for the three pathways for EFDA course eligibility. Go to moefda.org for infor- mation about these certifications and examinations. While DANB has specific study guides and recommendations for the CDA/COA exams, there is no specific study guide for the Missouri Dental As- sisting Skills exam. Fortunately, the MDA has an in-person Basic Skills Review course that assistants can attend to assist in suc- cessfully passing the Exam (see page 32 for more details).


Once a candidate has successfully passed one of these required exams, they may register for course. Specific to the Restor- ative II Course, MDA requires assistants have a Restorative I Permit as an additional prerequisite for registration.


While these prerequisites are required, there are other things dentists and as- sistants can do to help ensure success at the course and to ensure the assistant is better prepared to begin being delegated expanded functions safely, efficiently and effectively.


As best practice, the MDA recommends assistants considering attending EFDA courses have at least one to two years on-the-job training. EFDA training begins with understanding the terminology of clinical dentistry. Words are the key to how we effectively relate to one another professionally, and the best preparation and coaching involves bringing the EFDA candidates (and new EFDA graduates) fully into the conversation of the ideals of the delegated procedures and how their product either meets or falls short of those ideals.


DENTISTS HELPING ASSISTANTS


As the supervising doctor for an EFDA candidate, you play an important role of engaging with your assistants as they prog- ress through the online learning process and coaching them through pre-clinical exercises, such as restoring preps for Restorative courses and fabricating custom trays for Removable Prosthetics.


Supervising dentists should begin their participation at or before the time a team


BY THE NUMBERS For more than 25 years, the MDA has


offered EFDA training. In the early years, we would hold six to eight courses


annually, typically certifying between 75 to 100 auxiliaries per year. In 2022, the MDA held 25 courses and certified 195 auxiliaries. This year, as of September 1, we have scheduled 22 courses and registered 202 auxiliaries, with more courses planned. The demand for


EFDA training continues and the MDA is working to meet that demand with excellence! Learn about EFDA today!


member registers for an EFDA course. MDA suggests dentists become familiar with the EFDA course content, including online review materials and the clinical skills that will be taught and tested. Have your assistant observe these procedures in practice and ask questions and discuss the skills standards to ensure confidence in the assistant’s readiness for the EFDA course.


EXPECTATIONS OF A NEW EFDA


EFDA training is designed to bring par- ticipants to pre-clinical competence in performing dental procedures. Through the courses, assistants will be practicing skills on models, with their performance evaluated accordingly. Upon completion of the training, assistants will be mini- mally competent in performing expanded function skills and must demonstrate the ability in practice to successfully perform these same procedures on patients, under the supervision of their dentist.


EFDA training gives assistants a funda- mental knowledge of the procedures that they will be performing. A doctor shouldn’t expect that the assistant will come back ready for full speed the first day. In fact, EFDAs aren’t allowed to legally perform the functions they have just been certified on until they receive their permit from the Missouri Dental Board. Doctors must realize the main part of the EFDA training will be in their offices after the course. Take your time; explain to your assistants


why they do each step that they are doing. A good idea for the first several patients for each procedure is to act as an assistant to the new EFDA.


Be a positive coach during the learning process. Speak your vision for the fu- ture team functioning and indicate your confidence in the skills of your new EFDA. Positive coaching enrolls the team and patients in welcoming the advancement in provision of care.


PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY


Since the inception of the EFDA curricu- lum in 1998 — and especially since Restor- ative II was passed by the Dental Board in 2014 — the MDA EFDA Committee has as its primary concern protecting the public through proper delegation of the EFDA duties. It is the responsibility of the super- vising dentist to determine if an EFDA in their practice can successfully complete, to the standard of care, the procedure being delegated. This ensures the safety and care of the patient and the quality of the procedure provided by the EFDA. Regard- ing all Expanded Function certifications, it is important to note:


• A dentist is NOT required to delegate any expanded functions.


• Supervising dentists (under their professional license) are responsible for all patient care, whether rendered by the dentist or by an EFDA under direct supervision.


• Supervising dentists are responsible for determining the appropriateness of delegation, as the dentist considers the EFDA’s skill level, task difficulty, and nature and condition of the patient.


• Supervising dentists should always check the work of the EFDA before releasing the patient. Therefore, it is highly recommended doctors con- tinue working with an EFDA after the clinical course completion and only delegate procedures when the EFDA’s delivery and standard of care matches that of the dentist.


Access EFDA Rules at modental.org/practiceact or pr.mo.gov/dental-rules-statutes.asp (the EFDA Rule begins on page 10; the list of functions on page 11).


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