Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)

11 Credits |

Advanced Technical Certificate

Rice Lake (Fall 2025); Future Locations To Be Determined

Northwood Tech has submitted an application to the accreditor for HLC accreditation approval for
Fall 2025.

If you're looking to elevate your dental career, this program is for you! The Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) advanced technical certificate is a short-term program designed for working dental professionals, offering courses that fit your work schedule.

Before enrollment in the program, an applicant must have completed one of the following (Wis. Stat. § 447.035(3)(b)1):

At least 1,000 hours practicing as a dental assistant and holds the certified dental assistant credential issued by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., (DANB) or its successor.
OR
At least 2,000 hours practicing as a dental assistant, as verified by the supervising licensed dentist.

Program Overview

The Wisconsin Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program will prepare students for the following activities as delegated and supervised by a dentist: Placement and finishing of restoration material after the dentist prepares a tooth for restoration; Application of sealants; Coronal polishing; Impressions; Temporizations; Packing cord; Removal of cement from crowns; Adjustment of dentures and other removable oral appliances; Removal of sutures and dressings; and Application of topical fluoride, fluoride varnish, or similar dental topical agent.

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Maintain infection and hazard control
Maintain clear field of vision including isolation techniques
Perform preventative procedures
Perform restorative procedures
Perform prosthodontic procedures

Patient with open mouth during dental procedure

Advanced hands-on learning.

Advanced procedures.

Modern technology.

Professional Advancement

Level up your dental assistant career. Receive training and education so you can provide advanced care for your patients.

Experienced Instructors

Northwood Tech is large enough to serve you but small enough to know you. Northwood Tech's experienced instructors are knowledgeable, approachable and eager to help you.

In Demand Career

The need for skilled dental assistants is ever-growing. Unlock career opportunities, higher learning potential and expanded responsibilities within a dental office setting by completing this advanced technical certificate.

Career Outlook

Typical positions available after graduation include:

Dental Assistant
Dental Specialty Assistant
Maxillofacial Dental Assistant
Endodontic Dental Assistant
Prosthodontic Dental Assistant
Orthodontic Dental Assistant
Pediatric Dental Assistant
Periodontic Dental Assistant

Female student at school and wearing a facemask

Required Courses

Dental Health Safety

10508101

|

UGRD

| 1 CR

Prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. This course is a WTCS aligned course required in both the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assisting programs. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Dental Assistant or Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Program.

EFDA Dental Procedures

10508121

|

UGRD

| 3 CR

Learn how to perform the placement and finishing of restorative materials after the dentist prepares a tooth for restoration. Includes the application of sealants and temporizations. NOTE: 10508101 Dental Health Safety and 10508304 Dental and General Anatomy will need to be successfully completed prior to starting this course. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Program; COREQUISITES: 10508101 Dental Health Safety, 10508304 Dental and General Anatomy.

EFDA Preventative Procedures

10508122

|

UGRD

| 1 CR

Examine the role of the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary in WI. Learn how to provide preventative procedures performed by the EFDA including coronal polishing and application of topical fluoride, fluoride varnish, or similar dental topical agents. NOTE: 10508101 Dental Health Safety and 10508304 Dental and General Anatomy will need to be successfully completed prior to starting this course. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Program; COREQUISITES: 10508101 Dental Health Safety, 10508304 Dental and General Anatomy.

EFDA Prosthodontic Procedures

10508123

|

UGRD

| 2 CR

Learn how to perform dental prosthodontic procedures including adjustment of dentures and other removable oral appliances, impressions, packing cord, and removal of sutures and dressings. NOTE: 10508101 Dental Health Safety and 10508304 Dental and General Anatomy will need to be successfully completed prior to starting this course. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Program; COREQUISITES: 10508101 Dental Health Safety, 10508304 Dental and General Anatomy.

EFDA Clinical

10508124

|

UGRD

| 2 CR

Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary students apply skills developed in Preventative Procedures, Restorative Procedures and Prosthodontic Procedures in a clinical setting with patients under the direct supervision of a dentist. NOTE: All EFDA program courses must be completed prior to starting this course. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Program; COREQUISITES: 10508101 Dental Health Safety, 10508304 Dental and General Anatomy, 10508121 EFDA Dental Procedures, 10508122 EFDA Preventative Procedures, 10508123 EFDA Prosthodontic Procedures.

Dental and General Anatomy

10508304

|

UGRD

| 2 CR

Prepares dental assistant students to apply fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision-making and to professional communication with colleagues and patients. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Dental Assistant or Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Program AND COREQUISITE 10508101 Dental Health Safety

Professional Licensure and/or Certification Information

Northwood Tech’s Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program is designed to prepare students to meet the educational requirements for licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. The College has not determined and does not guarantee its required courses meet the requirements for preparation, examination, or licensure in states/territories other than Wisconsin as documented on the licensure and certification disclosure webpage. Students who may be seeking professional licensure or certification in states/territories other than Wisconsin should contact the appropriate licensing board in the state to verify that the Northwood Tech program meets licensure or certification requirements. To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain a social security number. State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - DSPS Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (wi.gov)

The Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program is supported with $1,264,545 in WTCS grant funds and $126,455 in funds provided by Delta Dental of Wisconsin.

Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)

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