Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary

The Columbia Basin College (CBC) Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program is a two-quarter program that provides dental assistants with the knowledge and skills required to perform expanded functions under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. The program is designed to prepare students for a career in the dental field and to provide a pathway for career advancement.

The EFDA program includes a combination of classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and clinical experiences. Students learn the theory and practice of dental care, including dental anatomy, oral pathology, pharmacology, dental materials, and infection control. They also receive specialized training in expanded functions procedures, such as placing and contouring restorative materials, taking final impressions for indirect restorations, placing and removing temporary restorations, and placing and removing rubber dams.

In addition to technical skills, the EFDA program emphasizes communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students learn to work effectively as members of the oral healthcare team, including dentists, hygienists, and other support staff. They also learn to communicate effectively with patients, including active listening, clear and concise language, and appropriate use of nonverbal communication.

The EFDA program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that includes not only technical skills but also professionalism, ethics, and community service. Students learn the importance of ethical and professional behavior, as well as their responsibility to the community. They are encouraged to participate in community service and outreach programs, and to appreciate the scientific method, self-assessment, and lifelong learning for continual professional growth and development.

Upon completion of the EFDA program, graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board's (DANB) Certified Restorative Functions Exam and apply for an EFDA license from the state of Washington. Graduates may also be eligible for other dental certification programs, such as Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). Graduates may find employment in a variety of dental settings, including private practices, community clinics, and hospital dental departments.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

EFDA 100: Intro to Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary [RE]

Credits 2

This course introduces the principles and practices of expanded function dental assisting, including legal and ethical aspects of dental practice, infection control and safety, and oral health promotion and disease prevention. Students will also learn about the supportive services allowed under dentist supervision, such as dental radiography, charting, and basic laboratory procedures. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to advance to more advanced coursework in the EFDA program. $400 Dental Lab Supply fee.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary Program.

EFDA 101: Restorative Dentistry [RE]

Credits 3

This course covers the fundamentals of restorative dentistry, including dental anatomy, cariology, restorative classifications, and occlusion. Students will learn the basics of cavity preparation and restoration, and the properties and characteristics of restorative materials, both direct and indirect. The course also covers the principles of occlusion and its influence on dental treatment planning. Upon completion, students will be prepared to apply these concepts to expanded function procedures in subsequent coursework.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary Program.

EFDA 102: Amalgam Restorations [RE]

Credits 2

This course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of amalgam as a restorative material, including its composition, physical properties, and clinical applications. Students will learn about the safety considerations related to amalgam handling and placement, as well as proper techniques for amalgam restoration. The course is designed to accompany EFDA 112 and will prepare students for expanded function procedures that involve the use of amalgam.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary Program.

EFDA 104: Composite Restorations [RE]

Credits 2

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for working with composite resin and glass ionomers in dental restorations. Topics covered include the composition and physical properties of these materials, proper handling and placement techniques, and patient management. Emphasis is placed on practical, hands-on experience to develop proficiency in composite restoration procedures.

Prerequisite

Completion of EFDA 100, EFDA 101, EFDA 102, EFDA 112, and EFDA 123, all with a 2.0 or better.

EFDA 105: Dental Impressions [RE]

Credits 2

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of dental impressions. Topics covered include the fundamentals of preliminary and final impressions, as well as bite registrations. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and hands-on demonstrations, students will learn about the materials and techniques used to take accurate and reliable impressions, including tray selection and placement, mixtures, and manipulation. By the end of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for and take high-quality dental impressions.

Prerequisite

Completion of EFDA 100, EFDA 101, EFDA 102, EFDA 112, and EFDA 123, all with a 2.0 or better.

EFDA 112: Amalgam Restorations Lab [RE]

Credits 3

This laboratory course is designed to accompany EFDA 102 and provides students with hands-on experience in the safe placement, handling, and manipulation of amalgam restorative materials. Students will learn to apply the principles of amalgam restoration and to perform clinical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to perform expanded function procedures that involve the use of amalgam restorative materials.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary Program.

EFDA 114: Composite Restorations Lab [RE]

Credits 3

This hands-on laboratory course is designed to build on the knowledge and skills gained in EFDA 104, providing students with the opportunity to apply safe placement, handling, and manipulation techniques to complete composite restorations. Working under the supervision of experienced dental professionals, students will practice composite restoration procedures on a variety of dental models and patient simulations. By the end of this course, students will have developed the proficiency and confidence needed to provide high-quality composite restorations in a clinical setting.

Prerequisite

Completion of EFDA 100, EFDA 101, EFDA 102, EFDA 112, and EFDA 123, all with a 2.0 or better.

EFDA 115: Dental Impressions Lab [RE]

Credits 2

This hands-on laboratory course builds on the theoretical knowledge gained in EFDA 105, providing students with the opportunity to practice taking accurate and reliable dental impressions. Working under the supervision of experienced dental professionals, students will learn to apply the materials and techniques covered in EFDA 105 to take preliminary and final impressions, as well as bite registrations. Through a combination of patient simulations and dental models, students will develop the proficiency and confidence needed to provide high-quality dental impressions in a clinical setting.

Prerequisite

Completion of EFDA 100, EFDA 101, EFDA 102, EFDA 112, and EFDA 123, all with a 2.0 or better.

EFDA 123: EFDA Clinical Practice I [RE]

Credits 3

This course provides students with hands-on clinical experience in the dental clinic setting. Under the supervision of licensed dentists, students will perform assigned expanded function duties, applying industry best practices and patient safety standards. The course is designed to help students build their skills in a real-world setting, and to prepare them for the practical demands of the expanded functions dental auxiliary role.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary Program.

EFDA 126: EFDA Clinical Practice II [RE]

Credits 4

This course is designed to provide students with hands-on, chair-side clinical experience in a dental clinic setting. Working under the supervision of licensed dentists, students will perform a variety of expanded functions dental auxiliary duties, including but not limited to restorative procedures and preventive services. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge of patient safety standards and industry best practices, while developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed as a professional dental auxiliary. EFDA 126 is the second in a two-part series of clinical practice courses, following EFDA 123. Together, these courses form a comprehensive clinical experience for the expanded functions dental auxiliary.

Prerequisite

Completion of EFDA 100, EFDA 101, EFDA 102, EFDA 112, and EFDA 123, all with a 2.0 or better.