Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) Programs in Philadelphia

Harcum College’s Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) program lasts two courses over two semesters. The program starts with EFDA I (DA 260), a 15-week course focusing on essential restorative skills for dental assistants, including placing and finishing amalgam and composite restorations, coronal polishing, application of fluoride, and rubber dam applications. Classes are held on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in a lab setting that combines lectures with hands-on technical training. To enroll, students must have current CPR certification, two years of full-time recent dental assisting experience, and active employment in a restorative dental practice.

After completing EFDA I, students proceed to EFDA II (DA 261), a clinical course that also lasts 15 weeks. This course takes place at the student’s current place of employment under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Students are required to perform specific restorative tasks in their practice and attend periodic on-campus sessions, one of which includes the supervising dentist. This component of the program provides students with the clinical experience needed to refine their skills in real-world settings. EFDA II must be taken the semester immediately following EFDA I to avoid the need for repeating the first course.

Upon successful completion of both courses, graduates are eligible to apply for EFDA certification through the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry and can subsequently take the Pennsylvania EFDA Certification Examination. The total program cost is approximately $6,825, including tuition, textbooks, and required supplies.

The Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) program at Manor College offers a structured, 200-hour evening curriculum designed for certified dental assistants, registered dental hygienists, and foreign-trained dentists. The program spans three semesters, providing a comprehensive combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for the Pennsylvania State Board Certification Examination for EFDAs.

The program begins with DA250 Expanded Functions of Dental Assisting I, a 5-credit course focusing on advanced operative procedures. Students receive instruction in amalgam and composite procedures, fabrication of temporary crowns, and placement of matrices, wedges, and rubber dams. This module emphasizes laboratory practice to build students’ proficiency in these tasks.

Following DA250, students proceed to DA265 Expanded Functions of Dental Assisting II. In this course, students complete 90 hours of supervised clinical practice at Manor College’s Dental Health Center, which features five operatories and a sterilization room. Under faculty supervision, students apply their skills directly with patients, completing two weekly clinical rotations to refine EFDA competencies.

The final requirement is DA270 Expanded Function Internship, a 20-hour externship in a private dental office. Students gain real-world experience performing restorative procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. This internship, which must be completed by the end of the fall semester, allows students to put their skills into practice in a professional setting.

Manor College’s EFDA program also includes on-site clinical instruction at the Dental Health Center, which serves 2,000 community patients and provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities.

All State Career’s Expanded Functions Dental Assisting program prepares students for entry-level roles by equipping them with advanced skills in dental assisting. The curriculum includes core topics such as dental anatomy, radiology, and infection control, as well as specialized EFDA duties like placing and carving amalgam and composite restorations, coronal polishing, and applying sealants and fluoride. Students learn to handle bases, liners, matrix bands, and rubber dams for various procedures.

The program is structured with both theoretical and practical components, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Class sessions are held on campus in Essington, PA, providing students with direct access to equipment and training in a professional environment. Instructors with industry experience guide students through essential EFDA techniques, ensuring they are prepared for the state certification exam upon completion.

This program culminates in a diploma and prepares graduates for entry-level positions in expanded functions dental assisting, focusing on practical skills to meet the growing needs of dental practices. The school also provides employment assistance, including job search support, interview training, and access to career fairs, helping graduates transition smoothly into the workforce.