Advance your dental career.

Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Certificate

Overview

New program starts in autumn semester 2022

This certificate program trains certified dental assistants in the art of restorative dentistry. Graduates are eligible to sit for the EFDA exam through the Commission on Dental Testing. EFDAs perform advanced remediable intra-oral dental procedures (sealants and fillings) under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

Location, Class Days/Times

ctec logoThe EFDA certificate is offered through a partnership with Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (CTEC). Students enroll at COTC and take classes at CTEC’s campus:

150 Price Road
Newark, Ohio 43055

Classes will typically be offered at CTEC on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 pm. Please note, the days/time may be subject to change; however, the EFDA Certificate is intended to be offered in the evenings so dental assistants can continue to work during the day.

Enrollment Requirements

To enroll in this certificate program, you must:

  • Be a certified dental assistant (CDA) or a registered dental assistant (RDA)
  • Have at least two years of  documented chairside experience in a dental office
  • CPR Certification or complete EMS-100 Basic Life Support (CPR)

Cost – Financial Assistance

Costs associated with the EFDA Certificate are a combination of tuition and a first semester course fee of $3,258, which covers supplies and the course textbook. 

Many students work for an employer with tuition benefits that can be used to cover or assist with costs to complete the EFDA Certificate. Incoming students are encouraged to connect with their employer to see what financial assistance may be available to them.

The EFDA certificate is eligible for a short-term certificate grant available to students with demonstrated financial need, as well as for students who are currently in or exiting foster care. To be considered for the grant, students must submit an application and satisfy the requirements on the application. Only foster youth should complete the application noted for foster youth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I complete the EFDA certificate?

The EFDA certificate is two semesters long. Students take one course in autumn semester and one course in spring semester to complete the certificate.

Can I take classes online or face-to-face?

Students are required to take classes in person. All classes are located at CTEC:

150 Price Road
Newark OH 43055 

Where can I find a list of classes (plan of study) for the program I want to study?

The courses students need to take to complete a certificate or degree are listed in a plan of study. 

What type of financial assistance is available? 

The EFDA certificate is eligible for the short-term certificate grant available to students with demonstrated financial need as well as students who are currently in or exiting foster care. Each student may receive a one-time grant of up to $2,000 to assist with tuition and fees (does not include the cost of books and supplies). To be considered, students must submit and satisfy the requirements on the Short-term Certificate Grant Application or the Short-term Certificate Foster Youth Grant Application. 

Connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.

What are the requirements for admission to the EFDA certificate? 

Students must:

  1. Be a certified dental assistant (CDA) or a registered dental assistant (RDA)
  2. Have two years of chairside experience in a dental office
  3. Complete EMS-100 or have the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers including Adults, Children and Infants certification

How do I get started at COTC?

Follow the COTC Steps to Enroll to get started. Contact the admissions office at 740.366.9222 or cotcadmissions@mail.cotc.edu for assistance. 

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Healthcare Visit Day

Still deciding which career in healthcare might be the best fit or right choice for you? Tour our healthcare labs, talk with our expert faculty, and learn about career paths in healthcare. The COTC Healthcare Visit Day on the Newark campus will help you differentiate between the many healthcare certificates and degrees. 

Friday, April 7 from 1:30–3 p.m.
Warner Center 126, Newark Campus

Register Registration closes on Tuesday, April 4.

If you are only interested in learning about one healthcare program offered at COTC, we recommend you register for an information meeting instead, which will cover application requirements for a specific program. 

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Short-term Certificate Grant

This Ohio Department of Higher Education grant is designed to support students with demonstrated financial need in obtaining a certificate they can complete in less than one year by providing a one-time grant of up to $2000 (minus any grants, scholarship or outside aid) to assist with tuition for approved short-term certificates. This is a limited fund that will be awarded until funds are exhausted. To be considered, students must submit and satisfy the requirements on the Short-term Certificate Grant Application.