Program Overview

Introduction to the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Program

The Case Western Reserve University Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program, established in 1976, was the first of its kind in Ohio. Located in the state-of-the-art facility on the interdisciplinary Health Education Campus, the program is renowned for its leadership in EFDA education.

What is an EFDA?

This program trains certified dental assistants (CDA) and registered dental hygienists (RDH) with a strong desire to further their dental expertise in the art of restorative dentistry. EFDAs specialize in the placement of advanced remedial intra-oral procedures, including the placement of preventative or restorative materials limited to sealants and metallic
on-metallic restorative materials (fillings).

Program Highlights

• Rigorous, high-caliber education on a flexible schedule: Students attend class one day per week from August through May, selecting either Wednesday or Friday as their attendance day. Classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• State-of-the-art learning facility: Learning takes place in the Sheila and Eric Samson Pavilion on the Health Education Campus.
• Hands-on experience: Students become familiar with restorative procedures, learning to use both direct vision and indirect mirror vision to complete and evaluate restorations. They also perfect fine motor skills to enable accurate and safe application of dental handpieces and instruments.
• Intimate class sizes: Enrollment is limited to 40 students, with a maximum of 20 students per class.

Program Eligibility

Individuals applying for this dental certificate program must meet the following admission qualifications:

• Employed auxiliaries will be given priority consideration.
• Must have at least two years of chairside-assisting experience in general dentistry (within the past five years), unless RDH (however, this experience is strongly recommended).
• CDA (Certified Dental Assistant): Proof of current CDA status is required from one of the following:
  • Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
  • Commission on Ohio Dental Assistant Certification (CODA)
  • American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• RDH: Proof of current RDH status (license) is required.

Eligibility for Foreign-Trained Dentists

Requirements include:

• Transcripts from the dental school attended that have been evaluated (U.S. course equivalency) by Educational Course Evaluators, with a "course-by-course" evaluation type.
• Proof of TOEFL Examination results (English proficiency must be demonstrated by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language), with a minimum score of 577 (paper-based) or 90 (internet-based). Exceptions are made for applicants who speak English as their native language or have a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. college or university, or a foreign university where instruction was in English.

The Ronald L. Occhionero and Family EFDA Award of Excellence

Established by Ronald Occhionero in 2020, this award recognizes a graduating EFDA student who exhibits passion and commitment to the field. The award recipient is chosen based on their dedication to the EFDA profession and outstanding efforts in the face of adversity.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The EFDA program curriculum is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in restorative dentistry. The program includes both theoretical and practical components, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to work in dental offices and provide high-quality patient care.

Faculty

The EFDA program is led by a team of experienced instructors, including:

• Dr. Ronald Occhionero, DDS, Professor Emeritus
• Shelly H. Feiwell, MEd, CDA, EFDA, Director
• Karin Hein, CDA, EFDA, Instructor
• Jodi Carmichael, EFDA, Instructor
• Keisha Sykes, CDA, EFDA, Instructor

Conclusion

The Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program at Case Western Reserve University offers a unique opportunity for certified dental assistants and registered dental hygienists to advance their skills in restorative dentistry. With its rigorous curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced faculty, the program is well-suited for individuals seeking to enhance their dental expertise and provide high-quality patient care.