Training Center CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE


“As we continue to evaluate the needs of our members and workforce shortages, it became clear that building an education center at the MDA headquarters in Jefferson City would be a perfect central location for clinical train- ing,” said Dr. Jon Copeland, MDA president- elect and immediate past treasurer.


“We are constantly evaluating our EFDA programs to stay current — to provide the fundamentals to assistants while incorporat- ing modern techniques and technology. The training center is going to give us a location that can adapt to changes and modernize into the future and provides a new benefit to our members and their dental teams.”


The MDA expects this change to also benefit our dedicated trainers, too, including:


• Trainers will now travel to the Clinical Training Center on specific training days, instead of the burden to host a course in their office.


• Course equipment and materials will be preset and ready to go when they arrive.


• Better training setup with all students in one space with screens and AV for view- ing training modules.


• No after-course clean up or office wear and tear, nor having to pay additional staff to assist in course provision. • No interruptions to patient care.


We also will be increasing trainer stipends to $1,000 per course. This is feasible, in part, to the savings the MDA will experience from not having to ship kits (or, in many circum- stances, drive the kits to an office).


BECOME AN EFDA TRAINER


Do you want to learn more about Expanded Functions? Do you want to help dental auxiliaries become a more integral part of the team? Do you enjoy teaching? Why not become an EFDA trainer! As we prepare to begin hosting EFDA courses at the beginning of 2024, the MDA is asking our member den- tists to consider getting involved with our EFDA programs and become a trainer.


Your commitment to supporting continued education of the dental team is valued. The insight and practical experiences and knowl- edge of a passionate dentist is integral to help teach dental auxiliaries to enhance their skills in the dental practice. But what else is in it for you?


• Income: $1,000 for each course you at- tend and train.


• CE: Trainers receive eight hours of free CE credits at each course they attend.


• Ease: Just show up, do what you do best (teach), evaluate competencies and return home.


• Reward: Take pride knowing you’re helping upskill Missouri’s dental work- force, which in turn creates practice efficiency and patient access to care!


Dr. Rolfe McCoy, MDA EFDA Committee Chair and long-time trainer can attest to the reward factor.


“Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting and teaching many wonder- ful dental assistants throughout our state. What keeps me motivated to continue in the program are the assistants I meet and their enthusiasm. It never ceases to amaze me how excited these assistants to attend the courses to further their knowledge and technical training.”


Dr. McCoy is also a long-time Dental Board Examiner, and in his travels and conversa- tions, witnesses firsthand how unique the MDA EFDA program is and the privilege it is to have it in our state.


“I am lucky to examine at schools all over the country with other dentist examiners from many states. When discussing trends in our respective states, I am always presented with many questions about the evolution of the MDA EFDA program and its viability. I enjoy discussing it and the value EFDAs bring to our practices.”


To inquire about becoming an EFDA trainer, contact Mandy Lewis at mandy@modentalmail.org.


34 focus | FALL 2023 | ISSUE 3


Progress underway


The MDA Board toured the training


center renovation at its meeting August 25. Since then, demo, plumbing and painting have commenced toward the goal of fully functioning operatories. The MDA anticipates holding courses in the new space after the New Year.


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