings, government health facilities, dental and pharmaceutical sales, insurance companies, and more. The EFDA program at Manor College features affordable tuition, with financial aid opportunities available to qualified students. Since Manor College is a small school, we get to know our students and help them beyond academics.
*A criminal history may prevent certification/licensure as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania. Please contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry (SBOD) for further information.
Career Opportunities
Employment in and around Philadelphia is rich with opportunity, including work in:
- Private Practice
- Clinical Settings
- Educational Settings
- Military Settings
- Office management
- Insurance Companies
- Government Health Facilities
- Dental and Pharmaceutical sales
Manor College Alumni Are Employed At:
Alumni Spotlight
Argylle Kelly ‘23
Argylle Kelly ‘23 knew from a young age that she wanted to work in the dental field. She fell in love with EFDA because each day is different – working with restorative procedures to filling cavities. “Knowing that I’m helping people, making them feel better, makes you feel accomplished.”
“I’d recommend Manor to someone because it’s easy to be involved and be yourself. It’s much easier to get help compared to a larger school where you’re just a number.”
The curriculum for Manor’s EFDA two-year program includes a combination of sciences, lectures, labs and direct involvement with patient care at the on-site dental clinic.
Expanded Functions Dental Assisting News From Manor
Related Programs
Associate Degrees
Bachelor’s Degrees
Request More Information About Our EFDA Program Today
If you’re ready to begin working toward a career as an expanded functions dental assistant, look no further than the program at Manor College. Located in Jenkintown, PA, and serving residents of Philadelphia and surrounding areas, Manor College can help you reach your career goals. To request more information about the EFDA program or schedule a tour of our campus, contact us today.