Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA)
What does an EFDA do:
- Placement, finishing, and polishing of amalgam, composite and intermediate restorations
- Placement of dental sealants
- Coronal polishing
- Fluoride treatments
- Placement and removal of dental dams
- Placement of matrix bands and wedges
- Placement of bases and liners
- Preliminary impressions
- Fabrication of temporary crowns and bridges
About the program
The EFDA Program takes place over two semesters. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for their State Board Licensure Exam.
Two class/clinic options are available each year: Monday and Wednesday evening cohort or Saturday cohort (for both Fall and Spring Semesters). A maximum of 12 students will be admitted to each cohort.
Please note: a criminal history may prevent certification/licensure as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant in Pennsylvania. Please contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry (SBOD) for further information.
EFDA graduates who are CDA certified through DANB can apply 30 credits towards Associate in Health Science degree.
Topics Covered:
Dental Law Dental Anatomy Positioning/Ergonomics/Instrumentation Cavity Preparation Design Dental Rubber Dam Matrices/Wedge Placement Bases/Liners Amalgam, Composite and Intermediate Restorations Provisional Restorations Dental Sealants Coronal Polishing Fluoride Application
Estimated program expenses (pdf) (cost)
How do I apply to the EFDA program?
- Link to the Fall 2025 Clinical application will be here Spring 2025.
- You must attend a mandatory 45-minute information session. These sessions will include a detailed overview of the program as well as information on how to apply. Information sessions are held via Zoom. RSVP Required. Use this link to view dates and register for a 2024-25 Information Session: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HACC91/RSVPForAMandatoryInformationSessionEFDA2
- Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the EFDA program.
Prerequisites for Admission:
- High School Graduate or GED and one of the following:
- Current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) through the Dental Assisting National Board
- Current Pennsylvania State License as a Registered Dental Hygienist
- At least 2 years full-time clinical experience as a Dental Assistant with current PA X-ray Certification. (Must download and complete the Verification of Clinical Dental Assisting Hours Form. Send forms to DentalAssisting@hacc.edu.
- Current CPR Certification for a Healthcare Provider (BLS)
- Current employment in a dental facility that will take part in DA253 Clinical Experience
For more information about the Expanded Functions Dental Assisting program, please
contact:
Select Medical Health Education Pavilion (SMHEP), Room 114
HACC - Harrisburg Campus
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-780-2490
