Expanded Dental Functions - Orthodontic (online)

The Expanded Functions Orthodontic course is designed for the student who currently works in an orthodontic office and requires limited skills in the EFDA program. Expanded functions may be performed by registered dental assistants who have completed Iowa Dental Board-approved training. The coursework in this approved EFDA course meets the training guidelines required by the Iowa Dental Board for Expanded Functions Dental Assistants. Coursework is completed through directed text readings along with evaluation measures and completion of clinical skills within the student's orthodontic office. The applicant must be currently employed in an orthodontic office to participate in this course.
Procedures available in this course include: Taking occlusal registration; applying cavity liner and bases and desensitizing agents;  applying bonding systems, which may include the placement of the attachments used in clear aligner systems, following review of the fit and function by the supervising dentist; placement, bonding, and removal of orthodontic brackets and bands or provisional orthodontic appliances pursuant to subrules 23.4)5) and 23.5(7); taking final impressions; removal of adhesives using non-motorized hand instrumentation.
Per the Iowa Dental Board, students may choose to train in any one or several of the expanded function duties in order to become a Basic Expanded Function Provider. Please note this course contains the skills specific to the orthodontic office and does not include all of the Level 1 expanded functions. To become designated as a Certified Level 1 Provider, you must have successfully completed the training for all twelve of the listed Level 1 procedures. Upon acceptance into this program, the student will be emailed information to schedule a required orientation meeting with the instructor. Once the orientation is complete, the student will be approved to begin the coursework and they will have 6-months to complete the readings, evaluation measures, and clinical documentation sheets. Orientation must be completed within 4 weeks of registration. There will be on-line quizzes and a final test required to complete the course.  Iowa Dental Board-approved Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) will be awarded for each successfully completed function along with a certificate of completion.