Highest level of dental assistant?
Highest level of dental assistant?
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
In the world of dentistry, dental assistants play a critical role in ensuring smooth, efficient, and compassionate care. While the profession begins with foundational training and basic responsibilities, there is room to grow into highly skilled, well-compensated positions. The top of this career ladder is the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)—a title that represents the most advanced clinical level a dental assistant can reach in the United States.
What Is an EFDA?
An Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) is a dental assistant who has undergone additional education and certification, allowing them to perform advanced, hands-on procedures that go far beyond traditional chairside support. These procedures typically require a high degree of manual skill, an understanding of restorative dentistry, and trust from the supervising dentist.
EFDAs are authorized to assist more directly in patient treatment, particularly in restorative and preventive care, and their expanded responsibilities help practices operate more efficiently. The role not only enhances productivity but also elevates the assistant’s clinical value and earning potential.
Key Duties of an EFDA
While duties vary slightly from state to state, most EFDAs are permitted to perform:
Placement and contouring of dental restorations (e.g., fillings)
Coronal polishing and fluoride application
Placement of dental sealants
Taking final dental impressions
Placement of matrices, wedges, liners, and bases
Fabrication and placement of temporary crowns or bridges
Cement removal and polishing of dental restorations
Using isolation systems or intraoral cameras independently
These tasks require additional training and licensing, but they also allow the EFDA to work at a level closer to that of the dentist, freeing the doctor to handle more complex diagnostic and surgical duties.
How to Become an EFDA
The journey to EFDA status involves several key steps:
Education
Most EFDAs begin by graduating from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, which typically lasts 9 to 12 months for a certificate or 18 to 24 months for an associate degree.Certification
Candidates usually earn the CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This requires passing three components: General Chairside Assisting (GC), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS).Expanded Functions Training
The aspiring EFDA must complete a state-approved EFDA or expanded duties program, which provides hands-on training in restorative and preventive procedures. These programs often last several months and may be offered at community colleges or dental schools.State Licensure/Registration
Most states require EFDAs to apply for a license or register with the state dental board. This may involve a background check, CPR certification, jurisprudence exam, and proof of continuing education.
EFDA Titles Vary by State
Different states use different terminology for similar roles. For example:
California: Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF)
Ohio and Missouri: EFDA
Minnesota: Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA)
Texas: Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with expanded duties
New York: Does not formally recognize the EFDA title, but does permit certain expanded tasks with training
Always consult your state’s dental board to confirm what titles and functions are allowed where you live.
Why EFDA Is the Peak of the Profession
Becoming an EFDA is not just about doing more—it's about being more integral to the patient care process and increasing your long-term career value. EFDAs are often the most experienced, most trusted, and most relied-upon members of the clinical team.
Top Reasons EFDAs Stand Out:
Higher Pay: EFDAs earn $55,000 to $75,000 or more annually, depending on their state, employer, and specialty. That’s significantly more than the $45,000–$50,000 national average for dental assistants.
Expanded Clinical Authority: EFDAs take a more hands-on role in direct patient care, which adds variety and meaning to their daily work.
Career Flexibility: Many EFDAs become lead dental assistants, treatment coordinators, dental assisting instructors, or office managers.
Stepping Stone: Some EFDAs use their advanced clinical experience to pursue dental hygiene school or even dental school in the future.
Challenges of Becoming an EFDA
While the EFDA role offers many rewards, it does require commitment:
Time and Money: Training programs and licensing fees can add up
State Complexity: Rules and titles vary widely, so it can be confusing
Physical Demands: The role remains physically intense—working long hours, often on your feet, in close patient proximity
Still, for those committed to the dental field, becoming an EFDA is often seen as the ultimate professional milestone.
Conclusion
The Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) represents the highest level of achievement in the dental assisting profession. With advanced responsibilities, higher pay, and more meaningful patient involvement, the EFDA role transforms dental assisting from a supporting position into a clinical partnership with the dentist. Whether you're a new assistant looking ahead or a seasoned professional ready for the next step, pursuing the EFDA path can elevate your career and expand your impact in the world of dentistry.
If you're searching for more than just a job—a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential—then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Moreover, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
Contact NYSMDA today and get your career started!
Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) – CDA and EFDA Certifications
