Dental Assisting Maryland General Expanded Functions

A Maryland General Expanded Functions Assistant is a dental assistant who may perform selected intraoral functions. An EFDA is a dental assistant who performs expanded functions. Each state has different allowable duties, but some examples of expanded functions are applying sealants, taking impressions, performing coronal polishing, applying topical anesthetic or applying topical fluoride. This course instructs the students in the theory and techniques used to perform general expanded functions approved by the State Board of Dental Examiners, and it prepares them to take the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners General Expanded Functions Examination. This program includes a clinical training component. Students will complete the theory portion of the class online, but they must be employed in a general dental practice where the supervising dentist agrees to verify their clinical skills practice.​

Students should be detail oriented, and demonstrate dexterity (good at working with hands), interpersonal skills, listening skills, and organizational skills which are all essential for success. See Technical Standards at the end of this document.

Career opportunities includ promotion to Maryland General Expanded Functions Dental Assistant.

​According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment the number of dental assistants has been projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. 56,400 openings for dental assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.​​

Program Course Sequence