Ohio EFDA Programs

Each EFDA program has individual requirements. Most require that applicants show proof of DANB CDA or OHIO CDA certification, or Ohio DH licensure and may request 2 years of office experience. Some EFDA programs are part of the dental hygiene curriculum. Recently some foreign trained dentists, who are waiting for their Ohio license, have been accepted into the EFDA training programs.

Who may apply to sit for the EFDA State Examination

The Ohio Dental Code states the following:

Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code Section 4715-3-01(C)(9), the following persons may be considered as candidates to take the Ohio Commission on Dental Testing examination for Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries (EFDA):

(C)(9) “Advanced qualified personnel” (hereinafter referred to as expanded function dental auxiliaries or EFDA’s)- those persons who have passed the Ohio state dental board designated examination for expanded function dental auxiliaries who may perform advanced remediable intra-oral dental tasks and/or procedures under the direct supervision and full responsibility of a licensed dentist. Upon submitting proof of successful completion of acceptable training on a form prescribed by the board and signed by the chief administrative officer of the program at the accredited institution, the following applicants shall be admitted to the state board designated examination for expanded function dental auxiliary:

(a) “Unlicensed dentist” – a graduate of an accredited dental school unless his/her license is under suspension or revocation by the board.

(b) “Dental student” – a dental student in good standing and currently enrolled in an accredited institution, upon recommendation from the dean.

(c) “Unaccredited foreign dental college graduate” – a graduate of a non-accredited dental school after admission to an accredited educational institution or program.

(d) “Certified dental assistant” – a certified dental assistant if he/she has satisfactorily completed training in advanced remediable intra-oral dental tasks and/or procedures through an accredited educational institution or program whose educational standards are recognized and/or accredited by the American dental association commission on accreditation. The curriculum must include clinical experience.

(e) “Licensed dental hygienist” – a graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program if he/she has satisfactorily completed training in advanced remediable intra-oral dental tasks and/or procedures through an accredited educational institution or program whose educational standards are recognized and/or accredited by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation, unless her license is under suspension or revocation. The curriculum must include clinical experience.

(f) “Unlicensed dental hygienist” – a graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program if he/she has satisfactorily completed training in advanced remediable intra-oral dental tasks and/or procedures through an accredited educational institution or program whose educational standards are recognized and/or accredited by the American dental association commission on dental accreditation, unless his/her license is under suspension or revocation. The curriculum must include clinical experience.