Last fall the MDA launched an in-person Basic Skills review course. For some time, dentists and assistants had asked for an in-person review course where students could ask questions, get feedback and deepen their knowledge so they have a better chance of successfully passing the Missouri Dental Assisting Skills (MDAS) Exam (commonly referred to as the Basic Skills Exam) and going on to take EFDA courses.

Since beginning in October 2022, the MDA has hosted five review courses, with 125 assistants attending. We consistently follow up with attendees to track their progress and success. To date, 30 percent of those attendees have responded to our inquiries, and of those, 100 percent have passed the Exam.

The MDA is pleased to be working with Linda Twehous CDA, EFDA, BS who has extensive knowledge as a dental assistant and dental assisting educator. She is a true asset to this program, and a significant reason for attendees’ success. “I have a passion for dental assistant education and was excited to work with the MDA to create this course,” she said. “I am very satisfied with our first year and enjoyed the questions and comments from participants.” Linda said she believes for students to be successful they must be able to take the course information and review it and make it part of themselves. “Their feedback makes me believe we are making a positive impact on successful exam pass rates.”

Dentists sending their assistants to participate also feel positively about the course and its outcome. “We are delighted with your improved and updated Basic Skills Review course,” said Dr. M. Conrad Journée, a partner and general practitioner at Shoal Valley Dental in Kansas City. Dr. Journée states they had several dental assistants in the past three-four years who were working on either receiving their CDA or EFDA certificates; two took the Basic Skill Exam and did not pass, even though they had been in the dental field for more than four years. He said when they saw the In-Person Basic Skills Review course, they agreed this course was exactly what they needed. Two of them signed up for the course and began studying immediately afterwards. “The review cards and their notes were enough to help them pass the Basic Skills Exam without a doubt,” he said. “They both were so confident upon entering the exam they believed they would pass after only the first few questions.”

Not only did these assistants pass, Dr. Journée said they came back prepared and ready to take the CDA/EFDA courses. As of today, two have been awarded their EFDA in Restorative I. “They both are happy the Basic Skills Review course was updated and geared to what we are learning currently in our office,” said Dr. Journée. “I extend a big thanks to the MDA for wanting to help the dental assistant workforce progress here in Missouri. We are lucky to work so closely with the MDA.”

Paige Houser, one of Dr. Journée’s assistants, agrees with his sentiments. She said after working at Shoal Valley Dental for more than three years, she was challenged to take the Basic Skills Exam and began studying for a couple months. “I took it but didn’t have the success I had hoped for. I was then informed about the study course the MDA offers to help dental assistants pass the Basic Skills Exam,” she said. She was hesitant due to finances and travel, but once she took the onsite course and started studying the flashcards provided, she realized the great benefit of studying specific topics provided by this course. “I not only passed the Exam, but feel the course is money well spent. I realize now if it was not for the study course, I would not have been as well prepared.” Paige is now on her way to becoming an EFDA and said she is grateful for the opportunity and wants to encourage other assistants who may be struggling with the same decision she faced.

Advocacy to Improve the Exam

For several years, members have expressed frustration concerning the Basic Skills Exam and the bottleneck it was creating for their dental assistants who want to pursue EFDA certification. Common concerns expressed included issues with the Exam itself, as well as the lack of relevant study materials available to help prepare assistants to take the exam. The MDA took this issue to task. In February 2022, the MDA sent a letter to the Missouri Dental Board articulating concerns with the Exam, including consistent complaints from MDA members and assistants indicating questions were outdated, irrelevant or confusing. In turn, that same fall, the Missouri Dental Board took great steps to address problems the MDA identified with the current Exam, including:

• A review of each question on the Exam, with some reworded and some removed. Going forward, the Board will review the Exam on an annual basis.
• The Exam passage percentage was lowered to 75 percent. The Board indicated many test takers were scoring in the higher 70th percentile on the Exam.
• A remote proctored Exam is now available through Pearson Vue, so students don’t have to go to a testing center.