Expanded Function Dental Assistant Program
Become a Registered Dental Assistant with expanded functions in less than five months with hybrid training from the University of West Florida. Gain hands-on training and learn from experts who will prepare you for the American Medical Technologists’ Registered Dental Assistant certification exam. Students will also qualify for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs) are certified to perform a broader scope of chairside duties, freeing up dentists and increasing overall clinic productivity.
UWF Continuing Education’s EFDA certification training provides hands-on training in real-world dental offices. Learn in-demand skills for dental assistants with expanded functions, such as:
- Dental Radiology and Chairside Assisting
- Patient Care and Preventive Dentistry
- Dental Laboratory and Sterilization Procedures
- Infection Control and OSHA Regulations
Expert instructors deliver hybrid EFDA training over 18 weeks through weekly live Zoom meetings and in-person learning experiences. Eligible students will also qualify for an 80-hour externship experience in a local dental office.
By the end of this program, you will have the experience needed to perform expanded dental assisting duties and meet the certification requirements for two nationally recognized certifications.
Students may take the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exams after successfully completing the expanded functions course.
Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Dates: January 19 - May 20, 2027
Schedule: Tues. and Thurs., 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Registration: To maintain a low teacher-student ratio, seating is LIMITED.
Tuition includes all required books, live instruction, labs and test voucher for the RDA through AMT exam. Eligible students will also qualify for an 80-hour externship experience in a local dental office.
For registration information, email Carmen Martinez Lewis at carmen@careereducationalservices.com or call 817.716.2716.
Location: Hybrid
Tuition: $4,800
Register Now
- A high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
- No felony or misdemeanor related to the sale of drugs. Clear any traffic violations and other issues before the externship. This is the sole responsibility of each student.
- A vaccination history is periodically required to work in the externship.
Students complete an 80-hour externship at a local dental office to gain hands-on experience and build professional connections. Upon completion of the program and externship, a certificate of completion will be issued by the University of West Florida Continuing Education. The student will also receive their Radiology Certification and Expanded Function Dental Assisting certificates required by the state of Florida.
- 18-week accelerated, hybrid format.
- Hands-on training and included externship experience in local dentist offices.
- Engaging weekly Zoom meetings and weekly hands-on labs.
- Gain real-world job skills during the program externship.
- Meets requirements to sit for dental assistant certification and satisfies the required training to take on expanded functions in clinical settings.
- Motivated students looking to begin a new career in 18 weeks.
- Working professionals able to commit to an accelerated 18-week evening program.
- Students in this program can keep their day jobs and come to class one evening a week. Classes meet in person on Tuesdays and on Zoom on Thursdays. In 18 weeks, you are ready for a career change. Similar programs to earn the same qualifications typically last a year.
Payment Plans
Payment plans are available for select certificate programs. Students who wish to enroll in the Expanded Function Dental Assistant, Electronic Health Record Specialist, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant or Medical Billing and Coding programs may choose to utilize a payment plan. Payment plan terms vary by program. Contact our Student Support Center for more information on program-specific payment plans.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act is a federal grant that covers training expenses for eligible individuals. The WIOA application process takes several weeks. It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible. Once WIOA grant approval is awarded, contact our Student Support Center for a Letter of Acceptance. For more information, visit our CareerSource page.
Dental Assistants - Employment & Education
Expanded Function Dental Assistants perform a broader scope of chairside duties and have higher earning potential. Graduates of this program are prepared for various roles, such as expanded function dental assistant, chairside assistant or sterilization technician.
EFDA certification also makes you more competitive for specialty practice roles, including endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery and more.
Career Outlook - Dental Assistants
- Job Outlook (2025-2035): 7% (Much faster than average)
- Number of Jobs, 2025: 388,600
- Median Pay: $48,070 per year
Source: Sept 2026
