Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) (Certificate of Achievement)

Program Description

This program provides instruction to experienced 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.

Program Requirements

  • Applicants to the EFDA Program must be currently registered as dental assistants with Washington State (RDA).

  • Must be ADA/CODA accredited OR a current CDA completed by the end of the first academic quarter.

  • Applicants must have a dentist willing to commit as their sponsoring dentist.

  • Applicants must have current and valid healthcare provider basic life support (BLS) certification. 

  • Priority consideration will be given to those students who have 5 or more years of restorative chairside experience. 

Application Procedure

  1. Accepting Applications Year-Round
  2. We offer two cohorts per year with flexible start dates in Fall and Winter.
  3. Apply for financial aid
  4. Confirm you’ve met all Admission Requirements (listed above)
  5. Contact the EFDA Director at dental@spscc.edu to get started!

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 and 1 workbook* (can be a new, used, or digital copy)  $325
  • Lab fees - $1000 - to include - restorative board typodont and teeth

*Workbook needs to be new.

The following are estimated costs.  Please contact each directly for the exact amounts:

  • EFDA State Licensure fee is $175 
  • Washington State Restorative Exam (WARE) is $350
  • CDCA/Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)/CITA Dental Hygiene Restorative Exam is $545

EFDA Graduation Process

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.