Overview
Harcum's Expanded Function Dental Assisting (EFDA) Associate Degree program spans 2 years and includes 3 clinical internships. After learning the skills of a chairside dental assistant students receive intensive training in placing, contouring and finishing amalgam and composite restorations. They also learn to place and remove rubber dams. The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry permits EFDA to perform these reversible dental procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist.
The demand for Expanded Function Dental Assistants continues to grow throughout the state. EFDA.s may work in a variety of dental settings; private practice, pediatric offices, dental clinics, and hospital settings.
Harcum also offers Continuing Education courses in Expanded Function Dental Assisting for students who are currently working as a Dental Assistant.
Application Requirements
Acceptance into the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant program is dependent upon the following entrance requirements:
- Completed Harcum College application
- Copy of official Dental Assisting certification (if transferring into final year)
- Official high school transcript
- SAT scores (required for students under age 24 only)
- Completion of high school Biology (with lab) and college preparatory mathematics with a grade of C or higher (or vocational training in Dental Assisting)
- Personal essay
- TOEFL scores are required for students for whom English is a second language
- An interview is recommended
Accepted students must show proof of the following:
- Physical examination
- Hepatitis vaccination
- PPD test
- Current medical insurance coverage to be maintained throughout program
- Current criminal background clearance and child abuse checks
Course Sequence
First Semester
| DA 121 |
Dental Assisting I |
4 cr. |
| DE 192 |
Dental Anatomy |
2 cr. |
| DA 247 |
Preventive Health and Nutrition |
4 cr. |
| BIO 108 |
Anatomy and Physiology |
3 cr. |
| ENG 101 |
Composition I |
3 cr. |
| IDS 101 |
Harcum Colloquium |
1 cr. |
| CIS 106 |
The Worldwide Web and Beyond |
1 cr. |
|
16 cr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Second Semester
| DA 142 |
Dental Materials |
3 cr. |
| DA 100 |
Dental Assisting Clinical |
2 cr. |
| DE 150 |
Dental Radiology |
3 cr. |
| DA 122 |
Dental Assisting II |
4 cr. |
| DE 141 |
Basic Dental Science |
3 cr. |
| PSY 111 |
Introductory Psychology |
3 cr. |
|
|
18 cr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summer Session*
| DA 200 |
Dental Assisting Practicum |
8 cr. |
| DA 245 |
Dental Office Procedures |
2 cr. |
|
|
10 cr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Semester
| DA 243 |
Dental Assisting III |
5 cr. |
| ENG 102 |
Composition II |
3 cr. |
| MTH 113 |
College Mathematics |
3 cr. |
| SOC 109 |
Intro. To Sociology |
3 cr. |
|
|
14 cr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Semester
| DA 250 |
Dental Assisting IV |
7 cr. |
| DA 249 |
Dental Assisting IV Seminar |
1 cr. |
| HUM 101 |
Intro. To Humanities |
3 cr. |
| DIV |
Diversity Elective |
3 cr. |
|
|
14 cr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Additional tuition fee is charged for the Summer Session.
Total number of credits: 72 credits
Additional Important Information
Upon successful completion of the EFDA Program students are eligible to apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry to sit for the EFDA certification exam.
EFDA students may participate in clinical experience at the following sites:
- Temple University School of Dentistry
- VA Hospital
- Private Practice Offices
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from practicum sites.
The Dental Assisting/EFDA Program's Technical Standards, Graduate Competencies and policies regarding individuals with bloodborne infectious diseases are available upon request from the Admissions Office.
Harcum College Dental Assisting students interested in applying to Harcum's Dental Hygiene program must meet the Dental Hygiene program's admissions requirements. Please refer to the Harcum College Dental Hygiene Program Sheet for more information, or call the Admissions Office at 610-526-6050.
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Speak to an Admissions Counselor about this program
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