Course Testimonials

Expanded Functions

DERICK LOPEZ, RDH, EFDA — NEWHOUSE PERIODONTICS, KANSAS CITY (DR. NANCY NEWHOUSE)

• What EFDA certifications do you have? Removable Prosthodontics, Restorative I.
• What was your experience of your recent EFDA course(s)? I had a great experience. It was fun, informative and provided a supportive environment where I got to meet new people who are passionate about dentistry. The program was engaging and non-stressful, which made the learning process even more enjoyable.
• What did you like most about the EFDA course you took? The chance to connect with others who share the same love for the field while learning practical skills that directly apply to patient care. The instructors made the course both approachable and valuable, blending education with real-world application.
• How has your EFDA certification been meaningful to you and your dental career? As a dental hygienist working at two different offices, earning my EFDA certifications has been a huge benefit. Both offices have been very busy lately, and these new skills allow me to step in and provide greater support to the dental team. It has expanded my role beyond hygiene and given me the chance to help a wider range of patients, not just the ones I typically see for preventive care.
• What changes have you noticed in your workflow, confidence, or patient care? My confidence has definitely grown. The certification has helped me work more efficiently and feel comfortable caring for patients with needs outside of routine hygiene. It’s rewarding to know I can contribute more meaningfully to both the practice and the patients we serve.
• If you could say one thing to someone considering this course, what would it be? Absolutely take it! The course is not only educational but also fun and supportive. It’s an investment in yourself that builds confidence, broadens your skills and opens new opportunities to make an impact in your practice.

McKENNA ENGELHARD, EFDA — BIRK DENTAL, ST. LOUIS (DR. ADAM BIRK)

• What EFDA certifications do you have? Removable Prosthodontics, Fixed Prosthodontics, Restorative I, studying for Restorative II.
• What was your experience of your recent EFDA course(s)? It was great! My trainers were very helpful and encouraging. They wanted to see me succeed and believed in me when I was struggling to have confidence in myself. He gave a lot of tips, tricks, encouragements and brought positivity to the class.
• What did you like most about the EFDA course you took? The freedom to ask questions without judgement; there was no shame in asking for help and the trainers want you to succeed.How has your EFDA certification been meaningful to you and your dental career? I feel a big sense of accomplishment and pride. I have gained a lot of knowledge in various areas of dentistry that I probably wouldn’t have thought I could do when I first started in the field with being trained on the job. I can see a lot more of the dentist’s perspective which has helped me be a more supportive assistant.
• What changes have you noticed in your workflow, confidence, or patient care? Mainly improved patient care, stemming from more knowledge and confidence. I can more thoroughly explain and educate patients on why and how we do procedures, which helps them feel more at ease and confident in the doctor and myself. My office runs smoother with me being trained to do expanded functions which allows time to help more patients.
• If you could say one thing to someone considering this course, what would it be? Do it! The feeling of leaving a class and being certified in an expanded function is so fulfilling. Knowledge is power and will help you be a better assistant, help you be more confident in the field and overall give you such pride in your work that you might not otherwise have. Taking EFDA courses is one of the best decisions I have made in my career, and I would encourage anyone to do the same. If you can find a doctor that supports and helps train you and you put in the work, you will be successful.

DESTINY EAKINS, EFDA — MISSOURI HIGHLANDS DENTAL, POPLAR BLUFF (DR. KRISTEN ALEXANDER-FREY)

• What EFDA certifications do you have? Restorative I and Restorative II.
• What was your experience of your recent EFDA course(s)? I had a very good experience with both of my EFDA courses I have completed. The material was presented clearly; the instructors were knowledgeable and very supportive during the mentoring process. Everyone I encountered during my process and the course was willing to help me further my knowledge in any way they could.
• What did you like most about the EFDA course you took? The new training facility was very well equipped and comfortable, which made learning much easier. I also really appreciated the organization of the course itself, making it easy and clear with step-by-step coursework as well as hands-on training. The training day gives you a chance to get the doctors input on what you may need to improve on while you still had time to go back into your clinic and practice before the exam. I left that day with a little relief knowing exactly what I needed to still work on.
• How has your EFDA certification been meaningful to you and your dental career? A sense of accomplishment within myself and pride within my career choice. I was able to expand my skill sets and take on greater responsibilities in patient care. It has given me the confidence and abilities that I needed to continue my growth as a dental assistant and set the foundation for career growth within the dental field. 
• What changes have you noticed in your workflow, confidence or patient care? My EFDA certification changed my confidence, I no longer see myself as just a dental assistant however now I see myself as someone who has extensive knowledge and value to the patient care I am providing. Patient care and workflow have changed because I am able to take on the responsibility of a patient helping the appointment move along faster with less stress and waiting time for the patient.
• If you could say one thing to someone considering this course, what would it be? EFDA certifications are an investment in yourself, not just the company you work for. This course is made to help you grow and become a confident EFDA within the dental field; the confidence and skill set you will leave with is something that will benefit you for years to come.

BRITTNEY DYSON, EFDA — BEAR CREEK FAMILY DENTAL, COLUMBIA (DR. KYLE SHULL)

• What expanded function certificates do you have? Restorative 1, Removable Prosthetics
• What was your experience of your recent EFDA course(s)? My experience with expanded function classes was that they were very obtainable and worked into my work and home life balance well. Most of the work was online and given with enough time to complete at a balanced pace over a few weeks. The hands-on work also fits in very well as it would need to be checked by the supervising dentist and a partner for grading. I fit the clinical portion in over lunch, a scheduled block out and after patients on our early out day. The online portion is more of a self-taught course, but the videos and slides for lecture and diagram examples were extremely detailed and helpful which prepared me well for the quizzes as I moved through each section.
• What did you like most about the EFDA course you took? Both expanded function courses I’ve taken over the last few months allow me to tap the artistry and detail that is very important to functional dentistry. Not only does it allow for natural transitions but also time management for less correction later.
• How has your EFDA certification been meaningful to you and your dental career? Certification has allowed me to create more of an independent workflow that allows self-gratification. Not only does it benefit your practice to contribute but also is continual growth as an individual.
• What changes have you noticed in your workflow, confidence, or patient care? Once you are practicing with expanded function there is an instant positive reaction to workflow in the office, allowing each department to function at a better pace. The confidence builds as you practice your craft more. It is definitely rewarding to bring your doctor in after completing a task and they confirm with a “good job, things look great” allowing for the patient to be comfortable in the hands of all providers during the restoration process.
• If you could say one thing to someone considering this course, what would it be? If you are someone considering taking this course I would say absolutely go for it! Each class can open up job opportunities, improvement in motor skills, understanding of dental terminology and function, financial growth, self-confidence and the ability to perform as a highly-skilled dental assistant independently in procedures.