The dental field is a fast-paced, in-demand, and highly rewarding industry to be a part of. If you are a dental assistant, you’re making a significant impact on the quality of life of your patients and helping the dental practice you work at run smoothly. However, there’s a chance that you could grow even more and reach your full potential by becoming an expanded functions dental assistant! EFDAs complete extra training to handle more responsibility and bring even more value to their workplace. Read on to learn more about EFDAs!
Dental Assistant Vs. Expanded Function Dental Assistant
The next, highest level after becoming a dental assistant is earning your place as an expanded functions dental assistant. While the American Dental Association describes the duties of a dental assistant as some of the most varied and comprehensive within a dental practice, an EFDA is trained to accomplish even more. In addition to all the responsibilities and talents that a dental assistant holds, EFDAs are trained to perform advanced duties like administering anesthesia, removing prosthetics, coronal polishing, and applying sealants or fluoride on patients.
The Value an EFDA Brings to a Dental Practice
EFDAs are a relatively new addition to the dental field and are an excellent way to boost the efficiency of a practice. In fact, a 2018 study conducted by the American Dental Association discovered that dentists with EFDAs at their practice were notably able to use their time and skills more effectively.
Expanded functions dental assistants can perform services that can also be done by a dental hygienist or dentist, which naturally gives dentists more time to see patients. This means that the practice can fit more patients in per day, and ultimately increase their bottom line.
The ADA also noted that having an EFDA increases a dental practice’s capacity to treat patients covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or public assistance. The study even found that EFDAs can lower overall operating expenses! As such, EFDAs typically enjoy a higher salary than dental assistants.
How Do You Become an EFDA?
EFDAs are also sometimes called licensed or registered dental assistants (LDAs or RDAs). If you’re interested in furthering your career by becoming an expanded function dental assistant, it’s important to keep in mind that the training, education, and credentialling requirements for EFDAs will vary state by state. That being said, to earn your EFDA license, you’ll generally need to be certified as a dental assistant and have worked as one full-time for at least two years.
If you’re interested in playing an even more important role in your patient’s oral healthcare and the efficiency of the dental practice you work at, then it’s time to look into becoming an EFDA!
About the Practice
At NE Dental Academy, we’re proud to help people begin a meaningful career in dental assisting that’s full of potential for growth. Our courses are taught by certified dental assistants who are ready to show you the ropes via hands-on training and real-world experience. You’ll be trained in all the skills you need to know in order to succeed and thrive as a dental assistant, and eventually as an EFDA if you choose to pursue that path! To learn more, we invite you to contact us online or at (508) 425-6644.