Common Questions

What is ODEFA?

The Ohio Dental Expanded Functions Association (ODEFA) has officially represented Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDAs) in Ohio since the creation of this profession in the mid 1970's. Its primary goal is to provide an organization that will increase dental and public awareness of expanded functions. ODEFA aids in the stability of the profession by providing a voice in the political process. Educational opportunities are also offered for the membership's benefit.

The state board consists of officers and committee chairs. Local components follow the same structure. ODEFA's Charter and Bylaws govern all state and local business. A board of advisors exist as counsel.

What is an Ohio EFDA?

An Ohio EFDA is a certified dental assistant (CDA), certified Ohio dental assistant (CODA), or a licensed dental hygienist who has graduated from an expanded functions training program and passed the Ohio EFDA state board. This auxiliary member is permitted to perform advanced remedial intra-oral procedures that involve the placement of preventative or restorative materials limited to sealants and metallic and nonmetallic restorative materials.

Ohio EFDA's commonly take the operators position after the dentist is finished removing the diseased tooth structure. The EFDA then places and finishes the restorations (by law, the dentist must then return to check the EFDA's work before the patient can be dismissed.)

Foreign trained dentists, dental students and EFDA's from other states may also apply to sit for the EFDA state board under certain circumstances.

Why do dentists employ Ohio EFDAs? What is their purpose as part of the dental team?

EFDAs help the schedule to be more flexible in order to accommodate emergencies and new patients without great interruption in the practice schedule
EFDAs can place and finish metallic and nonmetallic restorations, enabling the dentist to have more time to do other things such as:
- Complete more procedures per patient
- Begin other procedures
- Attend to hygiene patients in a timely fashion
- Communicate with the front desk staff
- Communicate with the patients
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning - Case Presentation
- Build patient rapport - Patient Education
- Work less hours
- Spend more time on difficult and new procedures
Dentists can practice longer into their retirement years with an EFDA.
It is always easier for a team to do a job rather than one person.
EFDAs help to reduce stress within the dental office

Do other states have EFDAs?

Many states have categories of dental auxiliary called EFDAs but their definitions of delegable duties differ according to state law. Only a few states currently allow EFDAs to place and finish metallic and nonmetallic restorations. They include Kentucky, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Puerto Rico also allows trained dental auxiliary to perform restorative procedures similar to Ohio.

According to the 2004 ADA survey of legal provisions for delegating intra-oral functions, Massachusetts and Tennessee are currently working on integrating expanded functions into their state dental code.

California, Wyoming and Washington include expanded functions as part of legal duties that can be preformed by licensed dental hygienists who have completed restorative educational requirements. North Dakota is also listed in the ADA survey, as allowing hygienists to perform restorative expanded functions.

The only way to know for sure what duties are legally delegated per state is to contact individual state's dental board. For addresses and phone numbers of all the state dental boards, go to www.dentalwatch.org/org/boards.html

How do you become an EFDA?

(You can also click here to learn more about how to become an EFDA)

There is an educational and a testing requirement in the state of Ohio for those who wish to practice as Ohio EFDAs. After applying to and graduating from one of the five state EFDA programs, the EFDA State Board must be taken. Those who pass the state test may apply to the Ohio State Dental Board for permission to practice in Ohio.

What are the requirements needed for acceptance into the training programs?

Each EFDA program has individual requirements. Most require that applicants show proof of DANB CDA, OHIO CDA, or Ohio RDH and may request 2 years of office experience.

In some cases the EFDA programs are part of the dental hygiene curriculum. Very recently some foreign trained dentists, who are waiting for their Ohio license, have been accepted into the EFDA training programs.

How long does the education take?

Every Ohio training program has a different schedule. Some courses are taught over a six- month span and some are 9 months. It's best to contact the individual programs for more information.

Where are the training programs?

(You can also click here How to become an EFDA)

Currently there are five EFDA training programs in Ohio that are constituents of a college or university that is accredited by the American Dental Association and the North Central Accrediting Agency. These schools include Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Jefferson Community College in Steubenville, Ohio State University in Columbus, Owens Community College in Toledo (currently trains dental hygiene students as EFDAs) and Sinclair Community College in Dayton. Contact information for each program is located on the "Learn How to Become an EFDA" link to our home page.

How do you become a CDA or a Certified Ohio Dental Assistant?

CDA stands for Certified Dental Assistant, which is credential granted by the Dental Assisting National Board. The DANB is the nationally recognized premier certification and credentialing agency for dental assistants. In order to acquire this credential, one must apply for and pass a national examination. There are three pathways or sets of requirements one must possess in order to be eligible for application. Pathway one requires graduation from an ADA accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program. Pathway two requires high school graduation or equivalent and a minimum of two years full time work experience as a dental assistant. Pathway three requires status as a current or previous DANB CDA or graduation from an ADA accredited DDS or DMD program or graduation from a foreign dental degree program. Go to www.danb.org for more information or call 1-800-FOR_DANB

CODA stands for Certified Ohio Dental Assistant. The Commission on Ohio Dental Assistant Certification is responsible for this credential and it is their mission to provide a pathway for dental assistants to achieve certification within the state. Ohio Certification is available to those who meet one the following criteria; a minimum of 6 months continuous full time work experience, enrollment in the second year of a 2-year dental assisting program, or enrollment in a post high school dental assisting program. To become a CODA, a 3 part written and clinical exam must be accomplished. Other eligibility requirements include current CPR documentation, notarized letter (s) of recommendation, or proof of membership in a professional dental organization.

For more information and applications, email OhioCODAexam@aol.com or call 330-666-4023

If I'm not a CDA or a CODA yet, will I be allowed to attend an EFDA program?

Most programs require CDA or CODA certification before an applicant can start classes. An Ohio dental hygiene license is also acceptable. The best idea is to check with individual programs to learn of their particular requirements. Some training programs will put applicants' names on waiting lists until they have completed their certification.

Are EFDA's licensed, certified, or registered by Ohio?

Ohio EFDAs are registered.

The Ohio State Dental Board is initiating Ohio EFDA Registration for the first time in 2007. This registry was introduced into Ohio's legislation in 2005 and signed by the governor in 2006. Registration makes Ohio Expanded Functions a bona fide profession that is tracked, stops non-EFDAs, unlicensed dentists and EFDAs from other states from practicing illegally, polices the profession and provides a current upgraded dependable list of Ohio EFDAs every two years that employers can refer to for hiring purposes.

What are Ohio EFDA's delegable duties currently permitted by the state dental board?

You can log on to the state dental board's website at: www.dental.ohio.gov
(Click on "Publications" in the left margin, then scroll down to "Other" and click on "Permissible Duties.")

The following list is from the OSDB website:

Placement of Sealants
Placement of restorative materials limited to amalgam restorative materials
Placement of restorative materials limited to nonmetallic restorative materials, including direct-bonded restorative materials
Aspiration and retraction, excluding placement of gingival retraction materials
Intra-oral instrument transfer
Preliminary charting of missing and filled teeth
Elastomeric impressions for diagnostic models and models to be used for opposing models in the construction of appliances and restorations
Taking impressions for the construction of custom athletic mouth protectors/mouthguards
Taking impressions for the construction of trays for application of medicaments
Application of disclosing solutions
Caries susceptibility testing
Demonstration of oral hygiene procedures, including, but not limited to, use of toothbrushes and dental floss
Shade selection for fabrication of appliances or restorations
Application of topical anesthetics
Pulp testing
Fluoride application, limited to liquid or gel applications
Topical applications of desensitizing agents to teeth
Application of periodontal dressings (packs)
Removal of periodontal dressings (packs)
Suture removal
Placement of rubber dam over preplaced clamp, and removal of clamp and rubber dam
Application of cavity varnish Placement of surgical dressings
Removal of surgical dressings
Intra-oral bite registrations for diagnostic model articulation
Intra-oral bite registrations for restorations
Intra-oral bite registrations for appliances
Standard, diagnostic, radiologic procedures for the purpose of contributing to the provision of dental services
All supportive services necessary to the maintenance of a hygienic practice environment, including, but not limited to, all sterilizing procedures
Physical positioning of the patient
Monitoring of vital signs
Assistance during administration of life-support activities, and any other non-invasive procedures deemed necessary by the supervising dentist to maintain the health and safety of the patient
Taking photographs
Recording patient treatment
Measurement of blood pressure and body temperature
Other common tests deemed necessary by the supervising dentist
Repair, construction and finishing of metallic and plastic prosthetic devise
Compilation of radiographic data for interpretation by the dentist, i.e., tracings, etc.
Progress reports
Consultations (oral or written)
Oral hygiene instructions
Instruction /Use of intra-oral hygiene devices
Instruction /Normal nutrition information as it relates to dental health
Behavioral modification
Instruction / Self-adjustment of orthodontic appliances and all other post-operative and post-insertion instructions, as deemed appropriate by the supervising dentist
All non-invasive supportive services normally utilized in conjunction with the treatment by the dentist of fascia pain or TMJ syndrome
Preparing the teeth for restorations or for the bonding of orthodontic brackets by treating the supragingival coronal surfaces of the teeth to be bonded with a conditioning or etching agent and by the placement of a bonding agent adhesive
Polymerization of light-activated restorative or bonding materials
Impressions for removable or fixed orthodontic appliances
Preliminary selection and sizing of orthodontic bands and arch wires
Checking for and removal of loose orthodontic bands
Checking for and removal of loose orthodontic brackets
Placement and removal of orthodontic arch wires, auxiliary arch wires, and ligation of same to orthodontic bands and/or brackets
Placement and removal of orthodontic separators and ties
Irrigation and drying of canals during endodontic procedures
Placement of medication in the pulp chamber(s) of teeth with non-vital pulp or instrumented root canals

Possible New Duties for EFDAs and dental assistants?

As of 2006, legislation has been passed which allows Certified Dental Assistants to place sealants. Courses are currently being offered.

Below is a list of delegable duties presented by the Council on Dental Care Programs and Dental Practice to the Ohio Dental Association House of Delegates, July 13, 2005. This list represents duties that ODA feels could be delegated to assistants and EFDAs according to their research.

EFDAs Proposed Duties

All of the duties a dental assistant may perform
Adjusting indirect restorations intraorally
Bonding brackets
Removal of temporary restorations for endodontic access
Impressions for removable partial dentures
Cementation of indirect restorations with temporary cement
Final bonding of orthodontic brackets
Adjusting indirect restorations intraorally
Bonding brackets
Removal of temporary restorations for endodontic access
Impressions for removable partial dentures
Cementation of indirect restorations with temporary cement
Final bonding of orthodontic brackets
Recommended education/training requirements: Appropriate training/experience or completion of an OSDB approved course

Dental Assistant Radiographer (EFDA and Dental Assistant)

"General" supervision when the dentist is not physically present
Eliminate the licensure requirement (*This has passed the legislature 2006)
Appropriate training/experience or completion of an OSDB approved course

Dental Assistant

Place pit and fissure sealants (*This passed the legislature 2006)
Polish alloys and composites with a slow-speed handpiece
Orthodontic duties (i.e., remove cemented bands and/or bonded brackets, remove cement and/or bonding material)
Make cytological smears
Intraoral bites for restorations, appliances, etc.
Impressions for temporary appliances
Impression of prepared teeth
Cementation of orthodontic bands
Removal of cement
Gingival retraction including retraction cord and retraction agents
Coronal polishing (*This has passed through the legislature and is currently part of the Ohio Dental Law)
Sore spot adjustment caused by a denture or partial denture by a dental assistant who is acting under a dentist's supervision and after a diagnosis is provided by the dentist

What is the salary for EFDA's in Ohio?

Ohio EFDA's salaries differ all over the state. Most often the hourly wage seems to be higher in the cities and lower in the rural areas but that's not always exact. A good way to describe it would be to conclude that Ohio EFDA wages are normally higher than basic dental assistant wages and lower than dental hygiene wages.

ODEFA does a salary survey each year during the membership drive. We include the survey results in our newsletter and on our website in the membership area.

Are there a lot of job offerings in Ohio for EFDA's?

The concept of expanded functions has caught on in the larger cities and is becoming more and more common in the rural areas. Ohio dental schools currently educate their dental students to utilize EFDAs. One dental program has incorporated utilization of EFDA's as part of the curriculum. For that reason, expanded functions is more well known and EFDA's are in demand across the state.

The best way to find out about job offerings in your area would be to contact a local placement service or the local dental society. Our websites also features classified ads and links to placement services around Ohio. This information can be found in the membership area.

Do I need a refresher course or do I need to retest if I haven't practiced for a while?

There are currently no requirements for re-entering the Ohio EFDA profession. Once the dental board registration process is in effect, those coming back to the profession will have to contact the dental bard to register if they already haven't done so.

ODEFA has received many inquires from those who would like some mentoring in expanded functions due to the many changes in restorative dentistry that have taken place in the last several years. We are beginning a mentoring program in 2007 for those who would like to re-enter the profession and those who have just passed their boards across the state. We hope to make the concept of mentoring a continuing goal of the association. ODEFA also working on offering hands- on restorative continuing education across the state for all EFDAs.

Why should I join ODEFA? What are the benefits? What does ODEFA do for Ohio EFDA's?

Joining your association right now is a timely and intelligent move because the profession is growing by leaps and bounds.

The main reasons to join, or ask your employer to help join, include:

Being informed concerning the constant changes to our profession
Having a voice in Ohio legislation
Continuing restorative education at little or no cost

What Membership Provides

Four Newsletters per year that include the following and more:
- Notification and discounts on CEU courses and other events
- Updates concerning state laws, duties, professional concern
- Avis, Choice Hotels and DHS Diabetes Benefits Discounts
- Employment placement services information
- Subbing and Employment tips
- Health Watch news
- Spotlight Members
- Salary Surveys
Web Page with state of the art membership login, message forum, newsletter and survey downloads, current news updates and classified ads... and much much more.
Mass e-mails passing on important news to members
The Tommasone Annual Award for outstanding accomplishments
Linda Gibbens-West Memorial Scholarship for students
Mentoring service for practicing EFDA's and EFDA students
Discounts on CEU's offered by Case (20%) and OSU
Restorative CEU's at little or no cost to members
Annual Continuing Education Certificates
A state board that speaks for Ohio EFDA's at the Dental Summit, Ohio Dental Workforce Roundtable, OSDB meetings, North Coast Dental Meeting, ODHA Weekends and ODA Annual Session among other dental meetings across the state.

How can I get more involved with ODEFA?

You can contact us through this website. Go to the home page and click on "contact" in the upper right hand corner of the toolbar. You may also contact your local component trustees. Their names and e-mails are located in the members area of this website under contact directory in the left hand column. Your participation would be greatly appreciated.

Why does it take so long sometimes for responses to e-mails or calls from ODEFA?

Our state board members, committee chairpersons, component trustees, and web master are all volunteers with full time jobs and families. We do the best we can to help the membership but sometimes we take a little extra time because of life's circumstances.

More Information