Expanded Function Dental Assistant Certificate

Become an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) at Central Penn

Advance your dental career with our Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) program. Designed for working professionals, this certificate allows you to command a competitive salary and broaden your clinical capabilities in as little as six months.

The Charles Cohen and Rebecca Binder Expanded Function Dental Assistant Program

Why Earn Your EFDA Certificate?

Earning your EFDA certificate is a powerful way to increase your earning potential and professional value. In today’s market, dental offices prioritize assistants with advanced credentials. This program serves as a critical stepping stone toward an associate degree in dental hygiene or specialized clinical management.

Program Highlights:

Duration: Complete your training in just 6 months (10 credits), while maintaining your current job and advancing your careers.

Format: Blended learning with online lectures and in-person

Hands-on experience: Gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art facilities during convenient Saturday morning labs.

Convenience: Complete your 120-hour externship at your current dental office.

Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% growth for EFDA roles over the next decade.

What Does an EFDA Do?

An Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) performs all standard dental assistant duties while taking on high-level clinical responsibilities. By mastering these skills, you become an indispensable asset to private dental offices and clinics.

Advanced skills you will master include:

Placing and carving amalgam and composite restorations.

Applying sealants and fluoride treatments.

Coronal polishing and taking digital X-rays.

Placing bases, liners, matrix bands, wedges, and rubber dams.

Managing patient flow and preventive care education.

Flexible Learning for Busy Professionals

We recognize the needs of working students. Our EFDA program effectively blends academic theory with hands-on application to maximize your practical skills without requiring you to leave your current job.

Online Lecture Classes: Utilize Central Penn College’s flexible and modern online curriculum.

Saturday Morning Labs: Gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art facilities during convenient weekend sessions.

Expert Faculty: Learn from industry veterans who empower you to build enriching patient relationships and master preventive dental care.

Path to State Board Licensure

Upon successful completion of the two-term program, students are eligible to apply for the State Board Licensure exam. This credential officially recognizes your status as a qualified EFDA, ready to provide high-level care.

Clinical labs are offered at

Instructions sites where students will gain valuable hands-on experience during convenient once-a-week Saturday morning clinical labs. Choose the location that is most convenient for you!

Dental Specialty Center
2250 Millennium Way
Enola, PA 17025

Full and Partial Scholarships available for Central Penn College’s EFDA Program!

For more information on all of Central Penn College’s dental scholarships visit CentralPenn.edu/Scholarships or email dental@centralpenn.edu!

Central Penn College offers a variety of scholarships to help aspiring dental professionals achieve their educational goals. These scholarships aim to reduce the financial burden associated with higher education, making careers in dentistry more accessible.

Potential dental students are able to fill out one very simple application for all dental scholarships. Click here to fill out one applications or all the below scholarships!

Apply for Scholarships Now!

Expanded Function Dental Assistant Admissions Requirements

High school graduate with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or a GED and one of the following (documentation required):

Current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) through the Dental Assisting National Board

Current Pennsylvania State License as a Registered Dental Hygienist

At least one year full-time clinical experience as a Dental Assistant.

Students who are working for one year clinically as a Dental Assistant must have their dentist complete the “Verification of Clinical Dental Assisting Hours” form and the dentist or dental practice must return the form to Central Penn College’s Admissions Department.

Students must present proof of PA x-ray certification and current CPR certification.

Students must complete the EFDA Entrance Examination.

References: All applicants are required to submit two professional references obtained within 12 months of the application deadline.

Students will be asked to write a professional essay of 500 words based on the topic “Why are you interested in becoming an EFDA”