Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Certification

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.

*Associate Degree option available – see information here: Manor College EFDA Associate of Science Degree

Why 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.

Why You Should Choose Manor

Manor College has been the leader in educating and training dental assistants since 1976. At its inception, Manor College’s Expanded Functions Dental Assisting, or EFDA, program was the first in Pennsylvania.

In that same tradition, Manor College initiated and worked to bring about legislative laws governing and recognizing Expanded Functions Dental Assistants as dental paraprofessionals through required education and testing to become certified by the Pennsylvania Board of Dentistry. Manor College’s program serves as a model for the educational requirements of EFDA education.

Manor College remains at the forefront of providing training for dental auxiliaries. Manor College’s experienced dental faculty has designed a course for certified dental assistants, registered dental hygienists, and foreign dentists to complete EFDA training in the evenings.

After completing Manor College’s 200-hour evening Expanded Functions Course, dental auxiliaries will be prepared to take the EFDA Pennsylvania State Board Certification Examination. EFDAs who wish to practice in Pennsylvania are required to pass the state board exam.

The EFDA Certification Program will be offered in three semesters, providing comprehensive training combining theory and practice. This program also enables students to participate in direct patient care at our own Dental Health Center, which adds to the quality of their training.

Students who are ready to advance their careers in the dentistry field can choose the EFDA program. The program is designed for students who already work full-time and are located near the Jenkintown, Pennsylvania campus.

On-Site Clinical Instruction

The Dental Health Center, a state-of-the-art, newly renovated, facility, serves 2,000 patients from the community. Students work under the direct supervision of licensed dentists who serve as clinical instructors.

The facility features five operatories, a sterilization room, and a laboratory classroom. The college has also expanded the Dental Health Center to include a hygiene clinic, along with another laboratory classroom.

*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.

Note about Program Policies: Each applicant may view the EFDA Program Policies on Blood borne and Infectious Diseases upon request. These policies are available in the EFDA Clinical Coordinators Office and Program Clinic Manual. The EFDA faculty will be available to discuss or answer any questions an applicant may have concerning these policies.

Required immunization and documentation will be needed before the clinical portion of the EFDA program. You will need documentation regarding Tetanus and Hepatitis B vaccination record or declination, TB testing, and other medical records.

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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

EFDA Certificate Program

Before enrolling in the EFDA Certification Program, candidates must satisfy the following prerequisites through the Continuing Education Department.

Survey of Dental Anatomy

Applicants must receive a passing grade of 80% or better on the final exam in this course. Exemptions to course:

Graduate of Accredited Dental Hygiene Program within the past 2 years (If more than 2 years, the applicant must take and pass the challenge exam to be exempt).
Successfully passing the challenge exam with 80% or better. The fee for the Challenge Exam is $100.00 paid to the Continuing Ed Dept.

CDA Review Course

Applicants must receive a passing grade of 75% or better on the final exam or pass the DANB CDA exam. Exemptions to course:

Current CDA or RDH
Successfully passing the challenge exam with 75% or better. The fee for the Challenge Exam is $100.00 paid to the Continuing Ed Dept.

*Dental Assistants who are not X-ray Certified, must also take the Review for PA X-ray Certification.

Admission Requirements

Depending on what certification students currently hold, the admissions requirements for entry into the EFDA certification program may vary.

Dental Assistants

Students who are current dental assistants must meet the following requirements to enter the EFDA program:

Two years of full-time work experience as a dental assistant and CURRENT EMPLOYMENT in the field of general dentistry
Letter of recommendation from employing dentist specifically citing the student’s years of experience, ability to take a clinically acceptable full mouth series, and a good command of four-handed dentistry
Current CPR “health care provider” Certification (must have a copy for proof)
Current x-ray certification or DANB RHS pass results (must have a copy for proof)

Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists who are interested in continuing their education in the EFDA program need to meet the following requirements:

Current hygiene license (RDH)
Graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program
Letter of recommendation from employing dentist specifically citing student’s years of experience, ability to take a clinically acceptable full mouth series, and a good command of four-handed dentistry
Current CPR “health care provider” Certification (must have a copy for proof)

Graduates of Foreign Dental Programs

If a student has graduated from a dental program outside of the United States, they need to submit the following items:

Proof of graduation from a Foreign Dental College or University (must send in the transcript)
Two years of full-time work experience as a dental assistant and CURRENT EMPLOYMENT in the field of general dentistry
Letter of recommendation from employing dentist specifically citing the student’s years of experience, ability to take a clinically acceptable full mouth series, and a good command of four-handed dentistry
Current CPR “health care provider” Certification (must have a copy for proof)
Current x-ray certification or DANB RHS pass results (must have a copy for proof)

Required Classes

For students looking to complete the EFDA program, there are a few required classes that need to be taken.

DA250 Expanded Functions of Dental Assisting I: 5 Credits

This module provides classroom and laboratory instruction for advanced operative procedures, including amalgam, composite, and temporary procedures. Fabrication of temporary crowns, and placement of matrices, wedges, and rubber dams will also be covered.

Prerequisite: Must be in the EFDA Certificate program

DA265 Expanded Functions of Dental Assisting II: 1 Credit

This course follows the completion of DA250 EFDA I. Students are required to complete a total of 90 hours performing expanded duties. The required hours will be spent at Manor College’s Dental Health Center under the direct supervision of faculty dentists and clinical instructors.

The purpose of this experience is to strengthen and perfect EFDA skills that were taught in DA250 and allow the student to apply their skills to direct patient care. The student will be responsible for two clinical rotations (6 hours per week) and laboratory hours to complete requirements. Additional fees include material and prep fees.

Prerequisite: Complete and pass DA250 EFDA I with an overall grade of 80% or better (including 80% or better for both didactic and skill competency portions).

DA270 Expanded Function Internship: 1 Credit

This course follows the completion of DA265 EFDA II. The student is required to complete 20 hours of expanded duties in a private dental office under the direct supervision of a sponsoring dentist. Time doing the required restorative procedures will be the time counted toward the 20 hours. All requirements and a total of 20 hours must be met. This part of the internship usually takes about two months to complete. The internship must be completed by the end of the fall semester to pass the course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of DA265 EFDA II with an 85% or better.