Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) (Certificate of Achievement)
(20 credits)
Program Description
Dental assistants play a key role in the dentist’s office, serving as a friendly face dedicated to making a patient feel comfortable, welcome, and safe. As a dental assistant, you’ll work with a variety of people and provide important preventative health care services. You’ll enjoy a flexible part-time or full-time schedule in an in-demand industry that can set the tone for a patient’s future approach to their health.
This program provides instruction to dental assistants as preparation for licensure as an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) in the state of Washington. The curriculum is approved by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
Career Opportunities
Graduates who have been awarded licensure by the Washington State Department of Health may be hired as an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary. This licensure extends the scope of practice of traditional dental assisting to include placing and carving direct restorations, taking final impressions, and the ability to perform various supportive services with less supervision. Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries also deliver limited services to the community in settings such as schools and community organizations.
Dental Assistant
Program Costs
Dollar values are approximate and subject to change
Loupe Style Magnification glasses prices vary less than $100 - $1500+ (best new)
Any style of white lab coat- cost will depend on brand you choose
2 Textbooks (can be a new, used, or digital copy) $250
Carry Case for teeth and supplies - you can use something you might already have up to $100
Any brand condensable (A3.5) and flowable (A.1) Composite - cost depends on brand used in office
Amalgam*- cost depends on brand
Instruments & burs* - depends on what is used in the office.
Soap* $10.00
Special carving wax* $30
Lab fees - $1000 - to include - restorative board typodont and teeth
*specifics lists or brand recommendations, and wax ordering will be given to you once you have accepted your spot in the class.
The following are estimated costs. Please contact each directly for the exact amounts:
Your Certificate of Achievement will be posted on your transcript after you've completing the program and have submitted the graduation application.
You can apply to graduate and submit application on the graduation webpage when you have completed and officially passed your first quarter. This is the only way to get your certificate posted on your transcript.
You will also need to print and keep this additional EFDA Certificate information with your Diploma. It outlines the classes you have taken to earn your Certificate.
South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives.
Effectively, independently, and efficiently perform clinical services that may be performed by Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries in Washington State
Maintain safe environments in the dental setting by following state and federal standards, professional and ethical standards, and using effective communication
Measure, record, interpret, and report data in both clinical and office settings
The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:
Effective Communication
Information Literacy
Analytical Reasoning
Multicultural Awareness
Social Responsibility
Applications for special admission to the EFDA Program are available online.
Minimum Eligibility for Entrance to the Program
Applicants to the EFDA Program must be currently registered as dental assistants with Washington State (RDA). Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years restorative chairside dental assisting experience within the last 5 years. If an applicant has not graduated from an ADA/CODA accredited dental assisting program they must have a current CDA certificate through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Applicants must have a dentist willing to commit as their sponsoring dentist. Applicants must also have all passing scores on the EFDA Pre-entrance Exam.
Priority consideration will be given to those students who have 5 or more years of restorative chairside experience, current certification with the Dental Assisting National Board (CDA), and have submitted a complete application prior to other qualified applicants. Scores on the Pre-entrance Exam will also be considered during the final selection of applicants into the program.
Application Procedure
Applications for the EFDA Program will be accepted beginning on the first business day in March. Those received by the first business day in June will be given priority consideration for admission over applications received after the first business day in June. There is a required, non-refundable $25.00 application fee due at the time of application. For an EFDA application to be complete, all required documentation must be included.
Additional Considerations
Health and Safety
Applicants must have current and valid health care provider basic life support (BLS) certification and proof of Hepatitis B immunity.
Pre-entrance Exam
Once all applications are received, a limited number of applicants will be chosen to take the Pre-entrance Exam in July. This exam consists of a written portion covering basic chairside assisting and a practical portion to include coronal polishing, sealants, and radiographs. All applicants must pass each section before being considered for the EFDA program.
Sponsoring Dentist
This is normally the employer of the EFDA applicant. The sponsoring dentist provides mentoring, instructional support, and the clinical aspect of the second two quarters of the program.
Minimum eligibility for entrance to the program: Applicants to the EFDA Program must be currently registered as dental assistants with Washington State (RDA). Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years restorative chairside dental assisting experience within the last 5 years. If an applicant has not graduated from an ADA/CODA accredited dental assisting program they must have a current CDA certificate through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Applicants must have a dentist willing to commit as their sponsoring dentist. Applicants must also have all passing scores on the EFDA Pre-entrance Exam. Priority consideration will be given to those students who have 5 or more years of restorative chairside experience, current certification with the Dental Assisting National Board (CDA), and have submitted a complete application prior to other qualified applicants. Scores on the Preentrance Exam will also be considered during the final selection of applicants into the program.
South Puget Sound Community College has provided pathways and associated recommended courses for ease of student selection based upon a student’s career interest. Please review the pathway maps for required and recommended courses.
