Dental

Train for a Dental Career at Seattle Central.

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  4. Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Certificate

Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary

Short-Term Certificate

The Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) are used primarily in Community Health Clinics to increase the delivery of restorations, allowing dentists to increase their productivity in delivering these services to the community. Currently, registered dental hygiene practitioners are licensed to perform these restorative duties; however, they are underutilized in this capacity because traditional periodontal care is in high demand. Only about 30% of registered dental hygienists are performing restorative functions.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Short-Term Certificate Full Time: 3
Part Time: Part Time Option Not Available		 15.0

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

Additional information:

  1. Be eligible for ENGL 98
  2. Be eligible for MATH 87 / 91
    • Level 1: Adult Basic Education Pre-Algebra ABE 31 and ABE 41 or Algebra ABE 61
    • STEM Intermediate Algebra Math 098 or higher
    • Or Level 2: Math in Society MATH& 107 + 67
  3. High school diploma or GED
  4. Prerequisite Education Requirement (Pathway 1 or Pathway 2)
    • Pathway 1
      • Graduate from any CODA-accredited dental assisting program with a preference of 5-years of dental assisting experience. If the 5-years dental assisting work experience is not met entrance will be based on a case-by-case basis.
      • Applicant is responsible to find their own externship site with a written signed affiliation agreement.
      • Current hands-on CPR/Basic Life Support.
      • Current First Aid Certification.
      • High school graduation or equivalent.
    • Pathway 2
      • Current Certified Dental Assisting (CDA) certification through DANB.
      • Minimum of 3,500 hours of approved work experience with a preference of 5-years of dental assisting experience. If the 5-years dental assisting work experience is not met entrance will be based on a case-by-case basis.
      • Applicant is responsible to find their own externship site with a written signed affiliation agreement.
      • Current hands-on CPR/Basic Life Support.
      • Current First Aid Certification.
      • High school graduation or equivalent.
  5. Manual dexterity test - applicants will be contacted by the program to schedule their manual dexterity exam after they have reached program-ready status.
  6. Additional eligibility requirements can be found in the EFDA Manual Dexterity Exam. If you have any questions not answered by EFDA Manual Dexterity Exam packet, you may inquire at DH.Central@seattlecolleges.edu or at 206.934.4186.

  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior and service to diverse populations.
  • Support evidence-based dental care as a member of the oral healthcare team.
  • Value their responsibility to the community by providing community service and outreach.
  • Appreciate the scientific method, self-assessment, and life-long learning for continual professional growth and development.
  • Achieve personal and professional goals in diverse settings based on the Seattle Central College learning outcomes.

Job tests this program will prepare you for:

  • Washington State Restorative Exam (WARE)

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (206) 934-4068. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.

Hours may vary based on specific program requirements.

Coursework

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Reviews and reinforces the duties and skills of a dental assistant: oral hygiene instructions, radiographs, coronal polishing, fluoride treatments, and final impressions. Students perform many of these procedures under general rather than close supervision of a dentist.

 EFDA 100 1.0

Covers dental anatomy related to the EFDA scope of restorative practice: tooth morphology, anatomical features and function. Emphasizes coronal anatomy, occlusion, GV Black's classification of cavity preparation and basics of primary and permanent dentition.

 EFDA 110 2.0

This course is the study of the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of dental materials which will be commonly used by the EFDA. Besides materials science, selection of the appropriate material for different preventive and restorative procedures will be dealt with as well as safety measures and proper handling protocol. Basic techniques for the utilization of these materials will be introduced. With the knowledge gained in EFDA 100, this course will reinforce specific procedures.

 EFDA 111 2.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

The course requires the student to utilize and build on knowledge and skills acquired from all previous clinically and didactically related expanded functions dental auxiliary courses, including: oral anatomy, dental anatomy and morphology, dental materials, restorative dentistry procedures in order to gain proficiency in performing restorative procedures on typodonts and on patients.

 EFDA 101 3.0

This course is a continuation of Procedures I and reviews the various duties and skills already within a dental assistant's scope of practice such as oral hygiene instruction, taking of radiographs, coronal polishing, administration of fluoride, initial and final impressions. Being connected closely with a corresponding lab component, this course allows the EFDA student to increase competency when performing many of these procedures under "general" rather than "close" supervision of a dentist.

 EFDA 200 1.0

Covers the ethical, legal and regulatory issues for an EFDA in private dental offices and community settings. Includes professional traits, theories of moral development, ethical dilemmas and principles, the state dental practice act, the EFDA-patient relationship and risk management in the dental practice.

 EFDA 212 1.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Demonstrate clinical competence on patients using the full range of basic restorative procedures, from patient management to technical skill of operating field isolation, restoration placement, and finishing.

 EFDA 201 4.0

Preparation for the Central Regional Dental Testing Services (CRDTS) restorative examination for licensure. The CRDTS requires the placement, carving and finishing of one anterior and one posterior class II restoration within a specific time frame at a minimum passing level. Practice written and clinical simulation tests will be administered to develop proficiency.

 EFDA 202 1.0