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Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) - Get Started

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
    (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 or currently enrolled in a CODA-accredited dental assisting program
    • 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
    • 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.

Steps to Begin the Application Process

  1. Attend an information session, held in May, July, and September. While campus has limited access, we will not be able to conduct face-to-face information sessions. However, information sessions using Zoom will be conducted. To attend an information session via Zoom please email nancy.harris@seattlecolleges.edu.
  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. Submit a copy of your Registered Dental Assistant registration to Nancy.Harris@seattlecolleges.edu.
  5. Identify pathway 1 or pathway 2 by sending proof to Nancy.Harris@seattlecolleges.edu.
    Pathway 1 Graduate from or currently enrolled in a CODA-accredited dental assisting program
    Current hands-on CPR/Basic Life Support
    Pathway 2 Current Certified Dental Assisting (CDA) certification through DANB
    Minimum of 3,500 hours of approved work experience
    Current hands-on CPR/Basic Life Support
  6. Schedule Manual dexterity exam (Dates to be determined)
  7. Top applicants will be offered a position in the EFDA Program to begin Winter Quarter 2023.

Acceptance

  1. If admitted into the program, students will be sent a link to have a criminal background check. This must be completed prior to orientation. Results from the background check are sent directly to the program by the company conducting them.
  2. Attendance of a mandatory orientation. Orientation is the first opportunity to meet other members of your cohort as well as complete registration, provide emergency contact information, and other departmental forms. If you work, request a flexible work schedule that week.
  3. Accepted candidates will need a health history, physical exam, an eye exam, and hearing exam. Exams must be completed by a healthcare provider.
  4. Accepted candidates are required to provide proof of the following immunizations:
Immunization Requirement Documentation Needed
Hepatitis B Positive titer showing immunity Lab results
Influenza 1-dose given (during flu season September – June) Vaccine record
Tuberculin test 2-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 immunity Lab results
Varicella (chickenpox) Positive titer showing immunity Lab results
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis 1-dose within the last two years or TD within 10 years Vaccine record
COVID vaccination Must have full vaccination (2 weeks past final 1 or 2-dose series) before entering the program Vaccine 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 Executive 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

2023 Winter Quarter Start Only

  • Get on the Program Ready List opens on September 1, 2022
  • End date to get on the Program Ready List closes on October 31, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Applicants accepted into the EFDA program will be notified in November 2022.
  • The Mandatory Orientation will be in November 2022.

Information Sessions

To attend the EFDA information session via Zoom please email nancy.harris@seattlecolleges.edu

  • Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 10:30 am - 11:30 am by zoom
  • Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm by zoom
  • Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 10:30 am - 11:30 am by zoom
  • Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at1:30 pm – 2:30 pm by zoom

Additional Useful Information