What is the minimum educational requirement to become an EFDA in Ohio?

To become an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) in Ohio, the minimum educational requirement is the completion of an EFDA program that has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This is significant because such programs are specifically designed to provide the advanced training needed for EFDAs, covering essential skills and knowledge that go beyond those acquired in basic dental assisting programs.

The accreditation by CODA ensures that the program meets rigorous standards for education and training, ensuring that EFDAs are competent in performing expanded functions safely and effectively in a dental practice. This ensures a high level of care for patients and maintains standards in the field.

While other educational achievements, such as a high school diploma or a dental assistant certification, might provide a foundation for entering the dental field, they do not satisfy the specific requirement needed for expanded functions. A bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, while valuable in its own right, goes beyond the necessary education required to become an EFDA and is not considered a minimum requirement.