To perform expanded preventive functions in Oregon under the supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must earn an Oregon Expanded Function Preventive Dental Assistant (EFPDA) certificate. To qualify, one must:
Pathway I:
1. Hold an Oregon Certificate of Radiologic Proficiency (see requirements above),
AND
2. Successfully complete a course of instruction in a program accredited by CODA, AND
3. Apply for the Oregon EFPDA certificate (administered by DANB).
Pathway II:
1. Hold an Oregon Certificate of Radiologic Proficiency (see requirements above),
AND
2. Pass the DANB Infection Control (ICE)* exam, AND
3. Pass one of the following exams:
a) DANB Coronal Polishing (CP)* exam, OR
b) DANB Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)* exam, OR
c) Oregon Expanded Functions – General Dental Assisting (ORXG)* exam (administered by DANB), AND
4. Provide endorsement from a dentist licensed in Oregon stating that the applicant has completed clinical requirements,
AND
5. Apply for the Oregon EFPDA certificate (administered by DANB).
Pathway III:
1. Hold an Oregon Certificate of Radiologic Proficiency (see requirements above),
AND
2. Pass the Oregon Basic Dental Assisting (ORB)* exam (administered by DANB), AND
3. Pass one of the following exams:
a) DANB Coronal Polishing (CP)* exam, OR
b) DANB Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)*, OR
c) Oregon Expanded Functions – General Dental Assisting (ORXG)* exam (administered by DANB), AND
4. Provide endorsement from a dentist licensed in Oregon stating that the applicant has completed clinical requirements,
AND
5. Apply for the Oregon EFPDA certificate (administered by DANB).
Pathway IV:
1. Be certified in another state with requirements similar to Oregon’s, OR Obtain verification from a licensed dentist of having been employed (outside the state of Oregon) for at least 1,000 hours in the past two years as a dental assistant performing the permitted expanded preventive functions, AND
2. Apply for the Oregon EFPDA certificate by credential (administered by DANB).
Note: The Oregon state dental practice act specifies that, in addition to the exams, courses and programs listed on this page, a dental assistant may complete any successor or otherwise Board-approved exams, courses or programs. For more information, please contact the Oregon Board of Dentistry at www.oregon.gov/dentistry.
Oregon EFPDA certificate - Pathway I (PDF)
Oregon EFPDA certificate - Pathways II and III (PDF)
Oregon EFPDA certificate - Pathway IV (PDF)