4 facts about EFDAs
Dental assistants are driven to learn more and help their patients, teammates, and practice as much as possible. This growth mindset often leads them to pursue expanded functions in their state.
As an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), you can perform duties beyond the scope of a normal dental assistant. While an EFDA’s allowable duties vary from state to state, examples of expanded functions include applying sealants, performing coronal polishing, and in some states performing restorative functions. In other words, being an EFDA can be a big step in your career growth, offering more variety in your work and allowing you to take on additional responsibilities in the dental practice.
DANB’s EFDAs Across America report sheds some light on these key members of the dental field. Here are some key facts and figures about EFDAs.
Becoming an EFDA is different across the country.
Since dental assisting requirements vary by state, becoming an EFDA is not the same everywhere. Depending on your state, steps might include working as a dental assistant for a certain number of hours or years, graduating from an accredited program, passing a DANB or board-issued exam, or completing a training course.
Among the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, 38 have an EFDA level. Of those, 28 states require EFDAs to register with the state dental board and 10 do not.
Some states do not have an expanded functions level for dental assistants. A total of eight states do not have an official EFDA level, although dental assistants in these states may perform some expanded functions. Additionally, five states that do not have an EFDA level issue certificates for specific functions, such as coronal polishing.
If you’re interested in becoming an EFDA or performing expanded functions, check your state requirements to ensure you follow the correct steps.
EFDA job titles vary.
Additionally, not every state uses the same title for dental assistants who perform expanded functions.
Among the 38 states that have an EFDA level, 32% use the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant title. In 21% of states, expanded functions fall under the Registered Dental Assistant title. Some of the other most common EFDA titles are:
- Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary
- Licensed Dental Assistant
- Dental Assistant II
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
Many dental assistants want to pursue expanded functions.
Dental assistants are helpful people by nature. They often want to do more to aid their patients and contribute to their practice. Performing expanded functions is the obvious next step for a lot of dental assistants who are looking to advance in their careers.
Among dental assistants surveyed by DANB who do not currently perform expanded functions, 62% are interested in becoming EFDAs. And many of those who are already EFDAs are eager to do even more in the dental practice. 59% of EFDAs say they’d like expanded functions delegated to them more often by their dentists.
Most dental assistants want a raise to become EFDAs.
There are, of course, additional considerations to becoming an EFDA beyond career growth. Whether you have to complete additional training, complete a course or a program, or pass an exam, it takes effort and commitment to pursue expanded functions. Additionally, you’ll have a larger role and more responsibilities at work.
That’s why 81% of dental assistants say the most important factor in whether they decide to become an EFDA is whether they’ll receive a pay increase. Some of the other top considerations are the cost and time to become an EFDA and whether passing an exam or class is required.