Spokane Community College (SCC) Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) program is a two-quarter program providing dental assistants with the knowledge and skills required to perform expanded functions under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. The program is designed to prepare students for an advanced career in the dental field. This program is specifically designed for the dental assistant who has graduated from a school that is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or has successfully completed the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB- CDA) examination. The EFDA program includes a combination of classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and clinical experiences. Students learn the theory and practice of dental care, including dental anatomy, oral pathology, pharmacology, dental materials, and sterilization and infection control procedures. They also receive specialized training in expanded functions procedures, such as placing and contouring restorative materials (composite, amalgam, and glass ionomer), taking final impressions (both traditional and computer generated), placing and removing temporary restorations, and placing and removing rubber dams. In addition to technical skills, the EFDA program emphasizes communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students learn to work effectively as members of the oral healthcare team and other support staff. They also learn to communicate effectively with patients, including active listening, clear and concise language, appropriate use of nonverbal communication and showing empathy and inclusion to all in the dental setting. The EFDA program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that includes not only technical skills but also professionalism, ethics, and inclusion. Students learn the importance of ethical and professional behavior, as well as their responsibility to the community. They are encouraged to participate in community service and outreach programs, and to appreciate the scientific method, self-assessment, and lifelong learning for continual professional growth and development. Upon completion of the EFDA program, graduates are eligible to take the Washington State Restorative (WARE) written examination provided by Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the restorative clinical examination provided by Western Regional Examining Board (WREB). Graduates may find employment in a variety of dental settings, including private practices, community clinics, prison facilities and hospital dental departments. Students must apply to the EFDA program and meet specific entrance criteria, including copy of; required vaccinations, a national background check, bloodborne pathogens certification (7-9 hour course), and CPR certification requirements. Applicants must hold a current and unencumbered dental assistant registration in WA State. Students must earn at least a 2.0 in each required course before advancing to the second quarter. Students may repeat any EFDA course once, but it must be completed within two years.