Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Course Overview

 

Course Description

 

Our Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program is a dynamic and accelerated course designed for experienced dental professionals who wish to expand their skillset and take on advanced responsibilities in the dental office. This 8-session program provides a comprehensive blend of 244 hours of instruction, including 64 hours of

pre-clinical education and 180 hours of externship. The curriculum is designed to prepare you to perform expanded functions under the direct supervision of your sponsoring dentist.

 

This Maine Dental Board Approved course is ideal for Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) or Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) with at least two years of clinical experience. The program offers hands-on training, real-world applications, and expert guidance to ensure you gain proficiency in performing restorative procedures, taking impressions, placing sealants, and more. Upon completion, students will be fully equipped to assist in a wide range of dental procedures while enhancing patient care.

 

 

Prerequisites

 

• CDA or RDH with at least 2 years of clinical experience
• Current CPR certification
• Sponsoring Dentist to supervise your externship hours
• Two professional letters of recommendation verifying your qualifications and character
• $75 non-refundable application fee
•  

 

Course Structure

 

The program is split into two primary learning modalities to provide a

balanced and effective educational experience:

• Pre-Clinical Instruction (64 hours):

- Lecture-based learning covering theoretical aspects of expanded functions.

- Hands-on articulated typodont work at the bench to practice key dental skills and techniques before applying them in the clinical setting.

• Externship (180 hours):

- Real-world application of the learned skills in your own dental office under the supervision of your sponsoring dentist.

- This practical component ensures that students are fully prepared to assist with restorative procedures, radiology, impressions, sealants, and more.

 

 

Course Fee $6,995

Paid in full upon acceptance to program

 

This fee will include online textbook, typodont and limited supplies and the initial Maine Licensure application fee if clinical hours are completed within 6 months of course completion. EFDA students are REQUIRED to bring in their regular restorative tray set up as well as typical burs they use. It is recommended students have loupes or safety glasses with lights. Limited Placement available. The course fee is non-refundable regardless of completion of the program.

 

Upon successful completion of the EFDA program, students will receive a certification of completion that validates their ability to continue to compile the required clinical hours for the expanded functions within their state or region, subject to local regulatory requirements. Once the clinical requirements are met and tracked in their logbook, students are then approved to apply for their State of Maine’s EFDA licensure. This program ensures that graduates meet the highest standards in dental assisting and are ready to support dental practices in delivering comprehensive care to patients.

 

The mission of the Expanded Function Dental Assistant program is to empower Certified Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Hygienists to enhance their value within the dental office by developing competence and confidence in performing a comprehensive range of reversible procedures, as authorized by the laws of the State of Maine under Direct Supervision. This means that a dentist will be present on the premises, providing direct oversight, performing any necessary tooth preparations, and reviewing the work completed by the EFDA before the patient is dismissed.

 

 

Sponsoring Dentist Participation

 

The sponsoring dentist is required to actively participate in both the didactic and laboratory components of the program. This includes assisting program instructors by providing one-on-one supervision and evaluating the students’ laboratory bench activities. These sessions will take place at YCPD - 1750 Post Road, Wells, Maine. Each sponsoring dentist must commit to at least one half-day Friday session per student enrolled in the program.

 

 

Clinical Instruction Module

 

During the clinical instruction phase, each sponsoring dentist is responsible for directly supervising their assigned student(s) within their own practice. The dentist will sign off on each restoration completed by the EFDA student, and these records must be available for review by dental examiners. The clinical training phase will span approximately 16 weeks ( 8 sessions) and will involve up to 180 hours of hands-on experience.

 

 

EFDA Curriculum

 

The 8 session EFDA course objective is to provide competence in all reversible procedures and confidence to use newly acquired skills in the dental practice all under State of Maine Laws. The 64 hours in class clinical instruction will be led by an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary as well as a Maine Licensed Dentist.

 

Session 1

 

Legal Considerations of EFDA, Maine Statues, Qualifications, Dental Terminology & Morphology, Tooth Numbering, Handpiece Review

 

Session 2

 

Review Dental Prep Terminology, Classes of Preparations, The Carious Process, Dental Materials, Review of Health History Forms & Dental Emergencies, Emergency Responsiveness Training, SOP on each clinical procedure

 

Session 3

 

Oral Hygiene, Preventative Care, Sealants, Isolation Techniques, Pulp Protection, Composite Review, Acid-Etch Techniques, Light-Cured Dentistry, Instrument Manipulation, Dental Wax Techniques & Lab Procedures

 

 

Session 4:

 

Dental Office, Practitioner Philosophy, Tooth Morphology & Anatomy, Class 1 and 2 Composites

 

 

Session 5

 

Class 2 / 3 Composite Restorations, Proper Surface Finishing, Adjacent Tooth Inspection, Clinical Reporting for your Office, Shade Matching, Step-by-Step Procedures

 

 

Session 6

 

Anatomy Review, Primary Dentition, Matrix Techniques & Types of Matrices, Temporaries (Science Fair Presentations) Crown & Bridge Review

 

 

Session 6

 

Anterior Teeth Anatomy, Strategies of Quadrant Dentistry, Glass Ionomers, Bulk Fill / Layering Techniques, Class 4/5 Restorations

 

 

Session 7

 

Smile Design, Dental Photography, EFDA Overview, Expectations and how to be utilized, State Requirement Review / Application.