Dr. Michael Hoffmann
All my assistants are EFDAs and ACLS trained; four are CDAs. All dentists should take the time to have their assistants go through the EFDA programs. Even if you do not allow them to perform all the functions, it is well worth it.
Dr. Hoffmann has a private practice in St. Louis with emphasis on patients needing deep sedation/general anesthesia. He is a Missouri Dental Board certified instructor for assistant sedation monitoring certification.
Dr. Ed Kendrick
I absolutely love the team spirit of an EFDA clinical environment. Production increases add to morale; in fact, it can be said that, to a great extent, production=morale. Read article
Dr. Kendrick, a second generation dentist in Kansas City, has worked with the MDA EFDA program for almost 15 years, specifically as a lead trainer for the Restorative course. He also has been integral in the program update especially in the review of the Restorative curriculum and filing of the Restorative modules.
Dr. Mark Zust
EFDA training has given our assistants tremendous confidence; they are happier, feel more fulfilled, and more a part of the great profession that we have chosen. I believe that this is the most important point, they are no longer “workers”; they are an integral part of a professional team. Read article
Dr. Zust is a general practitioner in St. Peters who saw the benefits of the EFDA program right away. He got involved as a trainer soon after the program was launched and has had EFDAs working in his practice ever since. He’s also been involved in the expansion of the EFDA rule that is now being considered by the Dental Board.
Ashley Meinershagen, EFDA
When you are a regular dental assistant, you rely on your dentist to do everything. In being an EFDA, you are able to do so much more on your own. It allows your dentist to do more work on other patients, while you are attending to yours. Because you have more knowledge in the courses, it’s easier for you to explain things and answer more questions, and, when you are able to answer more questions, patients respect you so much more.
Don’t think twice about becoming an EFDA because you need to better yourself in any way you can. You should always try to improve your skills.
Ashley is an EFDA with Dr. Zust. She completed a dental assisting course at Midwest Institute in Earth City, took the Basic Skills Exam, and went on to take MDA EFDA courses around the state to receive certification in each program.
Janet Sell, MDA, CDA
Today I see assistants doing more Expanded Functions in the dental practice which make the office more productive and gives the assistants a sense of value to the profession and office…assistants look at their jobs as a profession and career and have a desire to be able to do more in their offices; Expanded Functions gives them that opportunity. Read article
Janet is the Dental Assisting Program Director at Ozarks Technical Community College. As a CDA, she has served in many professional organizations and has directed and participates in numerous continuing education seminars for the dental team at local and state levels.