Program Overview
Degrees & Certificates
With fewer than 20 credits, short-term certificate programs generally cover an entry-level
or
specific skill set needed for that industry. Credits earned in these programs may apply
toward a
next-level
certificate or degree. Typically offered in a condensed time period.
Learn more
- Credits to complete: 15.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 1
The three-quarter Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Certificate of Completion program prepares students to expand their dental assisting duties within the dental industry. You will learn about EFDA through lecture, hands-on experience, and clinical experience in the field. Our expert instructors and licensed dentists will demonstrate patient procedures, and you will learn EFDA procedures in our state-of-the-art Dental Education Clinic in the new Health Education Center on Beacon Hill.
Career Opportunities
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries (EFDAs) increase the completion 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. Less than 30% of registered dental hygienists are performing restorative functions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics dental assisting jobs, including EFDAs, will grow 10 percent between 2020-2030. You will gain the knowledge and skills to building upon your existing knowledge in the dental assisting profession.
Accreditation
The EFDA program has received approval from the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) of the Washington State Department of Health. The DQAC regulates EFDA educational programs and EFDA licensees.
Department of HealthDental Quality Assurance Commission
P.O. Box 47852
Olympia, WA 98504-7852
360-236-4700
Seattle Central College's EFDA program is intended to meet the educational requirements for licensing in the State of Washington only. Seattle Central College has not determined if the EFDA curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensing/certification in any other state. Additional information about licensure/certification concerns can be found on the NC-SARA webpage. Please contact eLearning with any questions at eLearning@seattlecolleges.edu.
Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.