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Get Started in Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Certificate of Completion

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Be eligible for English 098                   
    (An academic advisor must review English placement test scores or transcripts to prove program eligibility)
  2. Be eligible for Math 087/91
    • Level 1: Adult Basic Education Pre-Algebra ABE 31 and ABE 41 or Algebra ABE 61
    • STEM Intermediate Algebra Math 098 +
    • Or Level 2: Math in Society MATH& 107 + 067                   
      (An academic advisor must review Math placement test scores or transcripts to prove program eligibility)
  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 DentalPrograms@seattlecolleges.edu or at 206.934.4186.

Steps to Begin the Application Process

COMING SOON: ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL

  1. ​Attend an information session. These are currently available only as live online Zoom sessions.​     
  2. Before applying to the EFDA program, first, apply to Seattle Central College, you must be a student of the college. Complete the 5-Step Enrollment Process for Seattle Central College, which includes English and Math placement testing and transcript evaluations to ensure eligibility of courses taken at other colleges.
  3. After placement testing, meet with an academic advisor or contact the advising office via email (AdvisorCentral@seattlecolleges.edu) to discuss an educational plan and to be placed on the program ready list.
  4. COMING SOON: ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL
    • Submit a copy of your Registered Dental Assistant registration
    • Identify Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 using the EFDA Program Pathway Worksheet
  5. Schedule Manual dexterity exam     
    • Dates for 2024 will be in October, with precise days and times TBD
    • See EFDA Program Application Packet for further information (link coming soon)
  6. Qualifying applicants will be offered a position in the SCC EFDA Program.

Acceptance

  1. Background Check: Students accepted to the EFDA program must complete and pass a criminal background check prior to orientation and enrollment. The school will provide a specific link to students, and results from the background check are sent directly to the program by the company conducting the check.
  2. Mandatory orientation: Friday, November 8, 2024. Orientation is the first opportunity to meet other members of your cohort, as well as complete required registration and onboarding processes.
  3. Accepted students are required to provide a variety of certifications and verifications as outlined in the Dental Programs Student Handbook (link coming soon). Required elements include but may not be limited to:
    • Health History and Physical Exam
    • Vision Exam
    • Hearing Exam
    • Proof of current health insurance
    • Proof of current liability insurance
    • Proof of current American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) membership
    • Proof of current BLS certification
  4. Accepted candidates are required to provide proof of the following immunizations:
ImmunizationRequirementDocumentation Needed
Hepatitis BPositive titer showing immunityLab results
Influenza1-dose given (during flu season September – June)Vaccine record
Tuberculin test2-step tuberculin test OR QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (GFT-GIT) showing no active TB (must be done before entering the program)(2) Negative tests or lab results [Note: TB test is positive, it is necessary to have a chest x-ray and a TB Assessment signed by a healthcare provider]
Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR)Positive titer showing immunityLab results
Varicella (chickenpox)Positive titer showing immunityLab results
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis1-dose within the last two years or TD within 10 yearsVaccine record
COVID vaccinationMust have full vaccination (2 weeks past final 1 or 2-dose series) before entering the programVaccine record (boosters may be required every 6 months)

Any documents submitted to Seattle Central College's Admissions Office or the Dental programs will become the property of Seattle Central College. Please keep copies of documents for your records.

Physical demands on an EFDA

Working as an EFDA is demanding physically and requires very fine motor skills and movement.

If you have difficulty in any of the areas listed below, we strongly encourage you to discuss the impact of these difficulties on a career in dental assisting with your physician.

If you are still concerned after discussing with your physician, we encourage you to make an appointment with the Director of Dental Programs, 206.934.3184, to discuss additional options.

If you have difficulty in any of these areas, we also encourage you to seek information from the Accessibility Resource Center office to determine if there is a reasonable accommodation available to support your progress in the program.

Visual Acuity

  • Acute enough to read small printed labels on medications.
  • Acute enough to read small numbers on instruments.

Hearing Acuity

  • Acute enough to hear and understand words spoken when muffled by a mask.
  • Acute enough to hear blood pressures and heart rate with a stethoscope.

Speaking Ability

  • Verbal expression clear and distinct enough to enunciate dental terminology while wearing a facemask.
  • Ability to express thoughts clearly.

Digital Dexterity

  • Agile enough to handle dental instruments with both left and right hands.
  • Able to bend at the wrist.

Professionalism

  • Able to complete required tasks/functions under stressful conditions. Self-directed.
  • Able to interact professionally with all members of the dental team.

Important Dates

2025 Winter Quarter Start Only

  • Students are accepted to the SCC EFDA Program in a first-come-first-served process. Students are notified upon qualification of acceptance.
  • End date for acceptance to the SCC EFDA Program is Friday, November 1, 2024
  • Mandatory Orientation is Friday, November 8, 2024 in the Health Education Center. Time and room TBD.

Additional Useful Information