What is an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

When it comes to dental assistants, there are various types. For instance, there are COAs or Certified Orthopedic Assistants. Another type is the EFDA, or Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. The difference between a regular dental assistant and an expanded function dental assistant is the level of responsibility involved. For example, a regular dental assistant may not be permitted to serve chairside during dental surgeries, where an EFDA would assist the dentist during these procedures. Any time you advance your education and/or skill set you improve your job possibilities.

An expanded functions assistant in a dental office will be responsible for various duties related to restorative surgery, dentistry treatment, tooth repair, cleanings, orthodontics and more. While its true the dentist may perform the procedure, the EFDA is his or her right hand, and performs many of the same duties as a dental hygienist. For example, as an expanded functions dental assistant you might help the dentist and/or hygienist prepare crowns, bridges, the removal of oral stitches, the application of flouride treatments and more. Your exact duties will depend on where you work and what is required as part of your job duties.

If you have decided that you want to be an expanded function dental assistant you will need to get a degree in this field from a college that is accredited by the American Dental Association or ADA. You will probably need previous credits as a dental assistant or experience in the field to build on. The EFDA program takes two years on average to complete, and requires internships which provide on the job training. As a student of this career field you will learn new skills, like the detailed work of finishing and placing restorations and other dental items.

It is fair to say you will find that the demand for qualified individuals to fill the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant job is steadily increasing. There are people out there who want clean, healthy teeth. There are so many different places you can work as an EFDA. For example you could work at a dentist's office, school, dental clinic, hospital or other facility. The job market and pay rate is very attractive for dental professionals now and in the future, so if you are considering a new career, why not Ihink about becoming one of these specialized dental assistants.






 

Dental Assistant News:

 

A New Reason to Be Afraid of Going to the Dentist - The Stir

The Stir
A New Reason to Be Afraid of Going to the Dentist
The Stir
. to fear: cavities, fillings, drills, root canals, bad-tasting pastes, those things you have to bite down on for X-rays (really hate those), even the look of disapproval on the dental assistant's face when you admit you may not floss every day.

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Students receive complimentary dental work - Rapid City Journal

Students receive complimentary dental work
Rapid City Journal
Dentist Gary Bjerrum and dental assistant Sunny Maldonada work on freshman Tyler Pierce while the Smile Mobile was stationed at Sturgis Brown High School. (Courtesy photo) Meade School District students have received almost $300000 worth of restorative .

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Dean announced for Kirksville dental school
Dr. Halliday will be the inaugural dean of the new dental school on the Kirksville campus...

Brush up on proper hygiene - Russellville Courier

Brush up on proper hygiene
Russellville Courier
EURWe passed out brochures, tooth brushes and tooth paste,EUR said Terri Howell, certified dental assistant. EURWe were able to answer questions and encourage parents to take their children to the dentist.EUR Johnston and Richardson cater to children, .

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Dental Assistant to host continuing education seminar - Tech Times

Dental Assistant to host continuing education seminar
Tech Times
The Dental Assistant Program will be hosting an all-day, continuing education seminar, Friday, March 23, at the John B. Connally Technology Center. Area and statewide dental assistants, hygienists and dentists will receive up to 6 continuing education .

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Clean teeth, great smile
February brings Valentine's Day, Presidents Day and something else - National Children's Dental Health Month...

News from DANB's and the DALE Foundation's Boards - Dentistry IQ

News from DANB's and the DALE Foundation's Boards
Dentistry IQ
The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) and the DALE Foundation held Board meetings in February, and as always, many exciting initiatives were discussed. One of the highlights from DANB's Board of Directors meeting was to welcome one new .

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Preventing urban decay - Phoenix Business Journal

Preventing urban decay
Phoenix Business Journal
Central Arizona Shelter Services has opened a dental assistant school, where students get hands-on experience in the CASS Dental Clinic for the Homeless. The Bruce T. Halle Family Foundation has agreed to pay for two students each term who come from .

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Brightening Smiles - Emporia Gazette

Brightening Smiles
Emporia Gazette
By Bobbi Mlynar Brighter smiles and bags stocked with items to promote children's dental health will be offered for free on Saturday by students at the Flint Hills Technical College's Dental Assisting Department. The event is timed to coincide with .

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50 years at the dentist, smiling every minute
Claire Shoemaker has worked for three generations of the Ludwig family in Bethlehem. Apart from the drills and the Novocaine needles, dental offices really aren't so bad. Soothing music, comfortable chairs, magazines. What's not to like?..

A.T. Still University names first dean of dental school
Dr. Christopher Halliday will leave post with U.S. Surgeon General for job in Kirksville...

HealthLinc dentists and doctors help kids stay healthy with free exams
MICHIGAN CITY EUR Thanks to the efforts of dentists and staff at a Michigan City medical center, more than 50 children received free dental care on Mondays school holiday...

Celebrating Career and Technical Education Month - Santa Fe College

Celebrating Career and Technical Education Month
Santa Fe College
As part of Career and Technical Education Month, CTE will feature one program each day for the remainder of the month. The oral health care profession is dedicated to keeping people smiling. As a dental hygienist or dental assistant you work with the .

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Dental care offered through Baby TALK programs at Central Christian Church
DECATUR - The dental chair set up in an upstairs room at Central Christian Church on Thursday was a quite unusual sight, but it was business as usual for the mobile dental health unit based in Familia Dental's Springfield office...


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