Permits

Expanded Function Permits

The MDA does not handle any aspects of the Rules, Statutes or processing of EFDA permits. If you have any questions related to these matters, contact the Missouri Dental Board (573-751-0040). The information on this page is being provided to increase awareness about the Statutes and Rules that govern Expanded Functions delegation in Missouri.

View our FAQ page to read frequent questions we receive about Permits.

Apply for Permit

After an auxiliary successful passes an EFDA course and received a certification of completion, they still may not legally be delegated skills until they have a permit issued by the Missouri Dental Board.

Apply for a Permit

Permit Renewals

Beginning March 1, 2013, every expanded functions permit issued by the board shall be renewed every five (5) years. Current permits will expire as of February 29, 2028. In order to renew an expanded functions permit, the dental assistant shall submit to the board:

  • A completed renewal application form.
  • The renewal fee ($10 per permit). 
  • Satisfactory evidence of completion of 16 hours of continuing education from board-approved sponsors during the five year period immediately preceding the expiration date.
    • All 16 hours of continuing education for renewal must be directly related to the updating and maintaining of knowledge and skills in the treatment, health, and safety of the individual dental patient.
    • Permit holders shall only be required to complete 16 hours of continuing education regardless of the number of permits the permit holder wishes to renew. 
    • Each permit holder shall maintain documentation of completion of the required continuing education hours for five years after the completion of the permit period in which the continuing education was earned.
  • Evidence of current certification in the American Heart Association's Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (BLS), or an equivalent certification approved by the Missouri Dental Board. Online only courses will not be accepted to satisfy the BLS requirement.
PLEASE NOTE: For any permits that are issued twelve (12) months or less from the expiration date of that permit, the permit holder shall only be required to obtain four (4) hours of board-approved continuing education to renew those permits.

EXPIRED PERMITS: An expanded functions permit shall expire if not renewed on or before the permit expiration date. An expired permit can still be renewed at any time within one (1) year of the permit expiration date. Any expired expanded functions permit that is not renewed within one (1) year of the expiration date shall be void.

Permit Qualifications

To qualify for a board-issued permit to perform expanded functions duties, the dental assistant must provide a completed permit application and appropriate fee to the Missouri Dental Board with the following:

  • Proof of EFDA certification (one of the following): 
    • Proof of certification as a CDA from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and proof of graduation from an accredited dental assisting program in which the appropriate expanded functions category was completed; or
    • Proof of certification as a COA from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and proof of completion of a board approved (Orthodontics only) EFDA course; or
    • Proof of certification of passage of the Missouri Basic Skills Exam and proof of completion of a board approved EFDA course;
  • Evidence of current certification in the American Heart Association's Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (BLS), or an equivalent certification approved by the Missouri Dental Board. Online only courses will not be accepted to satisfy the BLS requirement.

Statutes, Rules & List of Expanded Functions

The Statutes and Rules that govern EFDA in the state of Missouri are as follows:

Statutes

  • 332.011 Definitions, Expanded functions dental assistant
  • 332.093 Practice as a dental assistant defined 
  • 332.098 Expanded-function duties, delegation of (requirements, rule-making authority)

Rules

Functions

Functions delegable to a dental assistant possessing a board-issued permit to perform expanded functions are divided into five categories; restorative I, restorative II, removable prosthodontics, fixed prosthodontics, and orthodontics and are listed below by category.

Restorative I

  • Sizing and cementing of prefabricated crowns;
  • Placing, condensing, carving and finishing amalgam for Class I, V, and VI restorations;
  • Placing and finishing composite for Class I, V, and VI restorations;
  • Minor palliative care of dental emergencies (place sedative filling).

Restorative II

  • Sizing and cementing of prefabricated crowns;
  • Placing, condensing, carving, finishing amalgam for Class I, II, III, IV, V and VI restorations;
  • Placing and finishing composite for Class I, II, III, IV, V and VI restorations;
  • Minor palliative care of dental emergencies (place sedative filling).

Orthodontics

  • Preliminary bending of archwire;
  • Removal of orthodontic bands and bonds;
  • Final cementation of any permanent orthodontic appliance or prosthesis;
  • Making impressions for the fabrication of any orthodontic prosthesis/appliance;
  • Placement and cementation of orthodontic brackets and/or bands.

Prosthodontics (Fixed)

  • Apply tissue retracting material prior to impression of a fixed prosthesis;
  • Extra-oral adjustments of fixed prosthesis;
  • Extra-oral adjustments of removable prosthesis during and after insertion;
  • Final cementation of any permanent appliance or prosthesis;
  • Making impressions for the fabrication of any removable or fixed prosthesis/appliance;
  • Sizing and cementing of prefabricated crowns.

Prosthodontics (Removable)

  • Placement of temporary soft liners in a removable prosthesis;
  • Extra-oral adjustments of removable prosthesis during and after insertion;
  • Making impressions for the fabrication of any removable or fixed prosthesis/appliance