The 4 Steps To Become An EFDA

While specific requirements vary by state, the general pathway to become an EFDA follows this progression:

Prerequisites & Experience: You typically must be a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Registered Dental Hygienist ( RDH ) before applying to a program. If you are an experienced Assistant and need guidance on obtaining your CDA, still apply- we have guidance to help you!
Formal Education: Complete a state-approved EFDA training program. These range from 5 months to a year and include didactic (classroom) and pre-clinical (lab) work.
Clinical Externship: Perform a set number of procedures (like placing fillings) on live patients under the direct supervision of a sponsoring dentist in a clinical setting.
State Board Licensure: Pass the clinical log book exam and apply for state licensure.

Typical EFDA Scope of Practice

An EFDA acts as the "bridge" between an assistant and a dentist. Their primary duty is to handle reversible intraoral procedures.

Typical EFDA Duties Include:

Restorative: Placing, contouring, and finishing Amalgam and Composite fillings (after the dentist preps the tooth); placing liners and bases.
Preventative: Applying sealants, fluoride treatments,silver diamine fluoride and performing Coronal Polishing.
Prosthodontic: Taking preliminary and final impressions for crowns, bridges, and dentures; fabricating and seating temporary crowns.
Orthodontic: Placing and removing orthodontic separators, brackets, buttons; sizing and fitting bands; removing excess cement.
Miscellaneous: Removing sutures, placing/removing rubber dams, and applying topical anesthetics.

How an EFDA Elevates the Office

Integrating an EFDA isn't just a title change; it's a business strategy that can increase practice net income by up to 25%.

“Double-Booking” for Efficiency: The dentist can prep a tooth in Room A and move immediately to a crown prep in Room B, leaving the EFDA to place and polish the restoration in Room A.
Reduced Patient Wait Times: With an EFDA available to finish fillings or make temporaries, the schedule stays on time, and emergency patients can be squeezed in more easily.
Higher Case Acceptance: When the dentist has more time to consult with patients instead of doing "busy work," case acceptance for larger procedures tends to rise.
Professional Growth: EFDAs report higher job satisfaction because they are performing advanced clinical work, which reduces turnover in the back office.

Note: Because EFDA laws are state-specific, always check your local State Board of Dentistry website for the exact list of delegable duties in your area.

Learn More And Enroll NOW In My EFDA Certification Course!