Program Overview

Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Certificate

Program Overview

The Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) certificate provides dental assistants with training to perform expanded duties outside of the work of a traditional dental assistant under the direction and supervision of a dentist.

Program Details

• Program Number:
• Degree: Advanced Technical Certificate
• Area of Study: Health Sciences
• Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person
• Estimated Time to Complete: 11 Credits | Finish in 1 semester
• Estimated Program Cost: $2,966.63

Program Description

Learn how to place and finish restorative material, pack cord, perform coronal polish, remove sutures and dressings, apply dental fluoride and sealants, take impressions, remove cement from crowns, make temporizations, adjust dentures and other removable oral appliances.

This program is for people who:

• Have at least two years of experience working as a chairside dental assistant OR
• One year and a CDA (Certified Dental Assistant).

Certification

This certificate prepares you for EFDA Wisconsin state certification. After state certification, you will be prepared and qualified to work as an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary.

Program Structure

• Condensed and Flexible Program: Madison College designed the EFDA program for working dental auxiliaries. The program’s hybrid format combines online coursework with in-person training, allowing you to continue your full- or part-time employment.
• Clinical Supervising Dentist Requirements: The EFDA Program requires a Wisconsin-licensed dentist as a mentor/supervisor.
• Clinical Faculty Observation: The EFDA Clinical course requires a faculty observation.

Curriculum and Experience

• Required Courses:
  • Dental Health Safety (1 credit)
  • EFDA Dental Procedures (3 credits)
  • EFDA Preventative Procedures (1 credit)
  • EFDA Prosthodontic Procedures (2 credits)
  • EFDA Clinical (2 credits)
  • Dental & General Anatomy (2 credits)

Admission

• Application Dates:
  • Fall 2025: Application open, deadline August 31, 2025
  • Spring 2026: Application available September 15, 2025, deadline January 15, 2026
  • Summer 2026: Application available September 15, 2025, deadline May 15, 2026
  • Fall 2026: Application available September 15, 2025, deadline August 31, 2026
• Admission Requirements:
  • Admissions Application
  • Employment Verification Form
  • Clinical Supervising Licensed Dentist Form
  • Prerequisite Course Completion Form

Career Outcomes

This certificate prepares you for EFDA Wisconsin state certification. After state certification, you will be prepared for valuable work as an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA).

Related Programs

• Dental Assistant
• Dental Hygienist