The role of the expanded functions assistant

By Tija Hunter, EFDA

I am an official tooth nerd. I read everything I possibly can — from clicking on www.dentistryiq.com, reading the monthly Dental Assisting Digest^™, and connecting with dental friends on Facebook and reading their links, to reading the articles and periodicals that are delivered to the office. To be honest, I can’t get enough! This is such an exciting time to be in dentistry. No matter what role you play, our world is rapidly changing. There are so many cool dental toys to play with.

I am an expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA) in Missouri. Each state dental practice act, which is a state-specific law that defines the practice of dentistry and requirements for other members of the oral healthcare team. Each state's dental board establishes rules and regulations to implement the law. The dental practice act and rules and regulations define the duties that can legally be delegated to EFDAs and the requirements a dental assistant must meet to perform them. To find out your state regulations, you can contact your state's dental board; in addition, the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) offers “State Specific Information” on their website at www.danb.org. Some states allow dental assistants to perform several expanded duties after they meet the state's requirements, while other states strictly limit the duties of assistants. Missouri has a website dedicated to EFDAs and their advancement at www.moefda.org. Missouri allows EFDAs to perform 19 expanded functions, with certification in each of four categories: orthodontics, placement of restorative materials, removable prosthetics, and fixed prosthetics.

As an assistant with 30 years of experience who dearly loves her profession, the EFDA designation allows me to spread my wings. Becoming an EFDA requires meeting a combination of education, exam, and experience requirements that are specific to each state. For me, this is professional and personal growth. The more I can do, the more valuable I become. This shows my boss that I am willing to do what it takes to go the extra mile. Do you have a boss who does not appreciate your efforts? Keep looking because when you become educated, motivated, and confident in what you do, the sky’s the limit. There is a boss out there who will praise your abilities!

On a recent trip to Galveston, Texas, I had the honor of attending the Southwest Prosthodontics Society meeting, which has been held every year in June since 1945. The name might be a little intimidating, but this group has not only prosthodontist members, but also welcomes general dentists, lab technicians, and dental assistants.

I had the opportunity to speak with several of the doctors in attendance and asked how they felt about using an EFDA. Several of them said that as long as the assistant was properly trained, he or she would be a valuable asset to the practice. Most of the doctors use their EFDA well. Some were restricted by what their assistants were allowed to do in the office by their state regulations.

There is no doubt that an EFDA allows the team to be more productive. An EFDA also lightens the load on the dentist and therefore decreases stress. The doctors I spoke with estimated that delegating duties to an EFDA raises team productivity by as much as 10% to 15%. It’s not all about productivity; it’s also the feeling of accomplishment I get when I see patients. I am a big part of their treatment. They see me not just as someone who hands the dentist instruments, but as a valued professional they can trust.

Even if a dentist and dental assistant believe the assistant can perform certain duties, unless these duties are allowed by the state law and the assistant has met all state requirements to perform them, it is illegal to allow the assistant to perform them. If the assistant does perform duties that are not allowed by state law, the dentist and dental assistant can be disciplined and criminally prosecuted. However, it is encouraging to note that many state dental boards are considering expanding duties – and requirements – for dental assistants, which will elevate the profession and make it even more interesting than it is now.

Assistants, whether EFDA or not, are the core of the dental office. They deserve no less than proper education in an environment that allows them to grow both professionally and personally. A properly trained and confident assistant is a tremendous value to any practice.

Want to be an EFDA? Check out what you need to do to make it happen.

Author bio
Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, is a 1981 graduate of the Missouri School for Doctors’ Assistants, and has 30 years of chairside experience. She is currently the office manager/assistant to Eric Hurtte, DMD. She is a member of the ADAA and the founder of the Dental Assistants Study Club of St. Louis. She is an independent consultant specializing in assistant training, team building, and office organization. She can be reached at [email protected] or find her on Facebook.