Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)

Summary: The Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) at Choice HCS is responsible for performing advanced dental assisting tasks under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The EFDA supports dental care delivery by executing expanded duties, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and providing exceptional patient care.

At CHOICE Healthcare Services, our mission is to provide everyone access to the healthcare they need. CHOICE is the largest provider of pediatric dental care in the Southwest United States, and we pride ourselves on delivering high quality care to children in our communities. 

What we provide to you as a CHOICE teammate: 

• Care for your wellbeing and work-life balance 
• Professional and personal growth 
• Experienced leadership support 
• Fun and supportive team dynamic with events and celebrations 
• Comprehensive benefit package 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

Clinical Support:

• Prepare treatment rooms by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Assist the dentist during various dental procedures.
• Take and process dental x-rays.
• Perform coronal polishing and apply fluoride treatments.
• Place dental sealants.
• Fabricate temporary crowns.
• Chart dental conditions based on the dentist's diagnosis.
• Manage infection control by preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment.

Patient Care:

• Greet and prepare patients for treatment.
• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatments.
• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques.
• Comfort patients by anticipating their anxieties, answering their questions, and maintaining a friendly environment.

Administrative Tasks:

• Schedule and confirm patient appointments.
• Maintain accurate patient records and update them as necessary.
• Assist with front office duties, including handling patient inquiries and processing payments.

Education and/or Experience:  

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 1+ year of experience as a dental assistant is preferred.

• Experience with dental software and technology is an asset.

Required Certificates or Licenses and Requirements:  

• Completion of an accepted EFDA course in a program approved by the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care or accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Alternatively, completion of a minimum of five years, 1,000 hours per year, continuous employment as a dental assistant or dental hygienist, plus a course of study in subject areas prescribed by the Board.
• Pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam or equivalent state exam.
• Hold current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Completion of 16 hours of continuing education each year.